Preliminary Investigation

Upon receipt of a complaint charging that a dwelling unit is unfit for human habitation, or whenever it appears to the Code Enforcement Supervisor that any dwelling unit is unfit for human habitation, the Code Enforcement Supervisor will enter the premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspection, examination and survey, for possible violations of the Code.

Notice of Hearing

The Supervisor issues a complaint with the property owner containing a list of the charges and a notice that a hearing will be held before the Supervisor at a designated time and place. The designated time shall not be less than ten or more than thirty days after the serving of the complaint notice.

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 the hearing and give testimony. Whether evidence is relevant to courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the Supervisor.

Findings of Facts and Order

After notice and hearing, if the Supervisor determines that the dwelling or dwelling unit is deteriorated or dilapidated, he shall state in writing his findings of fact in support of that determination, and shall issue an order directing and requiring the owner to repair, alter, improve or demolish the dwelling or dwelling unit to comply with the minimum standards of fitness within the specified time, not to exceed 90 days. The order may also direct and require the owner to vacate and close the dwelling or dwelling unit until such repairs, alterations, and improvements have been made.

Complaints or Orders issued by the Code Enforcement Supervisor shall be served on persons either personally or by registered or certified mail. If the whereabouts of the persons are unknown and the Supervisor cannot ascertain them, the Supervisor shall make an affidavit to that effect. The serving of the compliant or order on such person may be made by publishing it at least once in the newspaper having general circulation in the City. When service is made by publication, a notice of the pending proceedings shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises.