After you file an appeal, you'll attend your hearing.
The decision maker at an administrative hearing is an administrative hearing officer. They're attorneys in private practice, and aren't employees or representatives of the city.
At the beginning of the hearing, the clerk reads an advisory notice that explains the process and the rights and responsibilities of the City and the Respondent. Both sides are sworn in.
The City has the burden of proof, which means that it's their responsibility to prove their case, and they present first. You can then ask questions of the City’s representatives. After you're done questioning the City, or if you don't have any questions, you can present your side of the case.
You can submit photos and documents, but you're responsible for providing a copy that can be shared with the hearing officer. If you have questions about how to submit your evidence, contact Administrative Hearings staff.
The hearing officer will make a decision about your appeal at the end of the hearing, or after the hearing. You'll receive the decision notice and a copy of the decision in the mail within two weeks. Learn more about understanding decisions.
The administrative hearing officer will consider things like your violation history, the seriousness of the violation, and whether the violation still exists. The hearing officer can issue subpoenas on request. The City can ask to increase the fine amount to include the actual cost of enforcement.
The administrative hearing officer will consider things like notice requirements and due dates.
If the assessment is for nuisance abatement, they'll also consider what action you took, and what action the City's contractor took.
If the assessment is for an unpaid administrative citation, the hearing officer won't consider the facts of the citation--just whether or not you had the ability to appeal it as a citation.
The process is designed to be accessible and informal, and you're not required to get an attorney. If you want to bring an attorney to represent you, you should contact Administrative Hearings staff in advance so that the City is able to bring an Assistant City Attorney. If you aren't represented by an attorney, the City isn't either.
Phone
612-673-2306
Mailing Address
Administrative Hearings
505 Fourth Av. S.
Room 510C
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Hearing Room
City Hall
350 Fifth St. S.
Room 1A
Minneapolis, MN 55415
