The purpose of this article is to identify and provide the mechanisms available to the city in the enforcement of this ordinance and the penalties for violations of this ordinance.

The zoning administrator and his or her designees shall be primarily responsible for enforcement of the provisions of this ordinance. The zoning administrator, building official, officers of the City of St. Joseph Police Department, or any other city official authorized in writing by the city manager are authorized to issue civil infraction notices under this ordinance.

23.3.1.

Violations are a Nuisance Per Se. Violations of any provisions of this ordinance are declared to be nuisance per se and may be prosecuted and/or abated as set forth in this ordinance or as allowed by state law.

23.3.2.

Violations and Penalties. A violation of this ordinance is a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of not less than $100.00 or more than $500.00, plus court costs, for each offense. The city shall also have the right to pursue any other legal remedies to enforce the provisions of this ordinance, including, but not limited to, injunctive relief. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate punishable offense.

23.3.3.

No Permit to Violators. The zoning administrator shall not issue a new zoning permit to a person who is in violation of this ordinance, the then-current city property maintenance code, or the Land Division Act, Public Act 288 of 1967, as amended, until the violation has been corrected or the person has been found not responsible, unless the permit is necessary to correct the violation.

23.3.4.

Cumulative Rights and Remedies. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and in addition to any other remedies provided by law. Adjudication of responsibility for a civil infraction violation of this ordinance shall not preclude other civil proceedings to abate the violation.