(A)
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any unsafe building to fail, neglect or refuse to repair, alter and improve the same; or to fail to vacate, close and remove or demolish the same, upon order of the Housing Inspector duly made and served as herein provided, within the time specified in the order, and each day that the failure, neglect or refusal to comply with the order continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(B) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any unsafe building with respect to which an order has been issued pursuant to § 150.43 to occupy or permit the occupancy of the same after the time prescribed in the order of its repair, alteration and improvement, or its vacancy, closing and removal or demolition, and each day that the occupancy of the same after the time prescribed in the order of its repair, alteration and improvement, or its vacancy, closing and removal or demolition continues after the prescribed time shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(C) Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter for which no other penalty is provided, or failing or neglecting or refusing to comply with same, shall be subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $100 after the given time to correct expires.
(D) Each day that a violation continues after a person has been notified that such a violation exists, and that he or she is subject to the penalty specified in division (C), shall constitute a separate offense once the time to correct has expired.
(E) The violator shall contact Town Hall for a re-inspection once the violation is remedied in order to stop the accrual of civil penalties. This penalty may be recovered by the town in a civil action in the nature of debt if the violation persists 30 days after the violator(s) have been cited for violation of the chapter, or if a balance remains unpaid after a final invoice is mailed.
(F) This chapter may also be enforced by any appropriate equitable action, including but not limited to injunctions or orders of abatement.
(G) The town may enforce this chapter by any one or any combination of the foregoing remedies.
(H) Violations of the provisions of this chapter shall not be considered a misdemeanor pursuant to G.S. § 14-4.
(Am. Ord. passed - - ; Am. Ord. passed 10-11- 2022)