A. If it appears to the Zoning Administrator that a violation of any provision of this chapter has occurred, an investigation shall occur. The Zoning Administrator shall then initiate enforcement proceedings against a violation by sending an enforcement notice as provided in this section. Prior to sending a formal enforcement notice, the Zoning Administrator may seek compliance in a less formal manner.
B. The enforcement notice shall be sent to the owner of record of the parcel on which the violation has occurred, to a known occupant involved in a violation (if different from the owner), or to any person who has filed a written request to receive enforcement notices regarding that property.
C. An enforcement notice shall state at least the following:
(1) The name of the owner of record and any other person known by the Zoning Administrator to be involved in the violation.
(2) The location of the property in violation.
(3) The specific violation(s), with a description of the requirements that have not been met, citing in each instance the applicable provisions of this chapter.
(4) The date before which the steps for compliance must be commenced and the date before which the steps must be completed.
(5) That the recipient of the notice has the right to appeal in writing to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days of receipt of the notice.
D. Any person who authorizes or continues any work, use or occupancy in any structure, sign, land or premises after having been served with an enforcement notice, except such work as is directed by the City to be performed, shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to the remedies set forth in §§ 600-205 and 600-206 hereof.
E. Any person who has been served with an enforcement notice or discontinues or abandons work shall not leave any structure, sign, land or premises in such condition as to be hazardous to the public health, safety and welfare. In the event any structure, building, sign, land or premises is abandoned or left in a condition which, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, constitutes a hazard to the public health, safety and welfare, the Zoning Administrator may declare the same to be a nuisance. Such hazard shall, thereafter, be abated as permitted by statute, ordinance or law.
F. In any appeal of an enforcement notice to the Zoning Hearing Board, the City shall have the responsibility of presenting its evidence first.
G. Any filing fee paid by a party to appeal an enforcement notice to the Zoning Hearing Board shall be returned to the appealing party by the City if the Zoning Hearing Board or any court in a subsequent appeal rules in the appealing party's favor.