(A)
Whenever the Building Inspector finds any defects, which are prohibited by this subchapter, to exist in a building or structure or finds that such building or structure has not been constructed in accordance with the applicable state and local laws or that a building or structure, because of its condition, is dangerous to life, health or other property or contains fire or safety hazards, or is a public nuisance, it shall be his or her duty to notify the owner of the building or structure of its defects, hazardous conditions or failure to comply with law. The owner of the building or structure shall immediately remedy such defects, hazardous conditions, or violations of law.
(B) Whenever the Building Inspector shall find conditions existing which require action by him or her under the provisions of this subchapter and G.S. Ch. 160D, Art. 11, Part 5, the preliminary procedure for notices and hearings shall be as follows:
(1) The Building Inspector shall notify the owner by certified or registered mail or by personal service, which notification shall be in writing and which shall contain:
(a) A brief statement of the hazardous conditions or defects existing in the building or structure or why the building or structure fails to comply with the law;
(b) A request that the owner voluntarily take action to correct the hazardous conditions, defects, or non-compliance with the law within a reasonable time; and
(c) A statement advising the owner that if prompt action is not taken to correct such conditions, defects or non-compliance, the owner shall be required to correct such conditions as by law provided.
(2) If the name or whereabouts of the owner cannot, after due diligence, be discovered, the notice shall be considered properly and adequately served if a copy thereof is posted on the outside of the building or structure in question and a copy of the notice is published in a newspaper having general circulation in the town at least once; and
(3) If the owner fails to take corrective action within a reasonable time after service of said notice, the Building Inspector shall proceed to obtain an order for corrective action as is provided in § 150.06 of this chapter.
(C) The Building Inspector shall affix a notice of the dangerous character of the structure to a conspicuous place on the exterior wall of such building or structure.
(Prior Code, § 16-4) (Ord. passed 2-3-1987; Res. R-2021-03, passed 6-24-2021)