For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CODE. The county code ordinance that pertains to or regulates any of the following:
(1) Animal control;
(2) The definition, identification and abatement of public nuisances;
(3) The accumulation, disposal and transportation of garbage, refuse and other forms of solid waste;
(4) The construction and maintenance of buildings and structures;
(5) Sanitation or sewage practices; and
(6) Zoning and land use related matters.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. A county employee and agent authorized to issue citations for county code violations, in the form of a violation notice and report form and authorized to conduct inspections of public or private real property to determine whether code violations exist. However, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow for administrative adjudication of an ordinance violation, in the case where a state statute or administrative rule provides for a specific method or procedure to be followed, other than administrative adjudication, in enforcing a county ordinance.
CODE HEARING UNIT. An agency of the county government whose function shall be to expedite the prosecution and correction of code violations as provided by Division 5-41 of the Counties Code, 55 ILCS 5/5-41005 through 41060.
HEARING OFFICER. An attorney at law, licensed in the state and in good standing, and shall be granted the following powers and duties:
(1) To preside at an administrative hearing called to determine whether a code violation exists;
(2) To hear testimony and accept evidence from the Code Enforcement Officer, the respondent and all interested parties relevant to the existence of a code violation;
(3) To preserve and authenticate the record of the hearing and all exhibits and evidence introduced at the hearing;
(4) To issue and sign written findings and a decision and order stating whether a code violation exists;
(5) To impose penalties consistent with applicable code provisions and to assess costs reasonably related to instituting the proceedings upon finding the respondent liable for the charged violation. In no event, however, shall the HEARING OFFICER have the authority to impose a penalty of incarceration.
PROPERTY OWNER. The legal or beneficial owner of an improved or unimproved parcel of real estate.
RESPONDENT. A property owner, waste hauler or other person charged with liability for an alleged code violation and the person to whom the notice of violation is directed.
SOLID WASTE. Demolition materials, food and industrial processing wastes, garden trash, land cleaning waste, mixed refuse, non-combustible refuse and trash as defined in the Solid Waste Disposal District Act (70 ILCS 3105/1 et seq.)
WASTE HAULER. Any person owning or controlling any vehicle used to carry or transport garbage, refuse or other forms of solid waste.
(1993 Code, § 39.01) (Ord. 98-17, passed 11-18-1998; Ord. 2000-04, passed 3-15-2000)