(A) If any owner fails to bring the property into compliance within 15 days of the written notice of violation the Town Council shall have the authority to fine the owner in an amount not to exceed fines as specified in this chapter.
(C) If the offender does not correct those conditions cited in the warning notice within 15 days and does not seek appeal to the action of the Town Council, the Town Council and/or its appointed Enforcement Officer may issue subsequent citations and penalties to the property owner or occupant. Once the 15 day warning period has expired, each day which the violation continues may subject the violator to additional citations and penalties to be issued by the Town Council or its appointed Enforcement Officer.
(D) The following penalties are established:
Warning Citation | Fine if Violation Corrected Within 15 Days |
First citation for same offense | $100 |
Second citation for same offense | 250 |
Third and subsequent citations for same offense | 500 |
(E) If the offender fails to pay the civil penalties within 30 days after having been cited, the town may file an action with the court to recover the penalties indicated in the civil action regarding the nature of the debt.
(F) In addition, pursuant to G.S. § 160A-175, the town may, through the courts, seek an amendatory or prohibitory injunction and an order of abatement commanding the offender to correct the unlawful condition upon the subject premises.
(G) Should the town be forced to seek litigation through the courts in order to have the nuisance abated and corrected, the town reserves the right to request from the court that all legal fees, court costs and incurred expenses connected with the case be paid by the offender.
(H) Records of all citations shall be maintained so that all such forms shall be capable of being accounted for. The Town Clerk shall maintain all records.
(I) The town will send one annual notice to chronic violators of overgrown vegetation per certified or registered mail. The town without further notice will take action to remedy the violation and the expense of the action shall become a lien upon the property and shall be collected as unpaid taxes. In addition, the town shall impose a civil penalty of $500 per action and any other remedies allowed per this section.
(Am. Ord. passed 3-8-93; Am. Ord., passed 10-14- 13)