(A) A property owner, occupant of any premises or individual may file a complaint with the city upon the proper forms as provided.
(B) After receiving such complaint:
(1) The Building Inspector may issue and cause to be served a complaint charging that a dwelling is unfit or that any building is unsafe; if his or her inspection discloses a basis for so charging, the complaint shall state: that a hearing will be held before the Building Inspector (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; that the owner and parties in interest may file an answer to the complaint and to appear in person and give testimony at the place and time fixed in the complaint; and show cause why an order should not be issued against the owner or building citing violations of this Rental Housing Standard Code and further orders consistent with Rental Housing Standard Code practices be issued to rectify the violations noted in the complaint: and that the rules of evidence prevailing in the courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the Building Inspector; and
(2) If after such notice and hearing, the Building Inspector determines that the dwelling or dwelling unit under consideration is unfit for human habitation or the building is dangerous, he or she shall state in writing, his or her findings of fact in support of such determination, and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner thereof an order to the intent and within the time specified in the order, to repair, alter or improve the said dwelling or other building to render it fit and safe; or, if the repair, alteration or improvement can be made at a cost that is not more than 50% of the value of the building, at the option of the owner, to vacate and close the building; or, if the repair cannot be made at a cost that is not more than 50% of the value of the building, within the time specified in the order, to remove or demolish the said dwelling or other building.
(2005 Code, § 9-804)