1-21-7: ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS:
   (A)   An administrative hearing shall be held for the following:
      1. To adjudicate any alleged ordinance violation on its merits.
      2. To contest the validity of a notice of impending driver's license suspension. The hearing shall be granted to the registered owner or operator of the "cited vehicle", pursuant to 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-208.3 or the lessee of the "cited vehicle", 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-1306, incorporated herein by reference, and at the date, time and place as is set forth by the Code Administrator and served upon the registered owner, operator, or lessee.
   (B)   No continuances shall be authorized by the Hearing Officer at the hearing except where absolutely necessary to protect the rights of the individual. Lack of preparation does not constitute cause for a continuance. No continuance may be granted for more than twenty five (25) days.
   (C)   All administrative hearings shall be recorded and shall culminate in a determination of liability or non-liability, made by the Hearing Officer, who shall consider facts and/or testimony without the application of the formal or technical rules of evidence.
   (D)   Formal rules of evidence applicable to judicial proceedings shall not apply to hearings authorized by this chapter. Evidence, including hearsay, may be admitted only if it is of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs and all testimony shall be given under oath or affirmation.
   (E)   The Hearing Officer shall, upon a determination of liability, assess fines and penalties in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Code. Persons appearing to contest the alleged violation on its merits may be represented by counsel at their own expense.
   (F)   Administrative adjudication hearings are civil in nature. The City shall bear the standard of proof to prove by a preponderance of the evidence the occurrence or existence of a violation of the Code, and a sworn, written pleading, complaint or citation shall constitute prima facie evidence of the violation. (Ord. 3143, 6-3-2019)