[Ord. 1809, 2-21-2024]
The City Council finds that there is a need for an alternative method of enforcement for violations of the City of Indio Municipal Code and applicable state codes. The City Council further finds that an appropriate method of enforcement for violations is an administrative citation program as authorized by California Government Code § 53069.4. The procedures established in this subchapter shall be in addition to criminal, civil or any other legal remedy established by law which may be pursued to address violations of the City of Indio Municipal Code or applicable state codes.
[Ord. 1809, 2-21-2024]
(A) 
Any person violating any provision of the City of Indio Municipal Code or applicable state code may be issued an administrative citation by an enforcement official as provided in this subchapter. The administrative citation shall be issued on a form approved by the City Manager.
(1) 
If the violation is a continuing violation of this code that pertains to building, plumbing, electrical, or other similar structural or zoning issues, the enforcement official will first issue a compliance order providing the responsible party a reasonable amount of time to correct or otherwise remedy the violation. The amount of time shall not be less than ten court days.
(a) 
The amount of time provided to correct or otherwise remedy the violation shall be known as the grace period.
(b) 
A responsible party may submit a written request to extend the grace period in accordance with the procedures provided in this subchapter.
(2) 
Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), the enforcement official may immediately issue an administrative citation for a continuing violation of this code that pertains to building, plumbing, electrical, or other similar structural or zoning issues when that violation creates an immediate danger to health or safety.
(a) 
When a violation creates and immediate danger to health or safety, no compliance order will be issued, and no grace period will be provided.
(B) 
Each and every day a violation of the City of Indio Municipal Code or applicable state code exists constitutes a separate and distinct offense for which an administrative citation may be issued.
(C) 
An administrative fine shall be assessed by means of an administrative citation issued by the enforcement official and shall be payable directly to the City Finance Department.
(D) 
Administrative fines assessed by means of an administrative citation shall be collected in accordance with the procedures specified in this subchapter.
[Ord. 1809, 2-21-2024]
(A) 
Contents of an administrative citation.
(1) 
The administrative citation shall refer to the date and location of the violation(s) and the approximate time the violation(s) occurred.
(2) 
The administrative citation shall refer to the code sections violated and describe how the sections are violated.
(3) 
The administrative citation shall describe the action required to correct the violations.
(4) 
The administrative citation shall require the responsible person to immediately correct the violations and shall explain the consequences of failure to correct the violations.
(5) 
The administrative citation shall state the amount of penalty imposed for the violations.
(6) 
The administrative citation shall explain how the penalty shall be paid and the time period by which it shall be paid, and the consequences of failure to pay the penalty.
(7) 
The administrative citation shall provide notice of the right to appeal.
(8) 
The administrative citation shall provide notice of the right to request a hardship waiver.
(9) 
The citation shall contain the signature of the enforcement official and the signature of the responsible person if that person can be located.
(10) 
If a compliance order was issued before the administrative citation, the compliance order shall be attached to the administrative citation, and the administrative citation shall describe how the responsible party failed to fully comply with the compliance order.
(B) 
Contents of a compliance order.
(1) 
The compliance order shall refer to the date and location of the violation(s) and the approximate time the violation(s) occurred.
(2) 
The compliance order shall refer to the code sections violated and describe how the sections are violated.
(3) 
The compliance order shall describe the action required to correct the violation(s).
(4) 
The compliance order shall provide the grace period the responsible party has to correct the violation(s).
(5) 
The compliance order shall explain the consequences of failure to correct the violations within the grace period.
(6) 
The compliance order shall state the fine amount for the violation(s) and the amount the fine will increase each day the responsible party fails to fully correct the violation(s).
(7) 
The compliance order shall explain how the responsible party can show they have fully complied with the order.
(a) 
If the enforcement official determines that all violations specified in the compliance order have been corrected within the grace period, the compliance order shall be dismissed and no further action shall be taken against the responsible party regarding the violation(s) identified in the compliance order.
(b) 
If the responsible party fails to fully comply with the compliance order within the grace period, the enforcement official may issue an administrative citation as provided in this chapter. The issuance of the administrative citation does not relieve the responsible person's obligation to fully comply with the compliance order.
(c) 
The compliance order shall state the time period after which administrative fines will begin to accrue if there is not full compliance with the order.
(8) 
The compliance order shall provide notice of the right to request a hardship waiver.
(9) 
The compliance order shall contain the signature of the enforcement official and the signature of the responsible person if that person can be located.
(C) 
Request to extend grace period.
(1) 
The compliance order shall explain how the responsible party can submit a written request to extend the grace period.
