1.

An owner of property shall be responsible for; and subject to civil and criminal liability for any violation of this chapter found to exist on his property.

2.

Any building erected or improvements constructed contrary to any of the provisions of this chapter and any use of any building or land which is conducted, operated or maintained contrary to any of the provisions of this chapter or contrary to any detailed statement or plan approved under the provisions of this chapter shall be and the same is hereby declared to be unlawful.

3.

Any person, whether owner, lessee, principal, agent, employee or otherwise, who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or permits any such violation, or fails to comply with any of the requirements hereof, or who erects any building or structure or uses any building or land in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of this part.

4.

Upon becoming aware of any violation of any provisions of this chapter, the Zoning Administrator may bring legal action, including injunction, abatement, or other appropriate action or proceeding subject to appeal pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-2311. The Zoning Administrator may also revoke any zoning approval(s) to terminate the violation.

5.

The Zoning Administrator or his/her agent may present sworn testimony to a magistrate or court of competent jurisdiction and if such sworn testimony establishes probable cause that a zoning ordinance violation has occurred, request that the magistrate or court grant the Zoning Administrator or his/her agent an inspection warrant to enable the Zoning Administrator or his/her agent to enter the subject dwelling for the purpose of determining whether violations of the zoning ordinance exist. The Zoning Administrator or his/her agent shall make a reasonable effort to obtain consent from the owner or tenant of the subject dwelling prior to seeking the issuance of an inspection warrant.

(Ord. No. 94-1, 1-11-94; Ord. No. 00-10, 1-18-00; Ord. No. 09-22, 4-21-09; Ord. No. 20-53, 12-15-20)