ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 12, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Reports TO: Housing and Community Development Committee
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: June 5, 2025
SUBJECT: Administrative Citation Program Revised Administrative Fines
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval and authorization of the revised Administrative Citation Fee Schedule.
BACKGROUND:
Under the current Municipal Code Section 1.40, each violation of the Bakersfield Municipal Code is subject to a flat administrative fine of $1,000. This one-size-fits-all approach does not distinguish between minor and major violations, nor does it provide a scalable deterrent for repeat offenders.
To improve compliance and enforcement efficiency, staff propose implementing a tiered fine structure designed to encourage corrective behavior and reduce repeat violations.
PROPOSAL:
The revised fee structure would impose the following penalties for administrative citations:
First offense: $100
Second offense (within 12 months of the same violation): $500 Third and subsequent offenses (within 12 months of the same violation): $1,000 Unless otherwise prescribed in ordinance or State Law
This approach targets repeated non -compliance while allowing for proportional penalties based on the severity and frequency of violations.
RATIONALE:
The tiered system creates a stronger incentive for compliance, particularly for recurring violations, by escalating fines in response to repeated offenses. This structure is more equitable and more effective in changing behavior than the current flat-rate model.
Staff have also reviewed similar administrative citation schedules from other jurisdictions to ensure the proposal is consistent with the best practices and effective enforcement strategies. (Please see attached Exhibit A)
This change supports ongoing efforts to address critical issues such as unlawful dumping, encroachment violations, zoning violations, unregistered vacant structures, chronic nuisance properties, and any other Bakersfield Municipal Code violations.
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NEXT STEPS
Staff will take the direction of the Committee. Potential options include:
1. Direct Staff to work with City Attorney’s office to modify the municipal code to implement the revised administrative citation fee schedule.
2. Provide Alternate direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The adoption of the update will not result in any further financial impact on the City General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
Administrative Fee Revision Memo
Exhibit A