(A) When a code enforcement officer, based upon personal observation, complaint or investigation, has reasonable cause to believe that a person has committed a violation of a local government ordinance under this chapter, the officer is authorized to issue a courtesy notice of violation to the violator or may issue a uniform citation or may seek a summons from the court. If the person is issued a courtesy notice of violation, he or she shall have the burden of correcting the violation no later than the date indicated on the courtesy notice of violation and shall have the burden of requesting a re-inspection to determine whether the property is in full compliance. The request for re-inspection shall occur within the time frame identified on the courtesy notice of violation for correction. Each day that a violation exists shall be considered a separate offense and the fact that a courtesy notice of violation has been previously issued shall not preclude an officer from issuing a uniform citation.
(B) When a code enforcement officer, based upon personal observation, complaint or investigation, has reasonable cause to believe that a person has committed a violation of a local government ordinance under this chapter whether or not a courtesy notice of violation has previously been issued to that person for any offense in this chapter, whether concerning the same property, offense or otherwise, the officer is authorized to issue a uniform citation to the violator. The person to whom the uniform citation is issued shall then be required appear in court, as instructed on the uniform citation to answer the charge presented thereon. Each day that a violation exists shall be considered a separate offense.
(C) Enforcement action with the District Court may be initiated by complaint or citation. Complaints or citations pursuant to this chapter shall be served upon persons either personally or by mail; however, if the whereabouts of the person is unknown and cannot be ascertained in the exercise of reasonable diligence, or the person is so conducting himself as to avoid service personally or by mail, and the Enforcement Official makes an affidavit to that effect, service of the complaint, order or citation shall be by newspaper publication for three successive weeks pursuant to KRS Chapter 424. A copy of the complaint, courtesy notice, citation or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on premises affected by the complaint or order. Additionally, a warning order attorney shall be appointed for such person who cannot be located. However, no fine shall be imposed against any person lest there be personal service upon that person.
(Ord. 2009-005, passed 7-13-09) Penalty, see § 151.999