(a) Unlawful Action. It shall be unlawful for any builder, general contractor, owner or tenant of any building or premises where anything in violation of this code is placed, to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure in the jurisdiction or cause to permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Occupancy of any building shall not be taken until a certificate of use and occupancy has been issued by the Building Department.
(b) Violations. It is hereby declared that a violation of this chapter constitutes a public nuisance, and in addition to any other remedies provided under this chapter for its enforcement, the City may bring civil suit to enjoin the violation of any provisions of this chapter. When the Building Official finds that work or equipment is contrary to any provision of this chapter, he shall cause notice to be served in writing to the owner of said building, or to his agent, and to any building or general contractor involved. The notice shall state where and in what respect the work or equipment does not conform to this chapter, what permits have not been obtained and specify a reasonable period of time in which to conform.
(c) Strict Liability. The failure to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter and any violations of such provisions shall be deemed to be a strict liability offense.
(d) Penalty. Any building, general contractor, owner or tenant who fails to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter for which no other penalty has been provided, or fails to comply with any order or regulation made thereunder, or builds in violation of a building permit or certificate issued thereunder, or occupies a structure without the required certificate of occupancy, shall be found guilty of a third degree misdemeanor and such person, firm or corporation shall be deemed to be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation or failure to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation or failure to comply, such person, firm or corporation shall be punished by a fine, or by imprisonment, or both such fines and imprisonment, as established by state or local applicable laws.
(Ord. 12-104-99. Passed 12-21-99.)