§ 38-205. Failure to abate nuisance—Civil infractions, civil penalties.

(a)

After receipt of the written notice, it is unlawful for the responsible party to fail to abate the health or safety nuisance within the time determined by the director.

(b)

A violation of this article is a civil infraction.

(c)

Any person who has committed an act in violation of this article may receive a citation from the director or a duly authorized representative who has probable cause to believe that the person has committed a civil infraction in violation of this article.

(d)

The Knox County Environmental Court shall have jurisdiction over all violations of this article.

(e)

Any person issued a citation by the director or authorized representative may be deemed to be charged with a civil violation and shall comply with the directives on the citation.

(f)

Any violation of this article may be punishable by a civil penalty of not less than $50.00 nor more than $1,000.00. Each day that any section to this article is violated shall constitute a separate offense.

(g)

If a person fails to appear in court, such person shall be deemed to have waived their right to contest the citation and in such a case, a default judgment may be entered and the judge may impose a civil penalty at that time. An order to show cause may be issued if the violation has not been corrected. If the civil penalty is paid and the violation is corrected, the case may be dismissed. If the civil penalty is not paid, judgment may be entered up to the maximum civil penalty.

(Ord. No. O-00-3-101, § 1, 4-24-00)