(A) In accordance with G.S. 160D-1129(h), complaints or orders issued by the Enforcement Officer under this article shall be served upon persons either personally or by certified mail, so long as the means used are reasonably designed to achieve actual notice. When service is made by certified mail, a copy of the complaint or order may also be sent by regular mail. When the manner of service is by regular mail in conjunction with certified mail, and the certified mail is unclaimed or refused, but the regular mail is not returned by the post office within ten days after mailing, service shall be deemed sufficient. The person mailing the complaint or order by regular mail shall certify that fact and the date thereof, and the certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of fraud. If regular mail is used, a notice of the pending proceedings shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises thereby affected.
(B) If the identities of any owner or the whereabouts of persons are unknown and cannot be ascertained by the Enforcement Officer in the exercise of reasonable diligence, and the Enforcement Officer makes an affidavit to that effect, then the serving of the complaint or order upon the unknown owners or other persons may be made by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in the city at least once no later than the time at which personal service would be required under the provisions of this article. When service is made by publication, a notice of the pending proceedings shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises thereby affected.
(Ord. No. 23-082, § 1, passed 12-14-2023)