(A) Unless otherwise modified herein, civil enforcement procedures herein shall follow the state’s Rules of Court for Civil Traffic Violations. Evidence of the charges in the complaint may be presented by the City Attorney, a code enforcement officer, or a building inspector. The defendant may present evidence pro per or through counsel. If the defendant is represented by an attorney, the attorney shall file a notice of appearance with the City Court at least five business days prior to the hearing. The defendant will not have a right to a jury trial.
(B) If the Hearing Officer finds that the charges are proven by a preponderance of the evidence, judgment shall be entered against the defendant and sanctions imposed in an amount not to exceed $2,500 per violation for each day a violation exists beyond the initial notice constituting a separate offense. If the Hearing Officer finds the charges not proven, the case shall be dismissed.
(C) Any sanction shall be imposed immediately, without setting a sentencing date or probationary period, except that the hearing officer may allow the defendant a time to pay the sanction not more than 30 days from the hearing date. If a defendant cannot pay within 30 days from the hearing date, then the defendant shall enter into an acceptable payment plan to pay the sanction.
(D) Any judgment entered against a defendant may be collected as any other civil judgment as provided in the Arizona Revised Statutes. In addition, any judgment entered against a defendant shall constitute a lien against the defendant’s real property until paid and a copy of the judgment will be filed with the County Recorder’s office.
(Prior Code, § 20-5)