(a) Whenever a person is observed violating certain provisions of this code as specified in this section, or there is reasonable suspicion to believe that such a violation has occurred and that a particular person is responsible, the City may, in lieu of filing a criminal complaint in court, issue to the alleged violator a citation which shall:
(1) Advise said person that the same has violated a specified ordinance.
(2) Direct said person to make payment in an amount applicable to said alleged violation as set forth in this section as settlement of said claim;
(3) Advise said person, where applicable, to cease and/or abate said violation forthwith and to refrain from like violations in the future;
(4) Inform said person that, upon failure to so settle the claim and to cease and/or abate said violations, a complaint will be filed in the Lancaster Municipal Court of Fairfield County.
(b) Except as provided below, citations as provided herein shall be personally served upon the person responsible for the violation, his agent, representative, independent contractor or employee. In the event the owner, occupant, contractor or other person responsible for the violation cannot be located the citation may be served by posting a copy at the property, structure or vehicle where the violation has occurred and sending a copy by United States first class mail to the last known address of such person.
(c) Any person served with a citation for violations of the following provisions of Lancaster Codified Ordinance may settle and compromise the matter in respect of such ordinance violation by ceasing and/or abating said violation and paying the sum as follows:
(1) For subsection (c)(2)A.1. through 10. fifty dollars ($50.00) if paid within ten (10) days of service of the citation, or seventy-five dollars ($75.00)
(2) For subsection (c)(2)A.11., twenty five dollars ($25.00) if paid within ten (10) days of service of the citation; or fifty dollars ($50.00) if paid after (10 days of service of the citation; and two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for Section 351.18 if paid after such ten (10) day period but before filing of a complaint in the Lancaster Municipal Court for all first offenses but within twenty (20) days. An extension of time to abate/cease may be granted in writing by the code enforcement officer where it is deemed reasonable under the circumstances.
A. GENERAL CODE VIOLATIONS
2. Failure to License Dog, LCO 505.03
3. High Grass, LCO 565.02
4. Advertising on Public Property LCO 541.09
5. Temporary Signs LCO 1317.03
7. Open Burning LCO 1540.02
8. Obstructed Exits, LFC 1027.3
9. Junk Motor Vehicle, LCO 343.02
B. Appeal Process – All appeals for these violations will be to Fairfield County Municipal Court.
C. Unsatisfied Violations - For violations where the fine is not paid and/or the violation is not cured the administrative violation shall be transferred to the Lancaster City Prosecutor to void administrative violation and proceed with filing criminal violation.
(d) Payment of the citation shall be made at the Lancaster Police Department, or by United States mail.
(e) In the event that payment is not made within the time prescribed and the violation cured, a complaint will be filed in the Lancaster Municipal Court.
(f) The issuance of a citation under this section shall not be deemed a waiver of the power of the City of Lancaster to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew any license or permit for cause.
(g) The following City personnel shall have the authority to issue citations under this section: Fire Department Chief or his designee, Police Department Chief or his designee, code enforcement officers, zoning/building inspector, and such other persons as designated by the Mayor.
(Ord. 33-08. Passed 10-6-08.)