Whenever any work or activity subject to regulation pursuant to this ordinance or other applicable local development regulation or any state law delegated to the local government for enforcement purposes in lieu of the state is undertaken in substantial violation of any state or local law, or in a manner that endangers life or property, staff may order the specific part of the work or activity that is in violation or presents such a hazard to be immediately stopped. The order shall be in writing, directed to the person doing the work or activity, and shall state the specific work or activity to be stopped, the reasons therefor, and the conditions under which the work or activity may be resumed. A copy of the order shall be delivered to the holder of the development approval and to the owner of the property involved (if that person is not the holder of the development approval) by personal delivery, electronic delivery, or first-class mail. The person or persons delivering the stop work order shall certify to the local government that the order was delivered and that certificate shall be deemed conclusive in the absence of fraud. Except as provided by G.S. §§ 160D-1112 and 160D-1208, a stop work order may be appealed pursuant to G.S. § 160D-405. No further work or activity shall take place in violation of a stop work order pending a ruling on the appeal. Violation of a stop work order shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor and subject to a civil fine of $500.
(G.S. § 160D-404(b)) (Ord. passed 7-1-2021)