Whenever a petition is filed with the city officer by a city authority or by at least five (5) residents of the city charging that any structure is unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, or whenever it appears to the city officer (on his own motion) that any structure is unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, the city officer shall, if his preliminary investigation discloses a basis for such charges, issue and cause to be served upon the owner of and parties in interest in such structure a complaint stating the charges in that respect. The complaint shall state that a hearing will be held before the city officer (or his designated agent) at a place therein fixed not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days after the serving of the complaint, that the owner and parties in interest may file an answer to the complaint and appear in person, or otherwise, and give testimony at the place and time fixed in the complaint; and that the rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the public officer.
(Ord. 89-001, passed 3-13-89)