(A) In case any building or structure is constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted or maintained or any building, structure or land is used in violation of these zoning regulations, the Director of Building and Housing (or any owner or tenant of real property in the same contiguous zoning district as the building or structure in question), in addition to other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceeding:
(1) To prevent the unlawful construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use;
(2) To prevent the occupancy of the building, structure or land;
(3) To prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about the premises; and
(4) To restrain, correct or abate the violation.
(B) When any such action is instituted by an owner or tenant, a copy of the complaint shall be served upon the Mayor at the time suit is begun. No such action may be maintained until such notice has been given.
(C) In any action or proceeding for a purpose mentioned in this section, the court with jurisdiction of such action or proceeding has the power and in its discretion may issue a restraining order, or a preliminary injunction, as well as a permanent injunction, upon such terms and under such conditions as will do justice and enforce the purposes of this chapter.
(D) (1) If a permanent injunction is decreed in any action or proceeding for a purpose mentioned in this section, the court, in its decree, may, in its discretion, allow the plaintiff a reasonable sum of money for the services of the plaintiff’s attorney.
(2) This allowance shall be a part of the costs of the litigation assessed against the defendant and may be recovered as such.
(Prior Code, § 156.373)