(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 an ordinance violation existed at the time of the Notice of Ordinance Violation. The determination shall be in writing and shall be designated as the Hearing Officer’s findings, decision, and order. The findings, decision, and order shall include the hearings officer’s findings of fact, a determination of whether an ordinance violation existed at the time of the Notice of Ordinance Violation based on the findings of fact, and an order imposing a fine or other penalty and directing the respondent to correct the violation, or dismissing the case if the violation is not proved.
(B) If the Hearing Officer determines that the respondent is liable for the cited violation, the Hearing Officer shall enter an order imposing fines for the violations proven in the range of $115 to $1,000 (or the maximum amount allowed by applicable State of Illinois statute(s)), depending upon the severity and nature of the violation, except where other applicable Lake County ordinances provide for a specified fee/fine. The Hearing Officer may also impose fines not specified in this subchapter, but any imposition of fines or fees shall be in accordance with applicable State of Illinois statutes and/or other Lake County ordinances. Costs may be recovered in the same manner as fines and penalties. In such cases that the respondent does not appear at the hearing, a copy of the findings, decision, and order shall be served by personal service or by any method provided for service of the Notice of Ordinance Violation under § 94.55.
(Ord. 12-0447, passed 5-8-2012; Ord. 13-0739, passed 7-9-2013)