(a)
It shall be unlawful to possess any catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless the possessor has documentation or other proof to verify they are in lawful possession of the catalytic converter.
(b)
For purposes of this Chapter, "lawful possession" includes being the lawful owner of the catalytic converter or in possession of the catalytic converter with the lawful owner's written consent. It is not required to prove the catalytic converter was stolen to establish the possession is not a "lawful possession."
(c)
For purposes of this Chapter, "documentation or other proof" means written document(s) that clearly identify the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated and includes, but is not limited to, the following document types: bill of sale from the original owner with photographs, documentation from an auto-body shop proving the owner relinquished the catalytic converter to the auto-body shop, verifiable electronic communication from the previous owner to the possessor relinquishing ownership of the catalytic converter, photographs of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated, vehicle registration associated with the catalytic converter containing an etched associated license plate number or vehicle identification number. The sufficiency of "documentation or other proof" is based on the totality of the circumstances.
(d)
Each and every violation of this Chapter shall constitute a separate violation and shall be subject to all remedies and enforcement measures authorized by the Dana Point Municipal Code. Each and every catalytic converter unlawfully possessed is a separate violation of this Chapter.
(e)
Each and every violation of this Chapter may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor and upon conviction be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(f)
The remedies provided herein are not to be construed as exclusive remedies. The City is authorized to pursue any proceedings or remedies provided by law.
(Added by Ord. 22-02, 5/17/22)