(A) As provided by G.S. § 160A-445, a complaint or order issued by the Housing Administrator and/or the Zoning Board of Adjustments pursuant to this code shall be served upon the owner and/or parties in interest personally, by registered mail, or by certified mail. When service is made by registered or certified mail, a copy of the complaint may also be sent by regular mail. Service shall be deemed sufficient if the registered or certified mail is unclaimed or refused, but the regular mail is not returned by the post office within ten days after the mailing. If regular mail is used, a notice of the pending proceedings shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected.
(B) If the identities of any owners or the whereabouts of persons are unknown and cannot be ascertained by the Housing Administrator in the exercise of reasonable diligence, or, if the owners are known, but have refused to accept service by registered or certified mail and the Housing Administrator makes an affidavit to that effect, the serving of the complaint or order to the owner or other persons may be made by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in the town at least once no later than the time at which personal service would be required under the provisions of this code. Whenever service is made by publication, a notice of the pending proceedings shall be posted in a conspicuous place of the premises thereby affected.
(Ord. passed - -2007)