If the owner fails to comply with the order of the enforcement officer, the following procedures shall apply [G.S. § 160A-439(f)].
(A) Orders to repair, alter, improve, vacate, or close. If an owner fails to comply with an order to repair, alter, or improve or to vacate or close the non-residential building or structure, the Board of Commissioners may adopt an ordinance ordering the enforcement officer to implement the purpose of this chapter with respect to the property. The property shall be described in the ordinance, which shall be recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds and indexed to the name of the property owner(s) in the grantor index. Following adoption of the ordinance, the enforcement officer may cause the building or structure to be repaired, altered, or improved or to be vacated or closed. The enforcement officer may post on the main entrance of the building or structure that is closed a placard advising that “This building is unfit for any use; the use or occupation of this building for any purpose is prohibited and unlawful”.
(B) Orders to remove or demolish. If an owner fails to comply with an order to remove or demolish the building or structure, the board of commissioners may adopt an ordinance ordering the enforcement officer to implement the purpose of this chapter with respect to the building or structure. No ordinance shall be adopted to require demolition of a building or structure until the owner has been given a reasonable opportunity to bring it into conformity with the minimum standards. The property shall be described in the ordinance, which shall be recorded in the office of the register of deeds and indexed in the name of the property owner(s) in the grantor index. Following adoption of the ordinance, the enforcement officer may cause the building or structure to be removed or demolished.
(Ord. 2011-05, passed 1-18-11)