§ 10-4.3. Hearing to be held when complaint is filed.
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Whenever a petition is filed with the Public Officer by a public authority, or by at least five residents of the Township, charging that any building is unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use, or whenever it appears to the Public Officer, on his own motion, that any building is unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use, the Public 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 building a complaint stating the charges in that respect and containing a notice that a hearing will be held before the Public Officer or his designated agent, at a place therein fixed not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days after the serving of the complaint. The owner 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. The rules of evidence prevailing in the courts shall not be controlling in hearings before the Public Officer or his designated agents.