(A) If the property owner requests a hearing, the appeal hearing body may, with the consent of the owner, inspect the building and premises involved in the hearing prior to, during or after the hearing, provided that:
(1) Notice of such inspection shall be given to the parties before the inspection is made;
(2) The parties are given an opportunity to be present during the inspection; and
(3) The hearing body shall state for the record during the hearing, if requested, or file a written statement after the hearing for inclusion in the hearing record, upon completion of the inspection, the material facts observed, and the conclusion drawn therefrom.
(B) The owner shall have a right to rebut or explain the matters stated by the hearing body pursuant to division (A) either for the record during the hearing or by filing a written statement within five days after the hearing for inclusion in the hearing record.
(C) An inspection warrant or the owner's consent to inspect the building and surrounding properties is required unless such inspection can be made from areas in which the general public has access or with permission of other persons authorized to provide access to the property on which the building is located.
(Ord. 2023-004, passed 5-23-23)