(a) 
The responsible party my request to extend the grace period. The request must be made in writing and must be served on the City Clerk in accordance with the service procedures of this chapter at least three court days before the end of the grace period.
(b) 
Upon receiving valid service of a written request to extend the grace period from the responsible party, the grace period shall be tolled until the enforcement agency serves a written response on the responsible party in accordance with the service procedures of this chapter.
(c) 
If the request to extended the grace period is granted, a new compliance order shall be issued showing the original grace period, the date the extension was granted, and the new grace period within which the violation must be corrected.
(d) 
If the request to extended the grace period is denied, the original grace period will resume three court days after the enforcement agency has provided service of the denial in accordance with the service procedures of this chapter.
[Ord. 1809, 2-21-2024]
(A) 
Upon discovering any violation of the City of Indio Municipal Code or applicable state codes, an enforcement official may issue an administrative citation to a responsible person in the manner prescribed in this subchapter.
(1) 
In the case of a person.
(a) 
Personal service.
(b) 
For responsible parties who reside at, or occupy, the subject property, by posting the administrative citation or compliance order in a conspicuous place on the subject property, and then the administrative citation or compliance order shall be mailed to the responsible person in the manner prescribed in Subchapter 3.
(c) 
If the enforcement official is unable locate a valid address for the responsible person for the violation, then the administrative citation or compliance order shall be mailed to the responsible person or posted on the property in the manner prescribed in Subchapter 3.
(d) 
The administrative citation or compliance order may also be served on any person, in anyway permitted under California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 416.60 through 416.90, or any other method allowed under state law.
(2) 
In the case of a business:
(a) 
If the responsible party is an entity operating in the City of Indio with a City of Indio business license, then provided in a manner prescribed by Subchapter 3 to that responsible party's agent for service of process listed with the City of Indio, or to the holder of the business license, or at the business address if the address is within the City of Indio.
(b) 
The enforcement official shall attempt to locate the business owner and issue the administrative citation or compliance order to the business owner when possible.
(c) 
If the enforcement official unable to locate the business owner and is only able to can only locate the person in apparent charge of the business, the administrative citation may be issued to such person, who may sign or receive the administrative citation as agent for the responsible person or owner of the business. A copy of the administrative citation shall also be served on the business owner or responsible person in the manner described in Subchapter 3 if possible.
(d) 
If a responsible party is an entity registered with the Secretary of State, then by certified mail to that responsible party's agent for service of process at the address registered with the Secretary of State.
(e) 
The administrative citation or compliance order may also be served on any business, corporation or other entity in any way permitted by the California Corporations Code or by any way permitted under California Code of Civil Procedure § 416.10 through § 416.40, or any other method allowed under state law.
(D) 
If the administrative citation or compliance order is properly served upon a responsible person in accordance with this chapter, the failure of any person with an interest in the property to receive notice shall not affect the validity of any proceedings taken under this subchapter.
[Ord. 1809, 2-21-2024]
(A) 
Time to appeal.
(1) 
Any person named as a responsible person in an administration citation or compliance order may contest the administrative citation or compliance order by completing a request for hearing form and serving it on the City Clerk in a manner described in Subchapter 3 of this chapter within 30 calendar days from the date the administrative citation was served. A request for hearing form may be obtained from the City of Indio as specified on the administrative citation or compliance order.
(2) 
Upon the proper filing of a request for a hearing, the administrative fines associated with the contested administrative citation(s) shall be stayed pending the outcome of the hearing.
(3) 
The City Clerk shall forward any validly served request for hearing form to the citing agency as soon as practicable after receipt.
(B) 
Failing to timely appeal.
(1) 
Failure to timely and properly request a hearing, including the proper submission of a written declaration when a hearing by declaration is requested, shall constitute a waiver of all rights of appeal and a failure to exhaust administrative remedies. The administrative citation, along with any imposed fines, fees, and charges, shall be deemed final.
(C) 
Calculation of time.
(1) 
The time in which any act described in this section is to be done is computed by excluding the first day, and including the last, unless the last day is a holiday, and then it is also excluded in accordance with California Code of Civil Procedure § 12.
(E) 
Types of hearings and burden of proof.
(1) 
The recipient of the administrative citation may request an in-person hearing or hearing by written declaration.
(a) 
In-person hearings shall be open to the public.
(2) 
The city bears the burden of proof to establish a violation of this code by a preponderance of the evidence standard.
(F) 
Materials in support of the citation.
(1) 
All materials submitted to the hearing officer by the citing agency in support of the citation shall be known as the agency file.
