No mask? $100 fine — Sonoma County adds teeth to health rules

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today approved a code enforcement ordinance that allows for citations — ranging from $100 for individuals up to $10,000 for businesses — for violating Covid-19 health orders.

The ordinance, “to encourage public compliance” with existing rules, was approved unanimously. It takes effect immediately.

“We have seen a need for more enforcement options to deal with the small number of folks who are willfully disregarding the order,” said Board Chair Susan Gorin. “This ordinance will help address this issue in our community.”

Individuals can be fined a flat fee of $100 for such infractions as failing to wear facial coverings, not practicing safe social distancing when in public, and hosting gatherings of more than 12 people who aren’t sheltering in the same household.

People can be fined if their place of business violates COVID-19 safety protocols. Fines for restaurants, bars, and stores start at $1,000. A commercial violation is subject to a civil penalty of $5,000 for a second violation.

Law enforcement and community officials from incorporated cities in Sonoma County have indicated that they intend to assist in enforcing the citations or adopt similar ordinances.

The County has created a hotline 1-833-SAFE707 (1-833-723-3707) that will allow the public to report infractions. The public also can register complaints by sending emails to safe707@sonoma-county.org.

The ordinance allows government employees outside of law enforcement, such as code enforcement officers and park rangers, to issue citations.

With approval of the ordinance, Sonoma County now aligns with neighboring jurisdictions including Marin, Mendocino and Napa counties, which have similar enforcement measures in place.

Gorin said that most people are following the health orders. “Our goal is to prioritize education and outreach before fines.”

Custom masks.