Hearing pauses for exhibit review; officer explains limited discovery in administrative hearings

Before taking further testimony, the hearing officer paused the proceeding and gave the parties about 10 minutes to review the exhibits provided at the hearing, noting these administrative hearings do not have a formal discovery procedure.

The officer told the owner and witnesses to use the break to familiarize themselves with the packet of photos and video exhibits the city supplied at the hearing. "In the interest of fairness, make sure you've fully reviewed them," the officer said, adding that the materials were provided at the hearing and that the break would allow time for review. The hearing then recessed for the short break; no formal ruling or vote was issued at that time.

The procedural direction followed cross-examination and discussion about evidence availability, camera angles and the scope of the photo exhibits. The parties returned to the hearing room after the pause to continue testimony and examine exhibits as needed.