Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
El Dorado County Municipal Code Ch. 9.56 Syringe Exchange Programs
El Dorado County Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · El Dorado County
Cite as: El Dorado County Municipal Code Chapter 9.56 · Text as of 2026-10-04
Sec. 9.56.010. - Purpose and intent.¶
The Board of Supervisors recognizes that the establishment and operation of a syringe exchange program will increase improperly disposed needles which pose a serious risk to the public health, safety and welfare, given the potential for personal bodily injury, property damage, and contaminated waterways. It is the purpose and intent of this section to prohibit the establishment, operation, use, and/or participation in a syringe exchange program within the unincorporated areas of the County to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of its residents.
(Ord. No. 5189, § 2, 12-12-2023)
Sec. 9.56.020. - Definitions.¶
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: "Syringe exchange program" means any and all needle and syringe exchange or distribution programs or projects whereby hypodermic needles and/or syringes are exchanged or dispensed such that persons participating in and/or operating such programs are exempted from criminal prosecution for acts related to the possession of needles and/or syringes.
(Ord. No. 5189, § 2, 12-12-2023)
Sec. 9.56.030. - Public nuisance.¶
It shall be unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to create, establish, operate, conduct, or participate in a syringe exchange program within the unincorporated areas of the County of El Dorado.
(Ord. No. 5189, § 2, 12-12-2023)
Sec. 9.56.040. - Enforcement.¶
A. Administrative citations. A violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute grounds for issuance of a notice of violation and assessment of an administrative fine by the County. The County's procedures on imposition of administrative fines as set forth in Chapter 9.02 of the this Code are hereby incorporated in their entirety, as modified from time to time, and shall govern the imposition, enforcement, collection, and review of administrative citations issued to enforce this chapter and any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter, except as otherwise indicated in this chapter.
B. Penalty for violation. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished according to the general penalties described in Chapter 1.24. Each person is guilty of a separate offense for every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person. The penalty shall be in addition to any civil or administrative remedy provided for by this chapter.
C. Other remedies not precluded. Nothing in this section is intended to preclude alternate enforcement mechanisms under other applicable laws. The remedies identified in this chapter are in addition to and do not supersede or limit any and all other remedies, civil or criminal, available at law or in equity.
(Ord. No. 5189, § 2, 12-12-2023)
Sec. 9.56.050. - Conformance to law.¶
The provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted in accordance with otherwise applicable State and Federal law(s) and will not apply if determined by the County to be in violation of any such law(s).
(Ord. No. 5189, § 2, 12-12-2023)
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