A. Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by any code listed in Section 17C.10.010 has started without first obtaining the required permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work.

B. Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee required by code. The minimum investigation fee shall be the same as the minimum fee for that work but no less than $250.00 nor more than $5,000.00.

The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law.

C. Innocent Purchaser. The Building Official shall waive the investigation fee when credible evidence exists which demonstrates that the unpermitted activity occurred without the current property owner's knowledge and occurred prior to their ownership of the property in question. All other required fees shall continue to apply.