(2) 
Within 15 court days of receiving the request for hearing form from the City Clerk, the citing agency shall send a copy of the agency file to the hearing officer.
(3) 
Within 15 court days of receiving the request for hearing form from the City Clerk, the citing agency shall make a copy of the agency file available to the person who requested the hearing.
(a) 
The person requesting the hearing may obtain a copy of the agency file in following ways:
(i) 
Retrieving the agency file from the citing agency in person, or
(ii) 
By electronic service, or
(iii) 
Certified mail.
(G) 
Submission of additional materials to the hearing officer.
(1) 
The citing agency and the requester of the hearing may submit additional materials to the hearing officer under the following conditions:
(a) 
The party submitting the additional materials to the hearing officer shall serve the opposing party with the additional information at the same time the additional information is provided to the hearing officer; and
(b) 
The materials are submitted at least ten court days before the scheduled in-person hearing date, or at any time before the hearing officer issues their ruling in a hearing by written declaration.
(H) 
In-person hearing procedure;
(1) 
Setting of an initial hearing date.
(a) 
The citing agency shall schedule the initial date and time for the hearing.
(b) 
The initial hearing date shall be set not less than 30 court days and not more than 90 calendar days from the date the citing agency received the request for hearing form from the City Clerk.
(c) 
The person requesting the in-person hearing shall be served in a manner described in Subchapter 3 with written notice of the time and place of the hearing at least 20 court days prior to the date of the hearing.
(2) 
Requests for accommodations.
(a) 
The person requesting the in-person hearing can submit a written request for reasonable modification or accommodation as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA").
(i) 
The request must be in writing;
(ii) 
The request must specify the type of accommodation being requested; and
(iii) 
The request must be served on the City Clerk in a manner described in Subchapter 3 at least ten court days prior to the hearing date.
(3) 
Request to continue the hearing date.
(a) 
The person requesting the in-person hearing shall be granted one continuance to reschedule the initial hearing date.
(b) 
The request for a continuance of the initial hearing date shall be made in writing and shall be served on the City Clerk at least ten court days before the hearing in a manner described in Subchapter 3. A failure to timely request a continuance of the initial hearing date is a waiver of the requesters one guaranteed continuance.
(c) 
Upon receiving a valid request to continue the initial hearing date, the request shall be granted and the citing agency shall serve the person requesting the hearing in a manner described in Subchapter 3 with the next three hearing dates compatible with the citing agency and the hearing officer. The citing agency shall serve the person requesting the hearing with the next available hearing dates within ten court days of receiving the initial request for continuance.
(d) 
The person requesting the hearing shall select one of the three hearing dates provided by the citing agency and shall serve their selection in writing on the City Clerk in a manner described in Subchapter 3 within ten court days of being served with the next available hearing dates. A failure to timely comply with requirements will constitute a waiver of the requesters one guaranteed continuance and the original hearing date shall be reinstated, no additional notice will be provided if the original hearing date is reinstated. If the original hearing date is no longer available, one of the three hearing dates provided to the requester will be chosen by the citing agency and notice of the new hearing date shall be provided to the person requesting the hearing in accordance with Subchapter 3.
(e) 
Notwithstanding a timely request to continue the initial hearing date, any other requests to continue a hearing date may only be ruled upon by the hearing officer at the next scheduled hearing. If the person requesting the hearing is not able to attend the next hearing, a written request for continuance can be made at any time before the hearing by serving the written request on the City Clerk and the hearing officer in a manner described in Subchapter 3. The written request shall include all of the days the requesting party will be available to attend the hearing within the 90 calendar days following hearing date to be continued. If the request for a continuance does not include the days the requesting party is available the request shall be denied.
(f) 
If the hearing officer grants or denies a request to continue the hearing, the hearing officer will provided the basis for their ruling in writing.
(g) 
If the hearing officer grants a request to continue the hearing, the hearing officer and the citing agency shall select a new hearing date from the dates provided by the requester. The citing agency shall provide notice of the new hearing date and the hearing officers ruling to the person requesting the hearing in a manner described in Subchapter 3 within ten court days of receiving the written ruling from the hearing officer.
(h) 
If the hearing officer denies a request to continue the hearing, the hearing will proceed as scheduled even if the requesting party is not present. The hearing officer's ruling on the request to continue will be contained in the written decision after completion of the hearing.
(4) 
Failure to attend the in-person hearing.
(a) 
If a party is not present at the hearing on the date and time the hearing is scheduled, and there are no pending requests to continue the hearing date, the hearing will proceed as scheduled without the absent party.
