(A) It shall he unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person to remove a heritage tree without a permit or to fail to have a removal permit in one’s immediate possession during the course of removing a heritage tree, or for any person to violate any of the construction guidelines as provided by resolution as described in § 8.52.100(C). Notwithstanding the classification of a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor, at the time an action is commenced to enforce the provisions of this chapter, the trial court, upon recommendation of the prosecuting attorney, may reduce the charged offense from a misdemeanor to an infraction pursuant to Cal. Penal Code § 19c.
(C) Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under this chapter shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or six months in the County Jail. Each day that a violation continues shall be regarded as a separate offense. Any person convicted of an infraction of this chapter shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500. Each day the violation continues shall be regarded as a new and separate offense.
(1995 Code, § 8.52.150)