Notwithstanding the provisions of § 32.02, if any enforcement officer has cause to believe that a person has violated or is violating an enforcement provision of this code, but also has cause to believe that the person is of law-abiding character and has not knowingly, wantonly, or repeatedly violated the provision, and the violation is a minor violation not posing imminent jeopardy to life, limb, property, or the public welfare, the enforcement officer at his or her discretion may issue a warning instead of an official citation. The warning shall inform the person that he or she is in violation of an enforcement provision and the enforcement officer shall order the person to forthwith cease or correct the violation. At the discretion of the enforcement officer, the warning may be either an informal verbal warning or a formal written warning. A formal written warning shall be issued on the same form ordinarily used for an official citation of the offense committed, but all copies thereof shall be clearly marked “Warning Only.” Issuance of a warning shall not require the offender to pay any fine or compromise and settlement, nor to appear in court. However, if a formal written warning is issued, a copy shall be kept on file for at least one year in the office of the Clerk-Treasurer and the office of the enforcement officer. The issuance of a warning shall in no way bar the subsequent issuance of an official citation for the same offense if it should later be determined that the offender in fact did knowingly or wantonly violate the enforcement provision, is a repeat offender, or has failed to comply with the warning order.
(1985 Code, § 1-3-8)