(A) At any hearing before the Administrative Adjudication Hearing Officer held in accordance with Chapter 11 of this code of ordinances to determine whether the property in question is a chronic nuisance property, the city shall have the initial burden of proof to show, by a preponderance of evidence, that the property in question is a chronic nuisance property. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to all persons or entities that may be adversely affected by a decision declaring the property to be a chronic nuisance property.
(B) The city’s representative shall present evidence in support of its claim that the property is a chronic nuisance property. The owner shall be permitted to rebut such evidence.
(C) No continuances shall be authorized by the Administrative Hearing Officer in proceedings under this section unless for good cause shown or except where a continuance is absolutely necessary to protect the rights of any party to the proceeding. Lack of preparedness shall not be grounds for a continuance.
(D) At any time prior to the hearing date, the Administrative Hearing Officer may, at the request of either party(ies), direct witnesses to appear and give testimony at the hearing. The formal rules of evidence will not apply at the hearing and hearsay evidence including police reports shall be admissible only if it is the type commonly relied upon by reasonable, prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs.
(Ord. 2021-29, passed 8-24-2021)