HomeMy WebLinkAboutG.13 - Schedule of Fines for ViolationsESTABLISHING A
SCHEDULE OF FINES
FOR VIOLATIONS OF
THE GRAND TERRACE
MUNICIPAL CODE
PURPOSE OF THE FINES
Provides a consistent system of penalties for violations
Removes ambiguity
Provides transparency
Includes administrative citations, infractions, and misdemeanors
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EXISTING CONDITIONS
•The Municipal Code has been amended numerous times over the past several
decades
•The piecemeal changes have resulted in a lack of consistency, particularly in
how violations are classified and penalized
•Some provisions identify violations as misdemeanors, others as infractions,
and many are silent or ambiguous regarding enforcement type
•Penalties for similar offenses vary significantly in severity,
•Numerous acts are deemed “unlawful” yet have no designated consequences
for the act.
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WHY
Outdated language or cross-references complicates interpretation and enforcement
Creates confusion for both staff and the public
Inconsistency has made it difficult for staff to apply penalties fairly and uniformly
Without a clearly adopted fine schedule, enforcement efforts may be subject to challenge
Repeat violators may not face escalating consequences.
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CLASSIFICATION OF
VIOLATIONS
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Each code section subject to enforcement is classified
as an infraction, misdemeanor, or administrative
citation, based on the severity of the offense and its
impact on public health and safety.
“Unlawful” acts are defined as misdemeanors
GRADUATED FINE
STRUCTURE
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•For infractions and administrative
citations, the schedule outlines escalating
fine amounts for repeat violations (e.g.,
1st, 2nd, 3rd offense within a 12-month
period)
LEGAL COMPLIANCE
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•All fine amounts are consistent with state law limits under
California Government Code Sections 36900 and 53069.4,
which govern maximum penalties for municipal code
infractions and administrative citations
FOCUS ON PUBLIC HEALTH
AND SAFETY
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•Prioritizes actions that address critical health,
safety, and quality-of-life concerns, such as illegal
dumping, property maintenance violations,
unauthorized commercial activities, and
unpermitted construction
ADAPTABILITY
•Adoption of the schedule by resolution allows the
City Council to amend fines in the future without
requiring a full ordinance update—offering
administrative efficiency and adaptability
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INFRACTIONS 10
A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for a
first violation;
A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) for a
second violation of the same ordinance within one
year;
A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) for
third violation of the same ordinance within one
year.
Fourth and subsequent violation shall be deemed a
Misdemeanor
MISDEMEANORS 11
A fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1000) or
imprisonment for not more than six months
ADMINISTRATIVE
CITATIONS 12
Fines vary. Typically reserved for vehicle code and
parking violations.
Vehicles:
$200 (1st), $500 (2nd), Misdemeanor for subsequent
$550 (1st), Misdemeanor for subsequent
Dangerous fireworks and explosives:
$2,500 (1st), $5,000 (2nd), $10,000 for subsequent
LATE PAYMENT 13
Fines not paid within 30 days declared delinquent
and the fine doubled.
Fines not paid within 90 days shall result in a tripling
of the fine
EXAMPLES
Code Section Violation Current Proposed
21458-A Parking-Red zone $ 18.50 $ 100.00
22651-K Vehicle parked in excess of 72 hours $ 58.50 $ 100.00
22507.8A Parking in handicap zone $ 255.00 $ 500.00
22514 Parking adjacent to fire hydrant $ 25.00 $ 200.00
22505-B Parking in posted no parking zone (Street Sweeping)$ 25.00 $ 200.00
10.16.020 Commercial vehicle parked in a residential zone $ 25.00 $ 200.00
4.105 Inoperable vehicle parked on property $ 30.00 $ 100.00
6.08.220 Dog License $ 100.00 $ 100.00
9.29.140 Graffiti Undefined $ 1,000.00
4.12.010 B 3 Soliciting without a permit $ 150.00 $ 1,000.00
12.32.170 Unlawful assembly (street takeovers)$ 100.00 $ 1,000.00
8.112.200 Fireworks (safe and sane)$ 250.00 $ 1,000.00
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THANK
YOU
Staff recommends approval