(A) A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable as provided in G.S. § 14-4.
(B) Activation of an alarm system which is determined to be a false alarm shall subject the owner to the following civil penalties:
(1) A first, second or third violation within any 12 consecutive month period, no civil penalty.
(2) For a fourth violation within any 12 consecutive month period, $75.
(3) For a fifth violation within any 12 consecutive month period, $150.
(4) For a sixth and any subsequent violation within any 12 consecutive month period, $400;
(5) A violation that occurs more than 12 months from the prior and most recent violation shall be considered a first violation for purposes of this section.
If a person fails to pay any civil penalty within 15 days after being cited for a violation, the town may seek to recover the penalty by filing a civil action in the nature of debt. Further, in the event the civil penalty is not paid within said 15 day period, the assessed fine shall be increased by 25%.
(C) The town may seek to enforce the provisions of this chapter through any appropriate equitable action.
(D) The town may seek to enforce this chapter by using any one or any combination of the foregoing remedies.
(Ord. 1254, passed 8-17-95; Am. Ord. 1342, passed 7-29-99)