Sec. 18.55.780. - Petition or finding that dwelling is unfit and filing of complaint.

When at least five residents file a petition charging that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation or when it appears to a public officer that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation, the public officer shall conduct a preliminary investigation, and if the investigation discloses a basis for the charges, the public officer shall issue and have served upon the owner, every mortgagee of record, and all parties in interest in the dwelling, including those in possession, a complaint stating the charges.