(a) Notice to Owner or to Person or Persons Responsible. Whenever the code official determines that there has been a violation of this code or has grounds to believe that a violation has occurred, notice shall be given to the owner or the person or persons responsible therefor in the manner prescribed in subsections (b) and (c) hereof. Notices for condemnation procedures shall also comply with Section 1701.07
(c).
(b) Form. Such notice prescribed in subsection (a) hereof shall be in accordance with all of the following:
(1) Be in writing.
(2) Include a description of the real estate sufficient for identification.
(3) Include a statement of the violation or violations and why the notice is being issued.
(4) Include a correction order allowing ten (l0) days or longer depending upon the correction order to make the repairs and improvements required to bring the dwelling unit or structure into compliance with the provisions of this code.
(5) Inform the property owner of the right to appeal.
(c) Method of Service. Such notice shall be deemed to be properly served if a copy thereof is:
(1) Delivered personally;
(2) Sent by certified or first-class mail addressed to the last known address, or
(3) If the notice is returned showing that the letter was not delivered, a copy thereof shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by such notice.
(d) Penalties. Penalties for noncompliance with orders and/or notices shall be as follows:
(1) For a minor misdemeanor, a maximum fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) plus court costs. The Chillicothe Municipal Court may set an appropriate waiver fee.
(2) For a fourth degree misdemeanor, a maximum fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and/or a thirty (30) day jail term plus court costs. The Chillicothe Municipal Court may in addition set other conditions, including repair orders.
(e) Transfer of Ownership. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling unit or structure who has received a compliance order or upon whom a notice of violation has been served to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of such dwelling unit or structure to another until the provisions of the compliance order or notice of violation have been complied with, or until such owner shall first furnish the grantee, transferee, mortgagee or lessee a true copy of any compliance order or notice of violation issued by the code official and shall furnish to the code official a signed and notarized statement from the grantee, transferee, mortgagee or lessee, acknowledging the receipt of such compliance order or notice of violation and fully accepting the responsibility without condition for making the corrections or repairs required by such compliance order or notice of violation.
(Ord. 75-02. Passed 7-22-02.)