(A) Nothing in this chapter nor any of its provisions shall be construed to impair or limit in any way the power of the city to define and declare nuisances and to cause their removal or abatement by summary proceedings or otherwise, nor shall enforcement of one remedy provided herein prevent the enforcement of any other remedy or remedies provided herein or in other ordinances or laws. In addition to the remedies provided for herein, any violations of the terms of this chapter shall subject the violator to the penalties and remedies, either criminal or civil or both, as set forth in §§ 10.19 and 10.99. A violation of this Code shall not constitute a misdemeanor pursuant to G.S. § 14-4.
(B) No dwelling shall be hereafter erected, altered, moved, or changed in use without a certificate of occupancy. In any case where the Code Enforcement Officer, after notice and hearing as required herein, finds that a dwelling or dwelling unit is unfit for human habitation, he shall withhold issuance of a certificate of occupancy for such dwelling or dwelling unit until such time that he determines that it is fit for human habitation. In addition, in any case where the Code Enforcement Officer, after preliminary investigation as provided for herein, concludes, based upon that investigation, that a dwelling or dwelling unit is unfit for human habitation and believes that the occupancy of such dwelling or dwelling unit could cause imminent peril to life or property from fire or other hazards, he shall withhold issuance of a certificate of occupancy for such dwelling or dwelling unit until such time that he determines that it is fit for human habitation.
(C) If any dwelling is erected, constructed, altered, repaired, converted, maintained, or used in violation of this chapter or of any valid order or decision of the Code Enforcement Officer or Board of Adjustment made pursuant to any ordinance or code adopted under authority of this chapter, the Code Enforcement Officer or Board of Adjustment may institute any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent the unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or use, to restrain, correct or abate the violation, to prevent the occupancy of the dwellings, or to prevent any illegal act, conduct or use in or about the premises of the dwelling.
(Ord. passed 2-18-92; Am. Ord. O-1999-37, passed 6-15-99; Am. Ord. O-1999-61, passed 10-5-99; Am. Ord. O-2022-54, passed 7-12-22)