An administrative appeal may be taken whenever a question arises over any of the requirements of this article, and the applicant wishes to appeal the decision of Tucson Water or seek a variance from the requirements of this article. The appeal may be made to the backflow prevention hearing committee as follows:
(1) The applicant shall file a written appeal on the forms provided by the Tucson Water Backflow Prevention Office within ten (10) working days from the date of the decision by Tucson Water that the applicant wishes to appeal. The applicant shall set forth, in detail, and on the form provided, the basis for their request, and may attach additional documentation to the form.
(2) The appeal will be heard by the hearing committee within seven (7) working days, after receipt of the written appeal, at a regular specified time. Formal Arizona Rules of Evidence will not apply, but any testimony or evidence offered must be relevant to the issue in question.
(3) The hearing committee shall consist of three (3) members each of whom shall be knowledgeable or experienced in backflow prevention, plumbing, or water system hydraulics. One (1) member shall be appointed by the director of Tucson Water. One (1) member shall be appointed by the director of the department of development services. One (1) member shall be appointed from the full membership of the City of Tucson Small Business Commission. Additional inspectors or other technical persons may be present for a particular appeal.
(4) The applicant shall provide adequate information at the hearing to fully describe the conditions in question and to establish the justification and basis for the applicant's request.
(5) The applicant may, but is not required to, personally attend the hearing.
(Ord. No. 9976, § 2, 5-24-04)