[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Chatham 12-2-1993 by Res. No. 166-93. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Unsafe buildings — See Ch. 127.
Subdivision of land — See Ch. 170.
Zoning — See Ch. 180.
In an effort to standardize our adjudication procedures as they relate to the prosecution of zoning and building violations and to economize the town's resources so far as possible, the Town Board adopts the following guidelines.
Where the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) or the Zoning Enforcement Office (ZEO) learns of a building or zoning violation, they will approach the individual to secure compliance, including the payment of any relevant fees.
A. 
If the individual does not comply, the Code Enforcement Officer and Zoning Enforcement Officer will contact the Town Attorney, who will send a demand letter citing the nature of the violation, a demand for compliance, the date by which compliance is sought and other relief as the Town Attorney deems appropriate.
B. 
In the event that the individual does not comply with the Town Attorney's request, the Code Enforcement Officer and Zoning Enforcement Officer will meet with the Town Board to determine whether the town should initiate a legal action.
A. 
In the event that a lawsuit is commenced, the Town Attorney or the Assistant Town Attorney will assist the Code Enforcement Officer or Zoning Enforcement Officer in preparing court papers.
B. 
If the defendant proceeds without counsel, the Town Attorney or Assistant Town Attorney will not appear in the court proceedings but will be available for guidance and assistance in preparing for trial or reaching a settlement. The Code Enforcement Officer or Zoning Enforcement Officer will be the lead official.
C. 
If the defendant retains an attorney, the Town Attorney or Assistant Town Attorney need not appear at the arraignment but will participate in a settlement conference and, if a settlement is not reached, represent the town at the trial. In this instance, the prosecuting attorney will be the lead official.
The town official prosecuting the case (i.e., the Town Attorney, Assistant Town Attorney, Code Enforcement Officer or Zoning Enforcement Officer) has the authority to enter into a settlement agreement which, in the official's judgment, serves the best interests of the town. The official may consult with the Supervisor, the Town Board, the Town Attorney or the Assistant Town Attorney in negotiating a settlement agreement.