Initial Hearing

The City's hearing officer is a state-licensed attorney. All witnesses are sworn in before testifying. The City's case is presented first along with all testimony and evidence. The property owner then presents their case along with all supporting information.

Violations

The cases usually result in a compliance order with a mandated, yet realistic, time frame for correction. If the violations are corrected by the compliance date, the fine is for a lower amount. Compliance is the goal, but if the hearing officer's order is not followed, the fine amount is usually increased. If necessary, per day fines of up to $500 can be assessed as an incentive to get the work done.

Necessary Prosecution

For cases where prosecution becomes necessary, Aurora's adjudication system has been an extremely successful tool in the enforcement of quality of life standards. Other Illinois municipalities have visited Aurora and patterned their local court after ours.

Collaborative Efforts

• Alderman Systematics by request
• Aurora Police Department community oriented policing units to enforce crime free housing
• Aurora Fire Department reporting of unsafe living conditions
• Water billing:
  • Identification of renter water accounts in unlicensed properties
  • Meter inspections to assist in the reduction of water theft