For any and every violation of the provisions of this chapter, the owner or general agent of a building or premises where such violation has been committed or shall exist and the lessee or tenant of an entire building or entire premises where such violation has been committed or shall exist and the owner, general agent, lessee or tenant of any part of a building or premises in which part such violation has been committed or shall exist and the general agent, architect, builder, contractor or any other person who knowingly commits, causes or assists in any such violation shall be liable to a fine or penalty for each and every violation as provided herein. A violation of this chapter is hereby declared to be an offense, punishable by a fine not exceeding $350 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both for conviction of a first offense; for conviction of a second offense both of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine of not less than $350 nor more than $700 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both; and, upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense all of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $700 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both. However, for the purposes of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this chapter shall be deemed misdemeanors and for such purposes only all provisions of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply to such violations. Each week’s continued violation shall constitute a separate additional violation.