32.08.010 Commencement of proceedings.

(1)    Whenever a director has reason to believe that a use or condition exists in violation of any land use or public health ordinance, or rules and regulations adopted thereunder, he/she is authorized to initiate enforcement action pursuant to Section 32.04.050 and/or, at his option, he/she may commence an administrative notice and order proceeding under this chapter to cause the enforcement and correction of each violation.

(2)    Pending commencement and completion of the notice and order procedure provided for in this chapter, a director may cause a “stop work order” to be posted on the subject property or served on persons engaged in any work or activity in violation of a land use or public health ordinance. The effect of such a “stop work order” shall be to require the immediate cessation of such work or activity until authorized by a director to proceed, and any person who fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of the stop work order shall, by each act, be subject to a civil penalty as provided in Table 32.04.050. All civil penalties assessed may be enforced and collected in accordance with the lien, personal obligation, and other procedures specified in this title or as authorized by law. (Sec. 8 of Ord. No. 1977-12-51; amended by Sec. 3 of Ord. 1995-04-22; amended by Sec. 4 of Ord. 2002-09-05)