1.13.060 - Imposition of administrative fines, late penalty charge, interest charges, and re-inspection fees.

(a)

Fine. The amounts of the fines imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be established by resolution of the city council. The city council may, by resolution, also impose escalating fines in amounts it deems appropriate for repeat offenses of the same ordinance. The amounts of fines may be modified from time to time by a resolution of the city council.

(1)

If a violation is otherwise classified as an infraction under the Code, the administrative fine shall not exceed one hundred dollars for a first offense, two hundred dollars for a second offense of the same ordinance within a twelve month period of time, and five hundred dollars for a third or greater offense of the same ordinance within a twelve month period of time, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 25132 and subdivision (b) of Section 36900 of the California Government Code. The amounts of such fines may be modified from time to time by a resolution of the city council provided they do not exceed the limits allowed by state law.

(b)

Re-Inspection Fee. In addition to any fine imposed pursuant to this chapter, a re-inspection fee shall be assessed against any responsible person in an amount established by resolution of the city council if the responsible person does not timely and completely correct or abate a violation (with all requisite approvals, permits, licenses, and/or inspections) after having received notification from the city to correct or abate same.

(c)

Late Penalty Charge. Failure to pay an administrative fine within the period specified on the citation shall result in an assessment of a late penalty charge in an amount established by resolution of the city council—not to exceed one hundred percent of the total fine owed (excluding any re-inspection fee).

(d)

Interest. Failure to pay an administrative fine within sixty calendar days of the issuance of a citation or, if contested, within sixty calendar days of an order to pay pursuant to a decision by a hearing officer or judicial officer confirming the fine, shall result in the imposition of an interest charge at a rate established by resolution of the city council. Interest shall not accrue on a late penalty charge or re-inspection fee. The rate of interest may be modified from time to time by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. No. 698, § 4, 4-17-2019)