REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 9, 2022
FROM
LEONARD X. HERNANDEZ, Chief Executive Officer, County Administrative Office
SUBJECT
Title
Introduction of an Ordinance Amending the San Bernardino County Code Relating to Unlawful Possession of a Catalytic Converter
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Consider proposed ordinance relating to unlawful possession of a catalytic converter.
2. Make alterations, if necessary, to proposed ordinance.
3. Approve introduction of proposed ordinance.
• An ordinance of San Bernardino County, State of California, to add Chapter 16 to Division 7 of Title 2 of the San Bernardino County Code, relating to unlawful possession of a catalytic converter.
4. SCHEDULE ORDINANCE FOR FINAL ADOPTION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2022, on the Consent Calendar.
(Presenter: Leonard X. Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer, 387-4811)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of the County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Funds collected from fines would be used to offset the cost of Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator enforcement efforts related to catalytic converter theft.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Ordinance proposes to add Chapter 16 to Division 7 of Title 2 of the San Bernardino County Code relating to unlawful possession of a catalytic converter. Persons unable to provide lawful proof of ownership (as outlined in the Ordinance), may be subject to a misdemeanor conviction with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months imprisonment in the county jail for each separate violation, as enforced by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Due to the increase in the number of catalytic converter thefts throughout San Bernardino County, an Ordinance has been drafted to provide clear accountability for those in unlawful possession of catalytic converters. Catalytic converters can be stolen quickly from a vehicle, with minimal skill, by using a common reciprocal saw. Once removed, the vehicle is inoperable and is subject to costly repairs, often in the thousands of dollars. Under current law, there are limited legal consequences for this type of theft, therefore, an ordinance is needed to provide sanctions for possession of stolen catalytic converters.
The proposed Ordinance defines unlawful possession of a catalytic converter and requires valid documentation when the part is not attached to a vehicle. Valid proof is outlined in the Code and requires documentation containing all of the following:
• Vehicle License Plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the vehicle
• Signature of the owner authorizing removal of the catalytic converter
• Name, address, and phone number of the current owner of the catalytic converter
For removed catalytic converters staying in possession of the current owner, the following documentation is required:
• Proof of Ownership of the vehicle
• Valid receipt for the replacement catalytic converter
• Proof of installation for the replacement catalytic converter
The effective date of the proposed Ordinance will be 30 days from the date of adoption.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Julie Surber, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on July 18, 2022; Finance (Erika Rodarte, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) on July 20, 2022; and County Finance and Administration (Robert Saldana, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-4342) on July 20, 2022.