Prior to the opening of a complaint file on a condition of a public nuisance, a formal complaint must be filed with the County Health Department.
(A) In matters related to formal complaints of public nuisances, inspection assignments shall be made by the Health Officer of the County Department of Health.
(B) (1) In matters related to public nuisance complaints, all necessary steps shall be taken to adequately investigate and seek a mediated resolution of the situation whereby a reasonable period of time shall be provided to the respondent party to correct the violation of the chapter. If a condition of a public nuisance is found to exist, a reasonable period of time of not less than seven days, or more than 45 days shall be given to the respondent party to correct the violation of the chapter.
(2) If, however, it is determined that the condition of nuisance constitutes an immediate and serious threat to the public health and safety of the population, the Health Officer shall have the authority to issue an immediate abatement order.
(C) If a person notified to abate a nuisance condition shall neglect or refuse to comply with the requirements of such a notice within the specified time, the Health Officer may, at his or her discretion, take the necessary action to abate the condition through the filing of a report with the County State’s Attorney for the purpose of enforcement of this chapter through the Circuit Court of the county. The cost of any abatement action shall be collected from the party creating the nuisance, or be added to the taxes on the property on which the nuisance condition is situated, as well as imposition of any penalty or fine.
(Ord. passed 3-14-2006)