(a) When a code enforcement officer observes a code violation, the officer shall note or, in the case of an animal control violation, the code enforcement officer may respond to the filing of a formal complaint by noting the violation on a violation notice and report form, indicating the following: the name and address of the respondent, if known; the name, address, and state vehicle registration number of the waste hauler who deposited the waste, if applicable; the type and nature of the violation; the date and time the violation was observed; the names of witnesses to the violation; and the address of the location or property where the violation is observed.
     (b) The violation notice and report form shall contain a file number, a hearing date, and, if approved by the county board by ordinance, the amount of any fine that may be imposed pursuant to an approved schedule of fines noted by the code enforcement officer in the blank spaces provided for that purpose on the form. The violation notice and report form shall state that the respondent does not need to appear at the hearing on the date indicated on the form if the respondent pays the determinate fine in the amount set forth in the county’s approved fine schedule for the code violation. The respondent must pay the determinate fine at least 5 days before the hearing date indicated on the violation notice and report form. The violation notice and report shall state that if the respondent does not voluntarily pay the determinate fine in accordance with the schedule of fines or fails to appear at the hearing, if required, on the date indicated, then the failure to pay or appear, if required, may result in a determination of liability for the cited violation and the imposition of fines and assessment of costs as provided by the applicable county ordinance. The violation notice and report shall also state that upon a determination of liability and the exhaustion of or failure to exhaust procedures for judicial review, any unpaid fines or costs imposed will constitute a debt due and owed to the county.
     (c) A copy of the violation notice and report form shall be served on the respondent either personally or by first class mail, postage prepaid, sent to the address of the respondent. If the name of the respondent property owner cannot be ascertained or if service on the respondent cannot be made by mail, service may be made on the respondent property owner by posting, not less than 20 days before the hearing is scheduled, a copy of the violation notice and report form in a prominent place on the property where the violation is found. If the violation notice and report form requires the respondent to answer within a certain amount of time, the county must reply to the answer within the same amount of time afforded to the respondent.
     (d) In lieu of a personal appearance at the hearing, a county board may provide for the voluntary payment of a determinate fine in accordance with a schedule of fines approved by ordinance and as provided in this Division 5-41.