The City Council on Tuesday moved to sharply increase fines for violating Riverside's municipal code.
Under the previous rules, administrative citations were $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second and $500 for a third or subsequent offense.
The new ordinance updates those amounts to $100, $500 and $1,000.
City staff said the previous fine structure, adopted in 1999, is outdated and has not been strong enough to encourage compliance.
Higher fines would encourage property owners and businesses to address problems sooner, reducing the burden on city staff and limiting the cost of enforcement to taxpayers, according to the ordinance.
"Without adequate penalties, the cost of enforcement falls on taxpayers," the staff report stated. "By adjusting fines to reflect current economic conditions and the seriousness of violations, the city can ensure that those responsible for non-compliance contribute to the cost of maintaining community standards."
City staff argue that raising fines also helps offset enforcement costs, which involve inspections, administrative processing and sometimes legal actions – all of which require city funds.
"Ultimately, strengthening penalties promotes greater accountability among property owners and businesses," the report said. "It encourages a culture of compliance, leading to cleaner neighborhoods, improved property values, and a safer, more livable environment for all city of Riverside residents. This amendment is a necessary step to protect the integrity of the community, ensure fairness in enforcement, and enhance overall quality of life."
The Land Use Committee passed the change unanimously on Jan. 12 and asked staff to return in one year with an update on how well the new penalties are working.
