If the building official, the health officer, the director of public welfare or such
other officer appointed by the town council to serve in a similar capacity finds that
the buildings, signs, structures or parts thereof have deteriorated through lack of
use, vandalism or failure on the part of the owner or lessee to occupy and/or properly
maintain and repair or that debris, rubbish, trash, junked automobiles, tin cans,
papers, filth and stagnant water has accumulated or a dense growth of trees, vines,
weeds, hedges, grass, and other underbrush has developed on any lot, tract or parcel
of land within the town to such an extent that it constitutes a menace to life, property,
the public health or the public welfare or creates a fire hazard, he shall cause the
town clerk to issue a notice to the record owner or lessee of such property. The notice
shall state the condition complained of and a demand that such owner or lessee cause
such condition to be remedied within a reasonable time. The notice shall be served
by any sheriff, deputy sheriff, chief of police, constable, police constable or town
sergeant by reading the same in the presence and hearing to the owner, lessee, occupant
or his authorized agent or by leaving a copy of the order personally with or at the
last and usual place of abode of the owner, lessee, occupant or agent, if within this
state. If the premises are unoccupied or the residence of the owner, lessee or agent
is unknown or without the state, the notice may be served by posting a certified copy
of the same on the premises and by mailing by certified or registered mail a certified
copy of the notice to the person or corporation to whom the premises were taxed by
the most recent tax assessment rolls and to the address appearing on the tax rolls.
