(a) Whenever the Building Inspector has evidence that there exists in any building or structure erected or in course of erection or alteration a violation of this article, or of any of the regulations of the Building Department governing the installation or repair of any plumbing or drainage, he shall have power to restrain, correct or remove such violation, prevent further work upon the building or structure, require its removal and prevent the occupation or use of the building or structure. He may, in his discretion, authorize the City Attorney to institute any appropriate action, suits and proceedings, at law or in equity, to accomplish such purposes.
(b) Notices of violation of any provision of this article or of any rule or regulation of the Building Department governing the installation or repair of any plumbing or drainage may be issued by the Building Inspector and shall have his name affixed thereto. A notice of violation shall be served upon the person charged with the violation or upon the person as designated in Section 1761.10 by any person authorized by the Building Inspector. Such notice shall contain a brief statement of the nature of the violation charged and the penalty that may be incurred, a brief description of the building or structure and premises to which the notice refers including its location and a direction to the owner requiring that the violations be removed forthwith. A copy of Section 1761.11 shall be printed thereon. If the person charged with the violation or the person designated in Section 1761.10 cannot be found in the City after diligent search, then service may be made by affixing the notice in a conspicuous place on the property as to which a violation is alleged to exist, or to which such notice may refer, and by depositing in a post office in the City, a copy thereof in a securely closed postpaid wrapper, addressed to him at his last known place of residence or his last known place of business. If his place of residence or business is not known, and the Building Inspector cannot with reasonable diligence ascertain either, or a place where he would probably receive matter transmitted through the post office, he may dispense with the deposit of any papers therein, and upon an affidavit thereof the notice of violation shall be deemed served, and the same action or proceeding may be taken thereupon as if he had been personally served. (1978 Code Sec. 21-24)