(5) 
Evidence and case presentation.
(a) 
The in-person hearing will be informal, and formal rules of evidence and discovery do not apply.
(b) 
Any disputes regarding witnesses or evidence in the case are to be resolved by the hearing officer.
(c) 
At any time during the hearing, the hearing officer may continue the hearing to a date agreeable to the parties and request additional information from the parties prior to issuing a written decision or deciding any dispute.
(d) 
A copy of the document or instrument of the citing agency providing notice of the violation and imposition of the administrative fine or penalty shall be admitted into evidence as prim a facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
(e) 
The contents of the citing agency's file in the case shall be received in evidence and the contents may be relied on by either party during the hearing.
(f) 
Each party shall have the opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, in support of that party's case and to cross examine witnesses called by the opposing party. The amount of time each side is given to present their case and the structure of the case presentation is in the sole discretion of the hearing officer.
(6) 
Hearing officer's decision for in-person hearings.
(a) 
The hearing officer's decision shall be titled "Administrative Order''.
(b) 
No later than 30 calendar days after the date on which the administrative hearing concludes, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision to uphold or dismiss the contested administrative citation.
(c) 
The decision shall set forth the reasons for the decision along with notice of the right to appeal pursuant to this chapter.
(d) 
The decision shall be served in a manner described in Subchapter 3 of this chapter. The failure to receive a decision properly served in accordance with a method described in Subchapter 3 shall not invalidate the administrative hearing officer's decision.
(e) 
If the hearing officer upholds an administrative citation, the administrative fines shall be due in the time set forth in the written decision but no later than 90 calendar days from the date of the decision.
(f) 
If the hearing officer dismisses the administrative citation, the city shall retain the authority to issue additional administrative citations for additional violations, or to take any other enforcement action authorized by law.
(g) 
Rulings related to a responsible party's compliance with the requirements of a compliance order.
(i) 
The hearing officer's written decision shall include a section titled "Compliance Order Findings." Under the "Compliance Order Findings" section the hearing officer shall make findings regarding the existence of the violation(s) specified in the compliance order, and regarding whether the responsible person took the required corrective action within the time period set forth in the compliance order. If the hearing officer concludes that the violation continues to exist, the administrative order shall set forth a schedule for correction. In addition, the administrative order shall impose administrative fines and costs as provided for in this chapter. The administrative order shall set a deadline for compliance with its terms in the event that the responsible person fails to file an appeal. If the hearing officer determines that the violation(s) set forth in the compliance order did not exist, or that the violation(s) was (were) timely corrected, all proceedings regarding the violation(s) shall immediately cease and the administrative citations shall be dismissed.
(I) 
Hearing by written declaration procedure;
(1) 
Evidence and case presentation.
(a) 
A copy of the document or instrument of the citing agency providing notice of the violation and imposition of the administrative fine or penalty shall be admitted into evidence as prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
(b) 
The contents of the citing agency's file in the case shall be received in evidence.
(c) 
The person requesting the hearing shall serve the City Clerk and the hearing officer with any materials they would like the hearing officer to consider within 15 court days of receiving the agency file in a manner described in Subchapter 3. The hearing officer shall not consider any materials that fail to comply with these requirements.
(2) 
Hearing officer's decision for in-person hearings.
(a) 
The hearing officer's decision shall be titled "Administrative Order."
(b) 
The hearing officer shall review the requester's written declaration, the agency file, and any materials provided by the requester submitted in compliance with this chapter.
(c) 
Within 60 court days of receiving the agency file, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision.
(d) 
The decision shall set forth the reasons for the decision along with notice of the right to appeal pursuant to this chapter.
(e) 
The decision shall be served in a manner described in Subchapter 3 of this chapter. The failure to receive a decision properly served in accordance with a method described in Subchapter 3 shall not invalidate the administrative hearing officer's decision.
(f) 
If the hearing officer upholds an administrative citation, the administrative fines shall be due in the time set forth in the written decision but no later than 60 calendar days from the date of the decision.
(g) 
If the hearing officer dismisses the administrative citation, the city shall retain the authority to issue additional administrative citations for additional violations, or to take any other enforcement action authorized by law.
