(a) Criminal penalties.
(1) A violation of this chapter shall be deemed a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable to the extent provided in G.S. § 14-4, and shall carry a fine of $100 per offense. A violation that either reoccurs or continues without cessation 24 hours after a person has been criminally charged, either by arrest or citation, shall constitute a separate offense.
(2) A conviction under this section does not bar the assessment and collection of the civil remedies provided in this article.
(b) Civil remedies. In addition to, or in lieu of any criminal penalties set forth herein, any person, firm or corporation violating any provisions of this article shall be subject to civil penalties, as follows:
(1) A violation of this article shall be subject to a civil remedy in the amount of $100 per offense. A violation that either reoccurs or continues without cessation after a 24 hour-period shall constitute a separate offense.
(2) Civil remedies shall be used in the recovery of the costs expended enforcing this article.
(3) Any civil remedy may be appealed to the Police Chief, the Town Manager, or his or her designee, within 30 days of the issuance of the civil remedy. A hearing shall be held within 15 working days of the appeal. Such appeal shall be made in writing and presented to the Police Chief. The Police Chief shall then deny or grant the hearing based on the 30 day threshold. The hearing, if granted, will consist of a three-person panel to include the Police Chief, Town Manager, and one designee. The decision of the panel will be deemed final unless appealed and overturned by a court with jurisdiction over these matters.
(4) Any decision of the Police Chief, Town Manager, or his or her designee, may be appealed to the District Court of Onslow County within 30 days.
(Ord. passed 1-3-2024)