(A) Any person violating any provision of this chapter for which no specific penalty is prescribed shall be subject to § 10.99.
(B) (1) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling or dwelling unit to fail, neglect or refuse to repair, alter or improve the same, or to vacate and cease and remove or demolish the same, upon order of the Inspector duly made and served as herein provided, within the time specified in such order, and each day that any failure, neglect or refusal to comply with the order continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling or dwelling unit, with respect to which an order has been issued pursuant to § 151.13(A), to occupy or permit the occupancy of the same after the time prescribed in the order for its repair, alteration or improvement or its vacation and closing, and each day that the occupancy continues after the prescribed time shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
(2) The violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor, as provided by G.S. § 14-4.
(C) (1) Civil penalties. Any person who violates any of the provisions of an approved plan in §§ 151.45 through 151.53, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100. No penalty shall be assessed until the person alleged to be in violation has been notified of the violation. Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation. The County Board of Commissioners shall determine the amount of the civil penalty to be assessed under this division (C) and shall make written demand for payment upon the person under the violation and shall set forth in detail a description of the violation for which the penalty has been imposed. If payment is not received or equitable settlement reached within 60 days after demand for payment is made, the matter shall be referred to the County Attorney for institution of a civil action in the name of the county in appropriate division of the General Courts of Justice for recovery of the penalty. Any sums recovered shall be used to carry out the purposes and requirements of §§ 151.45 through 151.53.
(2) Criminal penalties. Any person who knowingly or willfully violates §§ 151.45 through 151.53 or who knowingly or willfully initiates or continues construction of a multi-family development except in accordance with the terms, conditions and provisions of an approved plan, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 90 days or by a fine not to exceed $5,000, or by both, in the discretion of the court.
(Ord. passed 12-16-1985; Ord. passed 5-15-1989)