A. Whenever the community development director, town planner or code enforcement officer has reason to believe that a use, structure, or condition exists in violation of a development regulation, he/she is authorized to commence an administrative notice and order proceeding under this chapter, including the pursuance of remedies specified in SPMC 15.09.020(B). The community development director, town planner, or code enforcement officer may not initiate a notice and order proceeding for any violation that would constitute a violation of a state criminal statute, to the extent prohibited from doing so by RCW 35A.11.020.

B. Pending commencement and completion of the notice and order proceeding provided for in this chapter, the community development director, town planner, or code enforcement officer may cause an order to cease violation to be posted on the subject property or served on persons engaged in any work or activity in violation of SPMC Title 15 or 17, if adverse impacts cannot be prevented by the delays in the notice and order process. The effect of such an order shall be to require the immediate cessation of such work or activity until authorized by the community development director, town planner, or code enforcement officer to proceed. [Ord. 618 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]