<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 4-91. - Penalties.</div>
<div class="chunk-content">
            <p class="incr0">
               (a)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content1">
               The minimum civil penalty for a violation of this article shall be a civil penalty
               of fifty dollars ($50.00), and the maximum civil penalty shall be five hundred dollars
               ($500.00). Each violation, as well as each day a violation exists, shall constitute
               a separate and distinct offense.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (b)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content1">
               If a person has not been cited within the previous twelve (12) months and the violations
               are corrected within seventy-two (72) hours of him or her being notified of the violations,
               the fine shall be waived. The citation and penalties shall be in writing, signed by
               the fire marshal or his representative, and shall be delivered to the violator.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (c)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content1">
               Each day's violation of the Fire Code shall be considered a separate and distinct
               offense. Civil penalties may be recovered in a civil action in the nature of debt
               collection if not paid within thirty (30) days after being cited for a violation.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (d)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content1">
               The types of violations and the related civil penalties are as follows. The fire marshal
               shall determine what type of violation applies in a given case.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (1)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               <span class="ital">Type 1 Violations ($50.00).</span> These violations generally increase the likelihood of a fire or injury. They include,
               but are not limited to, failure to:
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               a.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Obtain proper permits for required uses as listed under the permit fees.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               b.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Maintained properly operating exist or emergency lights.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               c.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Maintain a clear, unobstructed access to fire protection equipment.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               d.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Properly cover or close electrical junction boxes.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               e.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Limit or restrict use of electrical extension cords improperly used.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (2)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               <span class="ital">Type 2 Violations ($100.00).</span> These violations represent a general threat to property. They include, but are not
               limited to, failure to:
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               a.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Safely maintain proper storage of combustibles outside of a business.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               b.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Maintain a clear, unobstructed access to electric panels.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               c.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Properly maintain automatic closing fire and smoke doors.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               d.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Properly maintain and inspect portable fire extinguishers.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               e.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Properly maintain unobstructed accesses to hydrants, risers, and fire department connections.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (3)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               <span class="ital">Type 3 Violations ($250.00).</span> These violations directly affect the safety of persons within an occupancy or the
               probability of heavy property loss if a fire occurs. They include, but are not limited
               to, failure to:
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               a.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Maintain a clear, unobstructed access to and from exist doors, both inside and outside.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               b.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Install, test, or properly maintain required smoke and fire alarm systems.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               c.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Install or properly maintain or test existing/required automatic sprinkler systems
               and extinguishing systems.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               d.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Properly store or use flammable, combustible, or hazardous materials.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               e.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Limit the number of persons in a place of assembly to the maximum posted number allowed.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr2">
               f.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content3">
               Comply with Fire Code provisions concerning open burning, recreational fires, portable
               outdoor fireplaces, or burning of non-vegetative materials.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (4)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               <span class="ital">Type 4 violations ($500.00).</span> These violations are where, despite prior notice, corrections have not been made
               and/or previous fines have not been paid.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (e)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content1">
               The application of penalties in subsection (d) shall not be held to prevent the enforcement
               of or removal of the prohibited conditions. In addition to the penalties listed in
               subsection (d), the Fire Code may be enforced by any of the following:
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (1)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               An appropriate equitable remedy issuing from a court of competent jurisdiction.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (2)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               An injunction and order of abatement.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (3)
               </p>
            		
            <p class="content2">
               Criminal punishment as a misdemeanor, to the extent permitted by G.S. Â§ 153A-123(bl)(1),
               except for the provisions of any adopted appendices.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. No. 2022-05, 4-19-22)
               </p></div>