At any time prior to the hearing date the hearing officer assigned to hear the case may, at the request of the sanitation inspector or the attorney for the municipality, or the respondent or his attorney, issue subpoenas directing witnesses to appear and give testimony at the hearing. If on the date set for hearing the respondent or his attorney fails to appear, the hearing officer may find the respondent in default and shall proceed with the hearing and accept evidence relating to the existence of a code violation.
65 ILCS 5/11-19.2-5