A. Jurisdiction of all proceedings to enforce this chapter will be in the Municipal Court of the City of Phoenix.

B. Civil actions to enforce this chapter may be adjudicated by a judge or a court hearing officer.

C. Any civil action to enforce this chapter will be commenced and summons will be issued in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Arizona Revised Statutes, City ordinances, or as provided in the Local Rules of Practice and Procedure, City Court, City of Phoenix.

D. A person served with a civil citation must appear at the time and place stated in the citation or summons, or may appear prior to the time and admit or deny the allegations of the citation. Allegations not denied at the time of appearance are deemed admitted.

E. If the allegations are admitted, the Municipal Court will enter judgment for the City and impose a civil sanction.

F. If the person denies the allegations, the Court may set the matter for hearing. Civil hearings are informal and held without a jury. The City is required to prove the violation charged by a preponderance of the evidence. Technical rules of evidence do not apply, except for statutory provisions relating to privileged communications. If the person elects to be represented by counsel, the person must so notify the Municipal Court at least ten days prior to the hearing date. Hearings may be recorded. If the Municipal Court finds in favor of the person, the Municipal Court will enter an order dismissing the citation. If the Municipal Court finds in favor of the City, the Municipal Court will enter judgment for the City and impose a civil sanction.

G. If the person served with a civil citation fails to appear on or before the time directed to appear or at the time set for hearing by the Municipal Court, the allegations will be deemed admitted and the Municipal Court will enter a judgment for the City and impose a civil sanction.

H. Any party may appeal the judgment of the Municipal Court to the Superior Court. Appeals from civil proceedings will be in accordance with the Superior Court Rules of Appellate Procedure—Civil. Appeals from criminal proceedings will be in accordance with the Superior Court Rules of Appellate Procedure—Criminal. Execution of any judgment will be stayed pending appeal when the defendant posts an appeal bond in accordance with the order of the Municipal Court, or when no bond is fixed and a notice of appeal has been filed. (Ord. No. G-4623, § 1, 2004; Ord. No. G-5756, 2012; Ord. No. G-5920, 2014)