§ 8-2. Enforcement methods.

The provisions of this Ordinance may be enforced by any one or more of the following methods. The County may apply for any appropriate equitable remedy to enforce the provisions of this Ordinance.

8-2.1

Injunction. The provisions of this Ordinance may be enforced by injunction. When a violation of this Ordinance occurs, Carteret County may apply to the appropriate division of the general court of justice for a mandatory or prohibitory injunction commanding the defendant to correct the unlawful condition or cease the unlawful use of the property.

8-2.2

Order of abatement. In addition to an injunction, the County may enter an order of abatement as part of the judgment in the case. An order of abatement may direct any of the following actions: that buildings or other structures on the property be closed, demolished, or removed; that fixtures, furniture or other moveable property be moved; that improvements or repairs be made; or that any other action be taken that is necessary to bring the property into compliance with the Ordinance.

8-2.3

Execution of court decisions. If the defendant fails or refuses to comply with an injunction or with an order of abatement within the time allowed by the court, he or she may be cited for contempt. The County may execute the order of abatement and will have a lien on the property in the nature of a mechanic's and material man's lien for the cost of executing the order. The defendant may secure cancellation of an order of abatement by paying all costs of the proceedings and by posting a bond for compliance with the order. The bond must be given with sureties approved by the Clerk of Superior Court in an amount approved by the judge before whom the matter was heard and will be conditioned on the defendant's full compliance with the terms of the order of abatement within the time fixed by the judge. Cancellation of an order of abatement does not suspend or cancel an injunction issued in conjunction with the order.