§ 12-9. Jurisdiction, enforcement and penalties.

(a)

Written notice of violation will precede the issuance of a criminal citation, in which the vacant property owner will be given a reasonable length of time, as determined by the director, to remedy the violation. Written notice shall be issued to the vacant structure property owner by means of personal service, or by first class mail to their last known address according to Bexar County Appraisal District records, and by posting on the property.

(b)

Failure to register with the department after written notice to the vacant structure property owner, as is hereinafter specified, is a violation of this article.

(c)

Violation of this chapter is a Class C misdemeanor.

(1)

This is a strict liability offense in which no mental state is required.

(2)

The fine for this offense may not exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00).

(d)

Administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement are alternative remedies which may be sought independently of each other. Criminal prosecution may occur regardless of pursuit of civil or administrative remedies and vice versa.

(Ord. No. 2014-06-19-0461, § 1, 6-19-14)