(A) After failure of an owner of a dwelling or dwelling unit to comply with an order of the Inspector issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, and upon adoption by the governing body of the town of an ordinance authorizing and directing him or her to do so, as provided by G.S. § 160D-1203 and § 151.039(C) of this chapter, the Inspector shall proceed to cause the dwelling or dwelling unit to be repaired, altered or improved to comply with the minimum standards of fitness established by this chapter, or to be vacated and closed and removed or demolished, as directed by this chapter of the governing body and shall cause to be posted on the main entrance of such dwelling or dwelling unit a placard with the following words: “This building is unfit for human habitation; the use or occupation of this building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful.” Occupation of a building so posted shall constitute a misdemeanor.
(B) If the identities of any owners or the whereabouts of persons are unknown and cannot be ascertained by the Code Enforcement Official in the exercise of reasonable diligence, or, if the owners are known but have refused to accept service by registered or certified mail, and the Code Enforcement Official makes an affidavit to that effect, the serving of the complaint or order upon the owners or other persons may be made by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in the town at least once no later than the time at which personal service would be required under this chapter. When service is made by publication, a notice of the pending proceedings shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises thereby affected.
(C) Each ordinance shall be recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds in the county wherein the property is located, and shall be indexed in the name of the property owner in the grantor index, as provided by G.S. § 160D-1203.
(Ord. 2008-02, passed 5-13-2008; Ord. passed 4-13-2021) Penalty, see § 151.999