Title
Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Amending Section 1-7 (Administrative Citations) of Chapter I (General) Concerning Code Enforcement and Administrative Citations. (City Attorney)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is recommending that the City Council consider certain changes to the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) related to code enforcement. The bulk of the proposed changes would strengthen, clarify and streamline aspects of the administrative citation process, including issuance and administrative review.
BACKGROUND
On November 19, 2019, the Council voted unanimously to direct staff to step up code enforcement of the City's many codes, including those related to quality of life, in addition to those that implicate health and safety concerns.
As part of a more comprehensive approach toward this goal, and in coordination with the Planning Building Transportation Department, staff is recommending certain amendments to the Alameda Municipal Code to strengthen and streamline the administrative citation and enforcement process.
As a matter of background, administrative citations are law enforcement tools generally used to compel compliance with local laws and to deter repeat violations. This process has been used as an initial alternative to criminal prosecution. If the cited party contests an administrative citation, he/she may request an administrative hearing. Consistent with federal and California state constitutional mandates, the City's Municipal Code currently authorizes the hiring of outside hearing officers to preside over administrative hearings. The City Attorney's Office maintains a list of qualified hearing officers who serve in these capacities.
DISCUSSION
Based on the foregoing, staff is recommending the following amendments to Section 1-7 (Administration Citations) of Chapter 1 (General), which governs all aspects of administration citations for all viola...
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