Athens City Code

When a petition is filed with the city manager by a public authority or by at least five residents of the city charging that any structure is unfit for human habitation, or use in general, or when it appears to the city manager (on his own motion) that any structure is unfit for human habitation or use, the code enforcement officer shall, if, after making a preliminary investigation, such investigation discloses a basis for such charges, issue and cause to be served upon the owner of the parties in interest of such structure a complaint stating the charges in that respect and containing a notice that a hearing will be held before the city manager (or his designated agent) at a time and place therein fixed not less than ten days nor more than 30 days after the serving of the complaint; that the owners and parties in interest shall be given 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; and the rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity shall not be controlling in hearings before the city manager or his designated agent. As contained herein, the term "public authority" means any officer who is in charge of any department or branch of the government of the city or the state relating to health, fire, building regulations, or other activities concerning structures in the city.

(Code 1972, § 4-805; Code 1995, § 13-305)