Specifications include, but are not limited to: 3.3.1. Proceedings are informal hearings rather than complex court-style hearings. 3.3.1.2 Civil Penalties (fines), forfeiture and administrative compliance fees are the most common type of penalty. 3.3.1.3. The Hearings Officer will have to hear testimony and be able to administer oaths to the witnesses. 3.3.1.4. Audio recording will form the only “record” in most cases. 3.3.1.5. All the issues raised in the hearings are based on the codes and ordinances which are contained at the County Law Library. 3.3.1.6. It is preferred that decisions are rendered at the conclusion of the hearing with an explanation of the consequences to the violator or why the County staff failed to prove the case. However, decisions not rendered at the conclusion of the hearing must be made at the beginning of the next scheduled hearing with a written order not later than fourteen (14) days from hearing conclusion. 3.3.1.7. There will be no County support or secretarial staff present at the Hearings, so the Hearings Officer must be able to preside and control the proceedings personally. Orders of the Hearings Officer shall be on letter head of the Hearings Officer. 3.3.1.8. When a petition for Writ Review is filed and granted in Circuit Court to challenge a Hearings Officer final decision, the Hearings Officer or their private staff will be required to compile a complete record of their proceeding on the matter of tender to Circuit Court. 3.3.1.9. Due to the wide range of individuals the County interacts with, the Hearings Officer has to be able to work effectively with people. This is a basic job requirement and will be highly weighted in the annual review. 3.3.1.10. The County is adopting the use of a Code Compliance Hearings Officer in order to simplify the Code Compliance process and save money. This is not intended to be a lengthy or complex process. 3.3.1.11 The Code Compliance Hearings Officer shall not waive requirements of the building or any other specialty code, permit requirements, or fees as provided in the various codes, ordinances, rules or regulations enforced.
