§ 32. Inspection and Notice of Hearing.

(a)

Inspection and Notice of Hearing. Whenever a written request for inspection is filed with the Commissioner of the Department of Housing by a public official or by at least three (3) residents of the City charging that any dwelling or building is: unfit for human habitation or other use, or whenever it otherwise appears to the Commissioner of the Department of Housing that any dwelling or building is unfit for occupancy or habitation, or if a report has been made by the Commissioner of the Department of Housing pursuant to the Nuisance Abatement provisions of the Code of Ordinances, Section 17-9016 [now § 74-171], pertaining to the existence of any drug crime on vacant, dilapidated dwellings or buildings, the Commissioner of the Department of Housing shall, if preliminary investigation discloses a basis for such charges, issue and cause to be served upon the owner and/or parties in interest of such dwelling or building a notice stating therein the Commissioner of Housing's findings and notifying such person that:

(1)

A hearing will be held before the In Rem Review Board at a place within the City on a specified day and time which shall not be less than ten (10) days after the service of said notice;

(2)

The owner and/or parties in interest shall be given the right to file an answer to the notice and to appear in person or otherwise to give testimony at the hearing at the place and time stated in the notice;

(3)

The rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in the hearing;

(4)

The Board shall have the authority to administer oaths, affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence at the hearing.

(b)

Files. The Director shall develop and maintain a file on each property and shall enter therein the minutes which shall be taken at each hearing conducted on the property.

(Ord. No. 1993-75, § I, 9-28-93)