Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Approve a Resolution Rescinding Resolution 2010-17 and Updating the Administrative Citations Schedule of Fines to Include Repeat Housing Code Violator Program Fines Pursuant to Section 1.10.050 of the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Adoption of the proposed resolution updates the City's Administrative Citation Schedule of Fines to incorporate penalties authorized under the Repeat Housing Code Violator Program and rescinds the existing schedule established by Resolution No. 2010-17.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving Resolution 2026-40, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, rescinding Resolution 2010-17 and updating the administrative citations schedule of fines to include repeat housing code violator program fines pursuant to section 1.10.050 of the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced City Charter Section 200 et seq.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-27 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background:
On February 16, 2010, the City Council adopted Ordinance amendments to Title 1 of the Merced Municipal Code establishing Chapter 1.10, which authorizes the City to enforce Municipal Code violations through the issuance of Administrative Citations. As part of those amendments, Section 1.10.050 requires the City Council to establish, by resolution, a schedule of administrative citation fines, including fine amounts for first and subsequent violations, as well as penalties and interest for late payment.
To implement Chapter 1.10, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2010-17 on February 16, 2010, establishing the City's Administrative Citation Schedule of Fines. Since that time, Resolution No. 2010-17 has governed the administrative citation fine structure for violations of the Merced Municipal Code.
On June 15, 2026, the City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 26-531 establishing the Repeat Housing Code Violator Program. The ordinance authorizes the issuance of administrative citations with enhanced fines for repeat housing code violations as part of the City's ongoing efforts to promote compliance with housing standards and protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Section 1.10.050 requires that administrative citation fines be established by City Council resolution, the existing Administrative Citation Schedule must be updated to incorporate the fines authorized under the Repeat Housing Code Violator Program. The proposed resolution rescinds Resolution No. 2010-17 and adopts a revised Administrative Citation Schedule of Fines that retains the City's existing administrative citation fine structure while adding the new fines applicable to repeat housing code violations.
Staff is proposing an administrative fine of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) upon an owner's designation as a Repeat Housing Code Violator and a Five Hundred Dollar ($500.00) per day administrative fine beginning on the first day following the expiration of the owner's opportunity to cure, as specified in the Notice of Designation of Repeat Housing Code Violator. The proposed fine amounts are presented for City Council consideration and remain subject to modification at the direction of the City Council prior to adoption of the resolution.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Number 2026-40
2. Repeat Housing Code Violator Program Presentation