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 a code violation exists. 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 hearing officer's findings of fact, a determination of whether a code violation exists based on the findings of fact, and an order imposing a fine or other penalty, directing the respondent to correct the violation, or dismissing the case if the violation is not proved. If the hearing officer determines that the respondent is liable for the cited violation, the hearing officer shall enter an order imposing sanctions that are provided in the code for the violations proved, including the imposition of fines and the recovery of the costs of the proceedings. Costs may be recovered in the same manner as fines and penalties. A copy of the findings, decision, and order shall be served by personal service or by any method provided for service of the violation notice and report form under Section 5-41020. The payment of any penalty or fine or costs of the proceedings and the disposition of that money shall be in the manner provided in this Code, unless the county board provides otherwise when establishing the code hearing unit.
55 ILCS 5/5-41040