A. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall make a determination on the basis of the evidence presented at the hearing as to whether or not a code violation exists. The determination shall be in writing and shall be designated as findings, decision and order. The findings, decision and order shall include: 1) the hearing officer's findings of fact; 2) a decision of whether or not a code violation exists based upon the findings of fact; and 3) an order that states the sanction or dismisses the case if a violation is not proved.
B. Unless another penalty is specifically provided by this chapter for violation of any particular provision hereof the minimum fine which shall be imposed for a violation under this chapter shall be as follows:
1. Upon service of a "violation notice" issued and paid prior to the hearing date, the minimum fine amount shall be seventy five dollars ($75.00).
2. Having failed to pay the fine amount prior to the hearing date, the minimum fine amount shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
3. At no time shall a monetary sanction for a violation under this chapter exceed the amount provided for in 65 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/1-2-1 in its current form, and as amended from time to time.
C. A copy of the findings, decision, and order shall be served on the defendant within five (5) days after it is issued. Service shall be in the same manner that the report form and summons are served under section 4-8-5 of this chapter. Payment of any penalty or fine and the disposition of fine money shall be in the same manner as set forth in the code, unless the corporate authorities adopting this chapter provide otherwise. (Ord. 12-2008, 3-18-2008)