A. Administrative citations. The housing division is authorized to take appropriate steps to enforce this subchapter, including conducting investigations of possible violations by a landlord. The city, in its sole discretion, may choose to enforce the provisions of this subchapter through the administrative citation process set forth in Chapter 1.02 of this code. Notwithstanding any provision in Chapter 1.02 to the contrary, each violation of any provision of this subchapter may be subject to an administrative fine of up to $1,000.
B. Administrative appeals and judicial review of administrative citations.
1. Administrative appeal. Any person who receives an administrative citation may request an administrative hearing before a hearing officer in accordance with Chapter 1.02 of this code.
2. Judicial review of hearing officer decision. Any responsible person may seek judicial review of a hearing officer's decision pertaining to the imposition of an administrative fine in accordance with Chapter 1.02 of this code.
C. Civil action. The City Attorney is authorized to bring a civil action and/or proceeding for violation of this subchapter, or any guideline or rule promulgated pursuant to § 15.09.365, for civil penalties, injunctive, declaratory and other equitable relief, restitution and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs and may take such other steps as necessary to enforce this subchapter.
D. Criminal penalty. Any person violating any of the provisions of this subchapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 1.01 of this code.
E. Separate violation. Each separate day, or any portion thereof, during which any violation of this subchapter occurs or continues, constitutes a separate violation.
F. Remedies cumulative.
1. The remedies, violations, and penalties set forth in this subchapter are cumulative and in addition to all other remedies, violations, and penalties set forth in this code, or in any other city, county, State or federal ordinance, laws, rules or regulations.
2. The city's decision to pursue or not pursue enforcement of any kind shall not affect a tenant's rights to pursue civil remedies in accordance with § 15.09.350.
(Ord. No. 2020-015 § 2)