(A) Whenever a petition is filed with the City by a public authority or by at least five residents of the city charging that any structure is unfit for human habitation, occupancy, or use pursuant to the terms of this subchapter, or whenever it appears to the Mayor on his own motion that any structure is unfit for human habitation, occupancy, or use, the Mayor shall, if his preliminary investigation discloses a basis for those charges, issue and cause to be served upon the owner of and parties in interest in the structure a complaint stating the charge or charges in that respect. A complaint shall state that a hearing will be held before the Mayor at the city building not less than ten (10) 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; and that the rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the Mayor. The complaint shall contain a description of the conditions; and a provision explaining that the costs of any closing, removal, or demolition shall constitute a lien upon the real property upon which the cost was incurred.
(B) If the structure is ordered to be removed or demolished by the Mayor, he shall sell the materials of the structure and shall credit the proceeds of the sale against the cost of removal or demolition. Any balance remaining shall be deposited in the appropriate court by the Mayor, shall be secured in a manner as may be directed by the court, and shall be disbursed by the court to the persons found to be entitled thereto by a final order or decree of the court.
(Ord. 1975-6, passed 3-11-75)