(a) Failure to obtain permits before starting work. Whoever commences any installation of work for which a permit is required by this chapter without first having obtained a permit therefor shall, if legally authorized and subsequently allowed to obtain a permit, pay double the permit fees prescribed by § 1301.07; provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to emergency work or installations, when it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Building Official that the work or installation was urgently necessary and that it would have been impractical to have awaited the normal time consumed in application for and issuance of the permit. In any event, the applicant shall notify the Building Official of the work or installation at the earliest possible time. Even in emergencies, the required permit shall be obtained without unreasonable delay after installation starts, and in no case more than three days in which the office of the Building Official is open for business, or the extra fee as herein provided shall be charged for the permit. Before issuing the permit, the Building Official shall take necessary steps to determine whether work performed prior to the date of permit and inspection conform to the chapter. The steps may include but shall not be limited to directing the tearing out of sections of surface work for access to subsurface sections, digging for access to foundations, piping and other subterranean work and the like. The applicant for the permit shall perform all work as may be directed at his or her own expense.
(Ord. 89-82, passed 7-10-1989)
(b) Penalty. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure in the city or cause the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any plans submitted and approved by the Building Official or any of his or her authorized agents. Any person, firm or corporation violating any provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree and each person, firm or corporation shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions is committed, continued or permitted. Upon the conviction for any violation, offending persons shall be fined not more than $750 or imprisoned not more than 90 days, or both.
(c) Civil remedies. In addition to the above criminal remedies the city shall have all civil remedies available under the law, including equitable remedies to compel the vacation of the property or the removal of any unauthorized structure or cessation of the structure or any use.
(Ord. 8-17, passed 2-8-1988)