(a) When any property owner files a written complaint or objection prior to or upon the date of a public hearing on the creation of or the assessment of property within a special improvement district, or when any elector of the district files a written complaint or objection prior to or upon the date of a public hearing on the organization of a general improvement district, the council may introduce the ordinance and continue the public hearing as to all or some of the property owners for not less than three weeks and not more than eight weeks for the purpose of having the matter heard before a hearing officer. A condition precedent for such a continuance shall be a determination and finding that the complaint or objection raises significant technical issues or extensive evidentiary matters requiring the utilization of a hearing officer. In making its determination as to the existence of significant technical issues or extensive evidentiary matters, the council shall consider, but shall not be bound by, recommendations of city staff in the matter. The council may also direct that some or all of the objections be heard and decided together, whenever any question of law or fact common to all or some property owners or electors will arise in the hearings.

(b) Prior to any hearing regarding the assessment of property within a special improvement district, the council may, upon staff's recommendation, bifurcate the process so as to assess the properties of non-objecting owners on schedule. (Code 1979, § 34-171; Ord. No. 2010-17, § 4, 5-17-2010)