No continuances shall be authorized by the hearing officer in proceedings under this chapter except in cases where a continuance is absolutely necessary to protect the rights of the defendant. Lack of preparation shall not be grounds for a continuance. Any continuance authorized by a hearing officer under this chapter shall not exceed twenty five (25) days. The case for the municipality may be presented by an attorney designated by the municipality or by any other municipal employee, except that the case for the municipality shall not be presented by any employee of the code hearing department. The case for the defendant may be presented by the defendant, his or her attorney, or any other agent or representative of the defendant. (Ord. 1604, 8-25-2004)