(A) Upon the appeal of a nuisance finding by the Department, the Surry County Board of Commissioners at its next regular meeting shall receive evidence including:
(1) The written report prepared by the Ordinance Enforcement Officer;
(2) Testimony from the Ordinance Enforcement Officer, Director or other witness;
(3) Expert testimony, if available;
(4) Photographic evidence, if relevant; and
(5) Testimony and documentary evidence from the owner or occupant, if offered.
(B) The Board shall deliberate to determine whether the described condition is dangerous or prejudicial to public health or safety. If the Board, following receipt of testimony and documentary evidence, determines by the greater weight of the evidence that conditions described are dangerous or prejudicial to public health and safety of those in close proximity, the Board shall enter an order that the County take all necessary action to remove, abate or remedy those conditions found at hearing to be dangerous or prejudicial to the public health or safety pursuant to G.S. § 153A-140. The County's action shall take place following expiration of the appellant's right to appeal.
(C) The expense of the action to remove, abate or remedy shall be paid by the person in default, occupant and/or owner, and if not paid within a reasonable time, not to exceed 60 days, shall be a lien upon the land of the premises where the nuisance arose, and shall be collected as unpaid taxes.
(Ord. passed 10-18-2021)