When a public nuisance is suspected within Gem County the administrator or his/her designated code enforcement personnel shall be responsible for the investigation of complaints, and the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, and shall establish a procedure for the investigation and filing of complaints.
A. Investigation Of Complaints: The administrator or his/her designated code enforcement personnel shall decide after an investigation of a complaint either filed with or initiated by the development services department, if there is reasonable cause to believe that a public nuisance exists. If there is no such reasonable cause, the complainant shall be advised. If there is such reasonable cause, the following procedures will apply:
1. A written notice that a public nuisance exists shall be served upon the owner, if known, and the occupant or person in charge of the possession of the premises or property on which the nuisance is found. Such service shall be by personal service or by USPS mail directed to the last known address of the owner, occupant or person in charge of possession. If written notice cannot be served personally or by mail, on the owner, occupant or person in charge of the possession of the premises or property on which the nuisance is found, the notice shall be posted by being affixed to a building or other place on the premises or property so conspicuous that any person occupying, possessing or using the premises or property can be reasonably expected to see it.
2. The written notice referred to in subsection A1 of this section shall describe the nuisance, advise that the nuisance must be abated within ten (10) days from the date of the notice, advise that civil proceedings and/or criminal proceedings may be initiated if the nuisance is not abated, advise that costs of court proceedings and the nuisance abatement may be assessed against the owner, occupant or person in charge of the possession of the premises or property. (Ord. 2012-01, 11-7-2011)