Section 8.80.070 Conduct of hearing.

1. The hearing shall be conducted before a hearing officer designated by the city manager within a reasonable period of time, but not to exceed 15 business days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and city holidays, from the date of a written demand therefore. Such hearing may be continued for good cause. A notice of hearing, including the time, date and location of the hearing, shall be made by mailing a copy of the notice by first class mail, postage prepaid to the owner of record.

2. The sole issue before the hearing officer shall be whether there exists a reasonable belief that the structure is being used as specified crime property. The hearing officer shall decide only that either (i) there is a reasonable belief that the structure is being used as a specified crime property and that the provisions of this chapter shall apply, or (ii) there is not a sufficient reasonable belief that the structure is being used as specified crime property and that the procedures of this chapter shall be permanently stayed. A finding of no reasonable belief however shall not preclude a future independent complaint, investigation and notice of specified crime property.

3. The decision of the hearing officer shall be issued within four (4) days of the hearing and the owner of record shall be notified consistent with the notice provisions of this chapter.