Sec. 231.182. ENFORCEMENT; PENALTY; REMEDIES. (a) The commissioners court may adopt orders to enforce this subchapter or an order or a regulation adopted under this subchapter.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person violates this subchapter or an order or a regulation adopted under this subchapter. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor. Each day that a violation occurs constitutes a separate offense. Trial shall be in a county court.

(c) A person who violates this subchapter or an order or a regulation adopted under this subchapter is liable to the county for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each day the violation exists. The appropriate attorney representing the county in civil actions may file a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the civil penalty. If the appropriate attorney for the county prevails in the civil action, the person shall reimburse the attorney for the costs of the civil action, including court costs and attorney's fees. In determining the amount of the penalty, the court shall consider the seriousness of the violation. A penalty recovered under this subsection shall be deposited in the county treasury to the credit of the general fund.

(d) If a building or other structure is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, razed, or maintained or if a building, other structure, or land is used in violation of this subchapter or an order or a regulation adopted under this subchapter, the appropriate county authority, in addition to other remedies, may institute appropriate action to:

(1) prevent or remove the unlawful action or use, including an unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, razing, or maintenance;

(2) enjoin, restrain, correct, or abate the violation;

(3) prevent the occupancy of the building, structure, or land; or

(4) prevent any illegal act, conduct, business, or use on or about the premises.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 755, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1991.