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Fresno County holds first reading of ordinance to curb commercial copper wire theft
Summary
The Board of Supervisors held a first reading of an ordinance making possession or transport of stripped commercial-grade wire illegal in unincorporated Fresno County, set a second hearing for April 22 and signaled coordinated enforcement with the City of Fresno.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors held a first hearing on a proposed ordinance to prohibit receipt, possession and transportation of stripped commercial-grade copper wire and other commercial metal, and set a second hearing for April 22, 2025.
The ordinance, introduced by the board’s sponsors, is aimed at addressing repeated thefts that county and city law enforcement officials say have damaged agricultural operations, businesses and infrastructure. Under the proposal, people found in violation could face civil fines and a misdemeanor charge; sponsors said penalties could include fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail for criminal cases. The ordinance sets a possession threshold (10 pounds or more) for enforcement emphasis, according to the sheriff’s office.
Supporters, including Sheriff John Zanoni and members of the sheriff’s Ag Task Force, told the board it would add a tool for deputies who frequently encounter stripped wire but often cannot prove it was stolen. Sheriff Zanoni said the measure would “give us the opportunity to seize that wire” and to cite or arrest repeat offenders, adding the measure would be “another tool in our toolbox.” Detective Isaac Torres, who investigates agricultural crimes, told the board that current law “doesn't prohibit the possession of any stripped copper cable, making prosecution almost nearly impossible.”
Sponsors and city officials said close coordination with the City of Fresno is planned so the ordinance is enforced across jurisdictional lines and does not simply push the problem from the city into unincorporated areas. Council President Mike Carbassi and other city leaders told the board the city will take similar action and intends to prosecute cases under its ordinance.
Board members debated enforcement approaches and legal risk. Some supervisors and the sheriff suggested deputies could issue citations (rather than booking suspects into jail) to reduce county liability while still seizing metal and collecting evidence, pending any formal review by the state attorney general. County counsel advised the board the draft focuses on possession and transport to reduce conflicts with state law and exemptions that protect lawful recyclers and contractors.
After public comment from farmers, industry representatives and telecom and utility officials reporting damage and outages, the board approved the first reading and directed county staff to post the required summary; a second hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2025. Supervisors also announced a noon press conference in the annex to present the ordinance to the public.
The board and law enforcement described the step as local action to address a long-standing problem that county and city stakeholders said requires broader state legislation but could not wait for Sacramento to act.
Votes at the first hearing were recorded as the motion carried; specific ordinance number and final adoption will be determined at the second hearing.
