(a) Violation of a city ordinance is a misdemeanor unless by ordinance it is made an infraction. The violation of a city ordinance may be prosecuted by city authorities in the name of the people of the State of California, or redressed by civil action.

(b) Every violation determined to be an infraction is punishable by the following:

(1) A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for a first violation.

(2) A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year.

(3) A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a violation of local building and safety codes determined to be an infraction is punishable by the following:

(1) A fine not exceeding one hundred thirty dollars ($130) for a first violation.

(2) A fine not exceeding seven hundred dollars ($700) for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year.

(3) (A) A fine not exceeding one thousand three hundred dollars ($1,300) for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation.

(B) A fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($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) A city levying a fine pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivisions (b) and (c) shall establish a process for granting a hardship waiver to reduce the amount of the fine upon a showing by the responsible party that the responsible party has made a bona fide effort to comply after the first violation and that payment of the full amount of the fine would impose an undue financial burden on the responsible party.

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 970, Sec. 2. (AB 2598) Effective January 1, 2019.)