§ 42-143. Legal provisions.

(a)

Provisions of ordinance declared to be minimum requirements: The provisions of this article shall be held to be minimum requirements, adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals or general welfare. Wherever the requirements of this article are at variance with the requirements of any other lawfully adopted regulations, the most restrictive or that imposing the higher standards shall govern.

(b)

Complaints regarding violations: Whenever a violation of this article occurs, or is alleged to have occurred, any person may file a written complaint. Such complaint stating fully the causes and basis thereof shall be filed with the planning director. Each such complaint, shall be investigated, and action taken thereon as provided by this article.

(c)

Enforcement of ordinance: This chapter may be enforced by any one or more of the remedies authorized by G.S. 153A-123, including but not limited to the following:

(1)

Violation of this article is a misdemeanor as provided by G.S. 14-4 as amended, which specified punishment by a maximum fine of $50.00 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days.

(2)

Violation of this article subjects the offender to a civil penalty of $50.00, to be recovered by the county in a civil action in the nature of debt, if the offender does not pay the penalty to the county finance office within ten days after the offender has been cited for a violation.

(3)

This chapter may be enforced by an appropriate equitable remedy issuing from a court of competent jurisdiction.

(4)

This chapter may be enforced by injunction, order of abatement, or both as provided in G.S. 153A-123(e).

(5)

Each day's continuing violation of this article is a separate and distinct offense.

(Ord. of 11-7-05, art. XII)