The Village has the authority under § 62.23(7)(f), Wis. Stats., to enforce the provisions of this chapter and establish penalties.
Each action that is not in full compliance with this chapter and/or with a condition or requirement of an approval issued pursuant to this chapter shall constitute a separate and distinct violation. Each day that a violation continues is considered a separate offense.
A. 
General steps.
(1) 
After observing or receiving a complaint of an alleged violation, the Zoning Administrator shall investigate to determine if a violation does exist. If the property owner does not allow the Zoning Administrator the right to enter the subject property for the purpose of determining whether a violation exists or not, he or she may request a special inspection warrant from the court pursuant to § 66.0119, Wis. Stats. If the Zoning Administrator determines that a violation does not exist, he or she shall notify the complainant and the property owner explaining his or her determination.
(2) 
If the administrator determines that a violation does exist and the violation does not constitute an immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare, the following general steps shall be followed:
(a) 
Notification of violation. The Zoning Administrator shall send a violation notice, as described in this article, to the property owner by regular mail and certified mail.
(b) 
Stop-work order. If the violation involves construction and/or any land-disturbing activity, the Zoning Administrator shall prepare a stop-work order and send a copy of the order to the property owner by regular mail. The stop-work order shall be posted on the property in a prominent location.
(c) 
Issuance of a citation. If the property owner does not bring the property into compliance as set forth in the notice and the property owner has not obtained an extension, the Zoning Administrator or other authorized agent employed by the Village shall send a citation to the property owner consistent the Municipal Code.
(3) 
If the violation is an immediate threat to the public health, and/or safety, the Village may pursue all remedies, penalties, and enforcement powers available under this article and state law without any prior notice as described in this section. If a stop-work order is issued and work continues in violation of that order, the Village may then pursue all remedies, penalties, and enforcement powers available under this article and state law without any prior notice as described in this section.
B. 
Extension to compliance period. Upon request, the Zoning Administrator may grant an extension to the compliance period if the property owner has demonstrated a good-faith effort to comply and additional time is needed because of the weather and practical difficulties in meeting the timeline. Any forbearance on the part of the Zoning Administrator in this regard shall not be construed as waiving any provision of this chapter.
C. 
Stay of enforcement proceedings. If the property owner submits an administrative appeal application or variance application to the Village consistent with the procedures and requirements set forth in Article 5 and the appeal or variance relates specifically to the enforcement action, all legal proceedings relating to the enforcement action may be stayed, unless the Zoning Administrator certifies to the Zoning Board of Appeals that such stay in his or her opinion, would cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order which may be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals or by a court of record on application, on notice to the officer from whom the appeal is taken, and on due cause shown.[1]
[1]
Editorial Note: See § 62.23(7)(e)5, Wis. Stats.
D. 
Reoccurring violation. If the Zoning Administrator determines that the property owner has violated this chapter a second time for the same offense within 12 months of bringing the property into compliance, the Zoning Administrator or other authorized agent employed by the Village shall send a citation to the property owner consistent with the procedures and requirements set forth in the Municipal Code.
A. 
Content. A violation notice shall include the following:
(1) 
A description of the violation;
(2) 
The section(s) of this chapter being violated;
(3) 
A statement describing the measures that would remedy the violation;
(4) 
A statement that the property owner has 30 days from the date of the violation notice to comply (or 15 days for the second notice);
(5) 
Information about how the property owner may request an extension to the compliance period;
(6) 
Information about the appeal process; and
(7) 
Information concerning penalties for continued noncompliance.
B. 
Effect of violation notice. Once a violation notice has been issued all construction or any land development activity related to the violation, except that which is done to ensure compliance, shall cease. In addition, if a property remains in violation, the Village shall not issue any other permits or approvals for any development on the premises.
A. 
Content. A stop-work order shall state the section of this chapter that is being violated, the name of an individual who should be contacted along with his or her work telephone number, a statement that all work on the premises must cease immediately until the Zoning Administrator rescinds the stop-work order, and that removal of the stop-work order constitutes a violation of this chapter.
B. 
Effect of stop-work order. Once a stop-work order has been issued pursuant to this article all work on the property shall cease until such time as it is lifted by the Zoning Administrator.
C. 
Unauthorized removal of stop-work order. No person, other than the Zoning Administrator, shall remove a stop-work order from the location it was posted. The removal of a stop-work order by a person without authority to do so constitutes a violation of this chapter.
The Village or any aggrieved person may seek an injunction, restraining order, or other equitable relief in court to stop any violation of this chapter and/or an order requiring the property owner to restore the property to the condition that existed prior to the violation.
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the continuation of previous enforcement actions undertaken by the Village pursuant to previous and valid ordinances and laws.
Any person that violates this chapter shall be subject to a penalty as provided in the Municipal Code.