A. A violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Section 1.20.040. A civil action may be commenced to abate, enjoin, or otherwise compel the cessation of violation of any provision in this chapter. In a civil action brought pursuant to this chapter in which the town prevails, the court may award to the town all costs of investigation and preparation for trial, the costs of trial, reasonable expenses including overhead and administrative costs incurred in prosecuting the action, and reasonable attorney fees.

B. As part of a civil action brought by the town, a court may assess against any person who commits, allows, or maintains a violation of any provision of this chapter a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars per violation. The civil penalty is separate and distinct from penalties imposed pursuant to Sections 15.40.160 through 15.40.220.

C. Upon any guilty plea or judgment or conviction, in any criminal proceeding brought for the violation of this chapter, where the defendant is entitled by law to probation, then the court may require the payment to the town of the costs and expenses as described above and the code provision incorporated by reference as one of the conditions of such probation.

D. The building official is authorized to order work stopped whenever work is being done contrary to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 566 § 3, 2006; Ord. 535 § 4, 2002; Ord. 514 § 1 (part), 2000. Formerly 15.40.160)