(a) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling or dwelling unit to fail, neglect, or refuse to repair, alter, or improve the same, or to vacate and close and remove or demolish the same, under order of the Inspector duly made and served as herein provided, within the time specified in such order. Each day that any such failure, neglect, or refusal to comply with such order continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(b) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling or dwelling unit, with respect to which an order has been issued pursuant to section 9-5-14 of this chapter, to occupy or permit the occupancy of the same after the time prescribed in such order for its repair, alteration or improvement or its vacation and closing. Each day that such occupancy continues after such prescribed time shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(c) The violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor, as provided by G.S. 14-4.
(d) In addition to the penalty established by subsection ©) above, and the remedies provided by other provisions of this chapter, this chapter may be enforced by an appropriate equitable remedy issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. (Ord. of 10/5/87)