A. A citation may be issued to the responsible person by an enforcement official for violations of the code in the following manner:
1. Personal Service. The enforcement official shall attempt to locate and personally serve the responsible person, provided the city has reason to believe that the citee resides, is employed or is engaged in on-going business activities in the city. The city shall also, if possible, obtain the signature of the responsible person on the citation. If the responsible person served refuses or fails to sign the citation, the failure or refusal to sign shall not affect the validity of the citation or of subsequent proceedings.
2. Service by Mail. If the enforcement official is unable to locate the responsible person in the city, the citation shall be mailed by certified mail, returned receipt requested, to the last known business or residence address as shown on public records or as known to the city. Simultaneously, the citation may be sent by first class mail to the same location. Service of the citation by certified mail is deemed complete on the date the recipient signs the return receipt. Service of the citation by first class mail is deemed complete on the date of deposit with the United States Postal Service, provided the citation sent by first class mail is not returned. The date the citation is personally served or the date a citation is deposited with the United States Postal Service shall constitute the issuance date of the citation.
3. If an agent, manager or representative of a responsible person is personally served with a citation, a copy thereof shall also be served by certified mail to the responsible person at his or her last-known business or residence address as the same appears in public records of the city. In such instances, the date a copy of the citation is deposited with the United States Postal Service shall constitute the issuance date of a citation.
4. If service cannot be accomplished personally or by mail, the enforcement official shall post the citation on the property of the responsible person. The date of posting shall constitute the issuance date of a citation.
5. If the enforcement official does not succeed in serving the responsible person personally, by certified or regular mail, or by posting the citation on the responsible person’s property, the enforcement official shall cause the citation to be published once a week for four successive weeks in a local newspaper published at least once a week.
B. Failure of a responsible person to receive a citation or any notice specified in this chapter, shall not invalidate any civil fine, late charge, action or proceeding, if service was given in a manner stated in this chapter. The enforcement official or other city employee shall complete a declaration of service. (Ord. 283 § 2, 2008)