REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Amending Section 7.12 (Administrative Citations), Late Payments for Neighborhood Preservation and Fire Prevention Code Violations, and Licensing/Permitting Non Compliance Penalties in the Fee Schedule and Provide an Overview of Neighborhood Preservation Process Improvements
Report
BACKGROUND
On July 28, 2020, staff presented a Report to Council (RTC No. 20-0512) to place assessments on the property tax roll for unpaid administrative citations. After much discussion, Council approved staff's recommendation to place unpaid administrative citations on the County Tax Roll; however, several councilmembers expressed concern that the late payment penalty accrual rate of 10% per month is too high.
Council also expressed concerns about citations issued to property owners for violations of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) if those owners are unwilling or unable to correct code violations where there are extenuating circumstances such as advanced age.
EXISTING POLICY
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 1.05.110(d) - Recovery of administrative citation fines and costs, Special Assessment Procedure.
General Plan
Chapter 4, Community Character, Policy CC-1.6 Maintain City neighborhoods as safe, healthy places to live.
Chapter 6, Safety and Noise, Policy SN-4-2 Provide for assessment of changing community needs and expectations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 (b) (4) in that it is a governmental fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
DISCUSSION
Amendment to the Late Payment Penalty
Each year, Council considers a resolution directing staff to proceed with the Special Assessment Procedure for placing delinquent administrative citations and any associ...
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