(h) 
With regard to rulings related to a responsible party's compliance with the requirements of a compliance order. The hearing officer's written decision shall include a section titled "Compliance Order Findings." Under the "Compliance Order Findings" section the hearing officer shall make findings regarding the existence of the violation(s) specified in the compliance order, and regarding whether the responsible person took the required corrective action within the time period set forth in the compliance order. If the hearing officer concludes that the violation continues to exist, the administrative order shall set forth a schedule for correction. In addition, the administrative order shall impose administrative fines and costs as provided for in this chapter. The administrative order shall set a deadline for compliance with its terms in the event that the responsible person fails to file an appeal. If the hearing officer determines that the violation(s) set forth in the compliance order did not exist, or that the violation(s) was (were) timely corrected, all proceedings regarding the violation(s) shall immediately cease and the administrative citations shall be dismissed.
[Ord. 1809, 2-21-2024]
(A) 
Right of judicial review of hearing officer decision.
(1) 
Within 20 days after service of the hearing officer's decision upon the responsible person, the responsible person may seek review of the administrative decision by filing an appeal with the Superior Court of the State of California, in the County of Riverside, in accordance with California Government Code § 53069.4.
(2) 
A copy of the notice of appeal shall be served in person or by first-class mail upon the local agency by the responsible person.
(3) 
If no notice of appeal of the final administrative order or decision is filed within the period set forth in California Government Code § 53069.4, the order or decision shall be deemed confirmed.
(B) 
Hearing officer.
(1) 
Selection of hearing officer.
(a) 
The City Manager is authorized to develop and implement policies and procedures relating to the qualifications, appointment and compensation of hearing officers, hearing officer powers, hearing procedures, scope of the hearing, and other matters relating to administrative enforcement hearings. The City Manager shall promulgate rules and procedures as are necessary to establish a list of qualified persons who are capable of acting on behalf of the city as hearing officers. The hearing officers shall be appointed by resolution of the City Council. Any person designated to serve as an enforcement hearing officer is subject to disqualification for bias, prejudice, conflict of interest, or for any other reason for which a judge may be disqualified in a court of law.
(2) 
Disqualification of hearing officer.
(a) 
The enforcement hearing officer may continue a hearing based on one of the parties showing good cause at the hearing, or if the hearing officer independently determines that due process has not been adequately afforded.
(3) 
Power of hearing officer.
(a) 
The enforcement hearing officer shall retain jurisdiction over the subject matter of an administrative enforcement hearing for the purposes of granting a continuance, ensuring compliance with an administrative enforcement order, modifying an administrative enforcement order, or where extraordinary circumstances exist, granting a new hearing.
[Ord. 1809, 2-21-2024]
(A) 
If the responsible person fails to correct the violation, subsequent administrative citations may be issued for the same violation. The amount of the penalty shall increase at a rate specified in this subchapter in accordance with California Government Code § 53069.4 and § 36900.
(B) 
Penalties for general violations.
(1) 
Every violation determined to be an infraction of the City of Indio Municipal Code that is not subject to another fine schedule is punishable by the following:
(a) 
A fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation.
(b) 
A fine not exceeding $200 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year.
(c) 
A fine not exceeding $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.
(C) 
Penalties for building and safety code violations.
(1) 
Notwithstanding any other law, violations of the City of Indio building and safety codes are determined to be infractions and are punishable by the following:
(a) 
A fine not exceeding $130 for a first violation.
(b) 
A fine not exceeding $700 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year.
(c) 
A fine not exceeding $1,300 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation.
(d) 
A fine not exceeding $2,500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within two years of the first violation if the property is a commercial property that has an existing building at the time of the violation and the violation is due to failure by the owner to remove visible refuse or failure to prohibit unauthorized use of the property.
(D) 
Penalties for short-term rental violations.
(1) 
Notwithstanding any other law, including subdivisions (2) and (3), a violation of the City of Indio short-term rental ordinance that is an infraction is punishable by the following:
(a) 
A fine not exceeding $1,000 for a first violation.
(b) 
A fine not exceeding $2,000 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year.
(c) 
A fine not exceeding $3,000 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation.
(2) 
For purposes of this section, "short-term rental" means a residential dwelling, or any portion of a residential dwelling, that is rented to a person or persons for 30 consecutive days or less.
(3) 
For purposes of this section, "residential dwelling" means a private structure that is designed and available, pursuant to applicable law, for use and occupancy by one or more individuals. "Residential dwelling" does not include a commercially operated hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or a time-share property as defined by subdivision (aa) of § 11212 of the Business and Professions Code.
[Ord. 1809, 2-21-2024]
The failure of any person to pay the administrative fines assessed by an administrative citation within the time specified on the citation may result in the enforcement official referring the matter to the City Finance Director to file a claim with the small claims court. Alternatively, the enforcement official may pursue any other legal remedy to collect the administrative fines as provided in Subchapter 16.