Any person, firm or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee or otherwise, violating or causing or permitting the violation of the provisions of this title shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor, subject to penalty as provided in section 1-4-1 of this code. Such person, firm or corporation who intentionally violates this title shall be deemed to be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any violation of this title is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm or corporation and shall be punished as herein stated; provided, however, that when any structure or use is in continuous violation of this title for a period exceeding five (5) years, and upon proper affidavits being submitted to the appeal authority to the effect that no action has been instigated or complaint received during said period with respect to the violation, and when said board finds that in the interest of justice and the general public good and welfare, such structure or use should be allowed to continue, then and in that event, said board may declare such structure or use nonconforming or complying. However, the period of limitation of five (5) years prescribed herein shall not commence to run until the effective date of this title and in no way shall be interpreted to permit the continuation of any violation which exists on the effective date hereof. (Ord., 6-8-1989; amd. 2010 Code; Ord. 2021-O-1, 3-10-2021)