Vacant properties that have been deteriorating for years are a common sight in Oakland. Likewise, junked cars leaking oil in someone’s front yard, and businesses blasting music into the early morning hours.
When these nuisances occur, the city’s code enforcement officers can fine the violators. The fine amount, a maximum of $1,000 a day, has been the same since 1968 — until now.
On Tuesday, an update from Councilmember Zac Unger, raising the daily fine maximum to $2,500 for repeat violations, was approved by the City Council. For properties that have been declared public nuisances and have received warnings and opportunities to correct their violations, Oakland can now charge up to $10,000 a day. That means a property owner could accrue $3.65 million in fines in a year…