In addition to or in lieu of the criminal penalties authorized by this chapter, the county has the authority to assess a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per violation against any person who has violated any provision of this chapter. Each separate day of a violation constitutes a new and separate violation. No penalty may be assessed until the person alleged to be in violation has been notified of the violation. The Stormwater Administrator shall determine the amount of the civil penalty to be assessed under this section for violations under the jurisdiction of the county. Written demand for payment shall be made upon the person responsible for the violation and shall set forth in detail the violation for which the penalty has been invoked. If payment is not received or equitable settlement reached within thirty days after demand for payment is made, a civil action may be filed in circuit court to recover the amount of the penalty. The Stormwater Administrator may hold in abeyance the written demand for payment until the deadline for appealing the administrative decision regarding the underlying violation has expired or until the appeals process as delineated in § 152.081 is exhausted. All civil fines collected pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be directed to fund the costs associated with stormwater education, correcting violations and/or enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 2819, passed 6-17-19; Am. Ord. 3420, passed 10-5-20)