52-9. Appeals

  1. Right of appeal. When a public nuisance is declared, an owner and/or occupant of the affected property may appeal the declaration, including an order for abatement or remediation from the Department, by filing a written request with the Henderson County Zoning Board of Adjustment for an administrative hearing within 10 calendar days of the date of service under §52-7A. In the event of an unknown or absent property owner, the appeal must be requested within 10 calendar days of the day of posting of the notice under §52-7B.
  2. Hearing. If any owner or occupant makes a written request to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for hearing, such hearing shall be held before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
  3. Schedule. The hearing shall be held at the next available meeting after the request for a hearing was received.
  4. Notice. The Department shall mail a notice to the appealing party of the time and place of the hearing at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing.
  5. Witnesses and evidence. All parties shall have full opportunity to respond to and present evidence and witnesses.
  6. Standard of proof. The appellant shall have the burden of proving its position by clear and convincing evidence.
  7. Rules of evidence. Hearings shall be informal and the rules of evidence as applied in the courts shall not apply. Irrelevant, immaterial and repetitious evidence shall be excluded.
  8. Record of hearing. The hearing shall be recorded, and the minutes of the meeting shall be approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment at their next scheduled meeting.
  9. Notice of decision. The decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall be issued within 10 calendar days following the hearing. Unless otherwise provided by law, the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall constitute the final decision.
  10. Further appellate rights. Any party aggrieved by a final decision is entitled to judicial review of the decision. A petition for a writ of certiorari by the party must be filed with the General Court of Justice of North Carolina not more than 30 calendar days after the party receives the final decision from the County Zoning Board of Adjustment.