(a)

The commencement or continuation of any development or use that is not in conformance with the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a violation. A violation of this chapter shall be a civil matter enforced in accordance with the provisions 24 V.S.A. §§ 1974a et seq., and 1977 et seq., as amended, and as described in subsections (b) of this section.

(b)

A civil penalty of not more than $800.00 may be imposed for a violation of a civil ordinance in accordance with 24 V.S.A. § 1974a. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.

(c)

If the enforcement strategy in subsection (b) of this section is not sufficient to deter violations, enforcement proceedings may also be initiated pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 4451 et seq., as they exist or are hereafter amended or revised. Regarding enforcement actions under 24 V.S.A. § 4451 et seq., no action may be brought unless the alleged offender has had at least seven days' notice by certified mail that a violation exists. The warning notice shall state that a violation exists; that the alleged offender has an opportunity to remedy the violation within the seven days; and that the alleged offender will not be entitled to an additional warning notice for a violation occurring after the seven days. The issuance of a notice of violation may be appealed in accordance with division 4 of this article. Action may be brought without notice and opportunity to remedy if the alleged offender repeats the violation of the ordinance after the seven-day notice period and within the next succeeding 12 months.

(d)

All fines imposed and collected for violations shall be paid to the Vermont Judicial Bureau.

(e)

Issuing officials authorized to enforce these zoning regulations include the town manager, administrative officer, code enforcement officer and/or constable.

(Ord. No. O-2019-2, § 6.3(A), 9-23-2019; Ord. No. 2022-2, 10-24-2022)

The town shall observe the 15-year limitations on enforcement proceedings relating to municipal land use permits as set forth in 24 V.S.A. § 4454.

(Ord. No. O-2019-2, § 6.3(B), 9-23-2019; Ord. No. 2022-2, 10-24-2022)