(a) If the Knox County Recorder records a plat in violation of any of the provisions of this code, they shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), as provided in Ohio R.C. 711.12, to be recovered with costs in a civil action by the prosecuting attorney in the name and for the use of the county.
(b) Whoever transfers or negotiates to transfer any lot in a subdivision before the final plat of such subdivision has been approved by the MPC and recorded in the Knox County Recorder's office, or attempts the description of land by metes and bounds in violation of this code, shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(c) In all other instances, a failure to correct the conditions in violation with the provisions of this code, as ordered by the ZEO, shall constitute a misdemeanor as outlined below. Repeat offenses of the same violation shall result in escalating misdemeanors and fines in accordance with the schedule below. Each day a violation continues after due notice has been served in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof, shall be deemed a separate offense. Any other person, who commits, participates in or assists in the continuation of said violation may each be found guilty of a separate offense and suffer the penalties provided.
(1) On a first offense, misdemeanor of the fourth degree, a fine of up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00):
(2) On a second offense within one year, misdemeanor of the third degree, a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00);
(3) On a third offense within one year, misdemeanor of the second degree, a fine of up to seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00);
(4) On a fourth and any subsequent offense within one year, misdemeanor of the first degree, a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(d) In any instance where the City incurs any expenses, including but not limited to legal costs and fees, because of any person or entity's non-compliance with any provision of this code, the expenses incurred, plus an administrative fee equal to the expenses incurred shall be recovered from the person or entity.
(e) Any amounts owed to the City of Mount Vernon pursuant to any provision of this chapter, whether for work completed by the City or for assessed penalties or expenses, may be certified by the ZEO as a lien against the property with the Knox County Auditor for collection in the same manner as property taxes and assessments.
(f) The owner or tenant of any building, structure, premises, or part thereof, and any architect, builder, contractor, agent, or other person who commits, participates in, assists in, or maintains such violation may each be assessed a civil penalty and/or found guilty of a separate offense and suffer the penalties herein provided.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)