(a) Complaints Regarding Violations. Whenever a violation of this Ordinance occurs or is alleged to have occurred, a person may file a complaint with the Zoning Inspector. The Zoning Inspector shall record properly such complaint, immediately investigate it, and take action thereon as provided by this Ordinance.
(b) Entry and Inspection of Property. The Zoning Inspector is authorized to make inspections of properties and structures in order to examine and survey the same, at any reasonable hour, for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Ordinance. Prior to seeking entry to any property or structure for such examination or survey, the Zoning Inspector shall attempt to obtain the permission of the owner or occupant to inspect. If such permission is denied or cannot be obtained, the Zoning Inspector shall request the assistance of the Law Director in securing a valid
search warrant prior to entry.
(c) Notice of Violation. Whenever the Zoning Inspector or his or her agent determines that there is a violation of any provision of this Ordinance, a warning tag shall be issued and shall serve as a notice of violation. Such order shall:
(1) Include a statement of the reasons why it is being issued and refer to the Sections of this Ordinance being violated.
(2) State the time by which the violation shall be corrected.
(3) Services of notice of violation shall be as follows:
A. By personal delivery to the person or persons responsible or by leaving the notice at the usual place of residence of the owner with a person of suitable age and discretion.
B. By certified mail deposited in the United States Post Office addressed to the person or persons responsible at a last known address. If a certified mail envelope is returned with endorsement showing that the envelope is unclaimed, then service shall be sent by ordinary mail, and the mailing shall be evidenced by a certificate of mailing which shall be filed by the Zoning Inspector. Service shall be deemed complete when the fact of mailing is entered of record, provided that the ordinary mail envelope is not returned by the postal authorities with an endorsement showing failure of delivery.
C. By posting a copy of the notice form in a conspicuous place on the premises found in violation.
(d) Ticketing Procedure. If, upon re-inspection following the issuance of a notice of violation the condition has not been corrected, the person or persons responsible shall be issued a ticket. Such ticket shall:
(1) Be in writing.
(2) Identify the violation.
(3) State the time, date, and place for appearance in court.
(4) State the amount of the fine payable in lieu of a court appearance.
(5) Be served personally. If the ticket cannot be served personally, the Zoning Inspector shall request that a summons be issued by the court.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)