Ferndale City Council is scheduled to consider the second reading of a proposed ordinance that would create a discretionary, noncriminal way to enforce violations of city ordinances. The item is listed on the council’s Oct. 21 agenda as Ordinance 2026-04, which was advanced to second reading after a unanimous first-reading vote on Sept. 16, according to the Ferndale City Council packet.
Under the proposed ordinance, administrative fines generally would not exceed $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year and $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year. The council could establish a different fine schedule by resolution, as long as it is consistent with the ordinance and applicable law.
The proposal describes administrative citations as an additional civil enforcement tool. Their use would remain discretionary, and the city could continue to use other remedies, including warnings, correction orders, criminal prosecution where authorized, nuisance abatement and civil actions.
The proposed procedures include correction periods for certain continuing building, plumbing, electrical, structural or zoning violations that do not pose an immediate health or safety danger. Unless a longer period is required by law, the correction period could not exceed 120 days. The ordinance would allow a citation recipient to request an administrative hearing within 14 days, with an advance-deposit hardship waiver available for people unable to pay the fine before a hearing. A hearing officer’s decision could be challenged through judicial review under state law.
The packet does not establish whether the council approved, amended or rejected the ordinance at the Oct. 21 meeting. It also does not identify which violations city departments are expected to enforce through the citation process or provide projected citation volume, revenue or administrative costs.
