Appeals
Columbus City Codes § 2501.08
in effect2501.08 - Appeals
2501.08.1 Hearing, appeal. Within fourteen days of the receipt of a notice of appeal from a responsible person, the chief of the division of fire shall appoint a hearing officer, and notify the responsible person of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing shall be held no sooner than seven days after receipt of the notice of appeal and not later than thirty days after such receipt unless the time is extended by the fire code official or at the request of the responsible person.
2501.08.1.1 Witnesses. The hearing officer may summon and compel the attendance of witnesses to testify in relation to any matter which is proper subject of inquiry and investigation, and may require the production of any books, paper, or document.
2501.08.1.2 Oath. The hearing officer or other person authorized by law may administer an oath to any person appearing as a witness before him.
2501.08.1.3 Evidence. The hearing officer shall receive any relevant evidence that the responsible person, his attorney, the fire inspector who issued the order for correction, and any other person who, in the discretion of the hearing officer, has an interest in the subject matter of the hearing, may offer. The hearing officer is not bound by the formal rules of evidence in conducting a hearing.
2501.08.1.4 Appearance. The hearing officer shall ensure that the responsible person is permitted to appear in person or by his attorney to:
1. Present his position, argument and contentions;
2. Offer and examine witnesses and present evidence in support thereof;
3. Cross-examine witnesses purporting to refute his position, arguments and contentions;
4. Offer evidence to refute evidence and testimony offered in opposition to his position, arguments and contentions;
5. Proffer any such evidence into the record, if the admission thereof is denied by the hearing officer.
2501.08.1.5 Testimony. All testimony adduced at the hearing shall be given under oath.
2501.08.1.6 Transcript. The hearing officer shall prepare a complete transcript of the hearing. The transcript shall include all evidence admitted or proffered at the hearing.
2501.08.1.7 Conclusions of fact. The hearing officer shall file with the transcript conclusions of fact supporting his decision.
2501.08.1.8 Decision. The fire code official shall inform the responsible person of the hearing officer's decision, in writing, within thirty days after the hearing and such decision shall be final.
2501.08.1.9 Appeals. If the responsible person is aggrieved by an order of the hearing officer made under the section, the person may appeal under Chapter 2506 of the Ohio Revised Code.
2501.08.2 Failure to appear, default. If the responsible person shall fail to appear in person or by his attorney at a properly scheduled hearing, the hearing may proceed without him and a penalty may be assessed against him by the hearing officer.
2501.08.3 Civil penalty. In the event of a fire resulting directly or indirectly from any act of commission or neglect to comply with a lawful order for correction as prescribed in this code, unless such order has been (1) invalidated or stayed by the chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau or the chief of the division of fire, or (2) invalidated by a hearing officer, or (3) appealed to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas after hearing and remains pending, the person or persons culpable or negligent in such respect shall be liable in a civil action for the payment of all costs and expenses incurred by the division of fire for the use of its employees, apparatus and materials in the extinguishment of any such fire or fires. The amount of such costs and expenses shall be determined by the Director of Public Safety and when collected shall be paid to the general fund of the City of Columbus.
2501.08.4 Legal action. The imposition of any civil or criminal penalties pursuant to this chapter shall not prevent the Columbus city attorney from instituting an appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a building, structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or use of a building or structure in or about any premises.
(Ord. No. 1652-2022, § 1, 10-17-2022)
Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT25FIPRCO_CH2501SCAD_2501.08APFetched: 10/27/2026