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McFarland council introduces ordinance to criminalize unauthorized hydrant use, meter tampering under SB 394 framework
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance No. 3-2026 to add code sections addressing water theft, meter tampering and unauthorized hydrant connections, implementing graduated administrative penalties in line with California Senate Bill 394.
City staff presented Ordinance No. 3-2026, citing California Senate Bill 394 as the model for a graduated enforcement framework addressing unauthorized hydrant use, meter tampering and other water-system violations. Staff said the proposed code updates allow administrative civil penalties scaled to the violation: examples mentioned included a $130 penalty for a first meter-tampering offense, $700 for a second violation within a year, and $1,300 for subsequent violations.
Staff said SB 394 gives local agencies tools for proportionate civil enforcement to protect water pressure and system integrity; the ordinance would add code sections and staff recommended waiving first reading and scheduling a second reading and adoption at the next regular council meeting. Council members expressed support and the motion to waive first reading passed by roll call.
"This ordinance stems from the California senate bill 394, which was signed into law in October 2025," staff said during the presentation; staff added the ordinance would not impose immediate financial impact and recommended return for adoption at a later meeting.
