Sec. 1-15. - General penalty; continuing violations; nuisance abatement.

(a)

Except as otherwise provided by law or ordinance violations of this Code shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment of not more than 30 days in some jail or house of correction and/or restitution may be required in cases involving property damage or personal injury in an amount up to $2,500.00 and/or voluntary community restitution for a town agency for not more than ten days for any one offense.

(b)

Violations of this Code that are continuous with respect to time are a public nuisance and may be abated by injunctive or other equitable relief and by such other means as are provided by law. The imposition of a penalty does not prevent equitable relief.

(c)

Except as otherwise provided by law or ordinance:

(1)

With respect to violations of this Code that are continuous with respect to time, each day the violation continues is a separate offense.

(2)

With respect to violations of this Code that are not continuous with respect to time, each day the violation continues is a separate offense.

(d)

The imposition of a penalty does not prevent revocation or suspension of a license, permit or franchise or other administrative sanctions.

(e)

In this section, the term "violation of this Code" means:

(1)

Doing an act that is prohibited or made or declared unlawful, an offense or a misdemeanor by ordinance or by rule or regulation authorized by ordinance;

(2)

Failure to perform an act that is required to be performed by ordinance or by rule or regulation authorized by ordinance; or

(3)

Failure to perform an act if the failure is declared a misdemeanor or an offense or unlawful by ordinance or by rule or regulation authorized by ordinance.

(f)

In this section, the term "violation of this Code" does not include the failure of a town officer or town employee to perform an official duty, unless it is provided that failure to perform the duty is to be punished as provided in this section or it is clear from the context that it is the intent to impose the penalty provided for in this section upon the officer or employee.

(Code 1982, § 1-8; Code 2003, § 1-15)

State Law reference— Limitation on penalties generally, G.L. 1956, § 45-6-2.