(A) The violation of any provision of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punishable as provided in G.S. § 14-4. Each day’s violation of this chapter shall be a separate offense. Payment of a fine imposed in criminal proceedings pursuant to this division (A) does not relieve a person of his or her liability for taxes or fees imposed under or pursuant to this chapter.
(B) In addition, enforcement of this chapter may be by appropriate equitable remedy, injunction, or order of abatement issuing from a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to G.S. § 153A-123(d) and (e), or any other applicable law.
(C) In addition to, and not in lieu of, the criminal penalties and other sanctions provided in this chapter, a violation of this chapter may also subject the offender to the civil penalties hereinafter set forth.
(1) Such civil penalties may be recovered by the county in a civil action in the nature of debt or may be collected in such other amounts as prescribed herein within the prescribed time following the issuance of notice for such violation.
(2) Such notice shall, among other things:
(a) State upon its face the amount of the penalty;
(b) Notify such offender that a failure to pay the penalties within the prescribed time shall subject such offender to a civil action in the nature of debt for the stated penalty together with the cost of the action to be taxed by the court; and
(c) Further provide that such offender may answer the said notice by mailing said notice and stated penalty to the County Manager and that, upon payment, such case or claim and right of action by the county will be deemed compromised and settled.
(3) The County Manager is authorized to accept such payments in full and final settlement of the claim or claims, right or rights of action which the county may have to enforce such penalty by civil action in the nature of debt. Acceptance of such penalty shall be deemed a full and final release of any and all such claims, or rights of action arising out of such alleged violation or violations.
(4) The civil penalty for violation of this chapter is $100.
(5) The notice of violation referred to herein may be delivered to the person violating the provisions of this chapter in person, or may be mailed to said person at his or her last known address.
(6) All penalties paid to the County Manager as well as those recovered in a civil action in the nature of debt as herein provided shall be paid into the General Fund of the county.
(Ord. passed 7-23-1990)