Ord 2024-002 Catalytic Converter

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IN THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LEANDRO ORDINANCE NO. 2024-002 ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 4-43 “PROHIBITION OF UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS” TO TITLE 4 “PUBLIC WELFARE” OF THE SAN LEANDRO MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WHEREAS, the external location of catalytic converters and the use of valuable precious metals including rhodium, palladium, and platinum in catalytic converters makes these devices a target for thieves; and WHEREAS, California is listed as one of the top five states for catalytic converter thefts; and WHEREAS, in San Leandro, there were 178 reported catalytic converters stolen in 2020; 482 in 2021; 595 in 2022; and 302 in 2023; and WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Council in enacting this ordinance to curb the theft of catalytic converters throughout San Leandro; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that it is within the City's police powers to implement and enforce the provisions of this ordinance. NOW THEREFORE, the City of San Leandro City Council does ORDAIN as follows: SECTION 1. RECITALS. The above recitals are true and correct and when applicable, incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 2. ORDINANCE. That a new Chapter 4-43 entitled “Prohibition of Unlawful Possession of Catalytic Converters” is added to Title 4 “Public Welfare” of the City of San Leandro Municipal Code to read as follows: Chapter 4-43 Prohibition of Unlawful Possession of Catalytic Converters Article 1 Definitions 4-43-100 Catalytic Converter “Catalytic converter” means any exhaust emission control device, or portion thereof, that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants. 4-43-110 Documentation or Other Proof “Documentation or other proof” means written document(s) clearly identifying the vehicle from which the catalytic converter originated based on the totality of the circumstances, and includes, but is not limited to, the following types of documents: Bill of sale from the original owner with photographs. Documentation from an auto-body shop proving that the owner relinquished the catalytic converter to the auto- body shop.