Whenever the inspector finds any building or structure or portion thereof to be hazardous to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the city as defined in in this chapter, or if a petition is filed with the office of the inspector by at least five residents of the city charging that any structure exists in violation of this chapter, or whenever it appears to the inspector, upon inspection, that any structure exists in violation hereof, he shall, if his preliminary investigation disclosed a basis for such charges, issue and cause to be served upon the owner of and parties-in-interest in such structure a complaint. Such complaint shall state the charges and contain a notice that a hearing will be held before the inspector at the location of the property subject to the complaint, or at another location within the city limits not less than ten days nor more than 30 days after the serving of the complaint. The owner or any party-in-interest shall have the right to file an answer to the complaint and to appear in person, or otherwise, and give testimony at the place and time fixed in the complaint. Any person desiring to do so may attend such hearing and give evidence relevant to the matter being heard. The rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity shall be not controlling in these hearings.
(Ord. passed 12-12-17)