§ 137-7. Petitions for investigation; hearings.

Whenever a petition is filed with the Public Officer by a public authority, or by at least five residents of the Borough, charging that any building or dwelling is unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, or whenever it appears to the Public Officer on his or her own motion that any building or dwelling is unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use or that any building or dwelling is dangerous or unsafe, the Public Officer shall, if his or her 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 or dwelling a complaint stating the charges in that respect and containing a notice that hearing will be held before the Public Officer, or designated agent, at a place therein fixed not less than seven days nor more than 30 days after the service of said complaint; that 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; and that the rules of evidence prevailing in the courts shall not be controlling in hearings before the Public Officer.