Section 15071.5.

(a) In lieu of any other penalty provided by this chapter, the director may levy a civil penalty against a person who violates Section 15051, 15053, or 15054, in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation.

(b) Before a civil penalty is levied, the person charged with the violation shall receive notice of the nature of the violation.

(c) Any person against whom a civil penalty is imposed pursuant to this section may appeal to the director within 10 days of the date of receiving notification of the penalty in accordance with the following procedure:

(1) The appeal shall be in writing and signed by the appellant or his or her authorized agent, and shall state the grounds for the appeal.

(2) Any party may, at the time of filing the appeal or within 10 days thereafter, submit written evidence and a written argument to the director.

(3) The director may authorize a person to present an oral argument on his or her behalf. The person shall submit a request to present an oral argument at the same time the written evidence or written arguments are submitted.

(4) If a request to present an oral argument is granted by the director, the director shall give written notice of the time and place for the oral argument not less than 10 days prior to the date set for oral argument. This time requirement may be altered by an agreement between the director and the appellant.

(5) The director shall decide the appeal on the basis of the oral or written arguments, briefs, and evidence presented to the director.

(6) The director shall render a written decision within 45 days of the date the appeal was received or within 15 days of the date of the oral argument, whichever date is later.

(7) On an appeal pursuant to this section, the director may sustain the decision, modify the amount of the penalty imposed, or reverse the decision. A copy of the director's decision shall be delivered or mailed to the appellant.

(8) The decision of the director may be reviewed pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(d) Any funds recovered by the director pursuant to this section shall be deposited in a special account in the Department of Food and Agriculture Fund and, notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, are continuously appropriated to cover costs related to the enforcement of this division.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 589, Sec. 64. Effective January 1, 1994.)