59-A-4.125. Hearing examiner.

      (a)   The Hearing Examiner's office has the functions and duties of scheduling and conducting public hearings and rendering written reports and recommendations to the County Board of Appeals on the following matters:

         (1)   any petition for a special exception; and

         (2)   upon request of the Board and with approval of 3 of its members, any other matter pending before the Board.

      (b)   Except as provided in Section 59-G-1.12, the County Board of Appeals has the sole authority to render a decision upon the merits of any petition for a special exception or any other matter referred to the office by the Board.