City official in Grand Rapids, Mich., are considering changing building code violations from criminal misdemeanors to civil infraction tickets for the first three violations.

The move would apply to general building code regulations, as well as all plumbing, electrical and mechanical requirements.

The city would retain its ability to issue a misdemeanor complaint for the fourth and fifth violations which would carry a fine not more than $500 and/or a maximum jail time of 90 days.

The city’s inspections department believes the change would have a positive impact on code compliance.

More details here.

Source: MLive