Upon receipt by the clerk of any application, petition, notice of appeal, complaint or other instrument initiating a hearing, the same shall be referred to the administrative body having jurisdiction over the matter, and a date, time and place for hearing thereon shall be set by the administrative body, which shall direct public notice thereof to be given, if otherwise required; provided, however, that the administrative body may authorize its clerk to set a date, time and place for hearing upon receipt of such instrument without the necessity for action by the administrative body itself. (Prior code § 1-7-5)