(A) Whenever a petition is filed with a public officer (the Environmental Health Officer of the county, or the Building Inspector) by a public authority or by at least five residents of the city charging that any structure is unfit for human habitation, occupancy, or use, or whenever it appears to the officer (on his own motion) that any structure is unfit for human habitation, occupancy, or use, the officer shall, if his preliminary investigation discloses a basis for the charges, issue and cause to be served on the owner of and parties in interest in the structure a complaint stating the charges in that respect.
(B) The complaint shall state the following.
(1) That a hearing will be held before the officer (or his designated agent) at a place therein fixed, not less than ten days nor more than 30 days after the serving of the complaint.
(2) That the owner and parties in interest may file an answer to the complaint and appear in person, or otherwise give testimony at the place and time in the complaint.
(3) That the rules or evidence in courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the officers.
(Ord. 211, passed 3-10-81)