(A) Complaints issued by an inspector or orders issued by a hearing officer under this subchapter shall be served upon persons either personally or by registered or certified mail. When service is made by registered or certified mail, a copy of the complaint or order 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 10 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. If the identities of any owners or the whereabouts of persons are unknown and cannot be ascertained by the Housing Inspector in the exercise of reasonable diligence, or, if the owners are known but have refused to accept service by registered or certified mail, and he or she shall make an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of such complaint or order upon such owners or other persons may be made by publishing the same at least once in a newspaper having general circulation in the town, and no later than the time at which personal service would be required under provisions of this subchapter. When service is made by publication, a copy of such complaint or order shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected by the complaint or order.
(B) Failure on the part of any owner or party in interest to receive or have served upon him or her any complaint, notice or order herein provided for shall not affect or invalidate the proceedings with respect to any other owner or party in interest or any other person.
(Ord. 09-119, passed 5-19-2009)