St. Paul Proposes Charter Amendment to Implement Administrative Citations 

The City of St. Paul advanced a resolution to amend the city’s charter to allow for administrative citations to be levied as a tool for the city to address ordinance violations as a tool for code compliance and enforcement. 

Currently, the city’s enforcement options are limited. Administrative citations for issues like property negligence and wage theft offer a timely, appropriate alternative while reducing negative impacts on residents over the use of criminal citations. 

“Administrative citations offer a flexible tool to address code violations sooner, while reducing reliance on criminal penalties,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “This measure would enhance compliance in a way that prioritizes education and accountability, aligning with our vision for a more just and responsive city government.” 

Administrative citations would allow St. Paul to align with comparable cities to meet compliance. City leaders say this mechanism would include a transparent system and allow violators an opportunity for an appeal process. 

The City Council, which passed the resolution unanimously, is requesting the Charter Commission make recommendations within 60 days. If advanced to the Council by the Charter Commission, a unanimous vote of the Council is required to establish this change to the charter. The City Council must also establish an appeals hearing procedure and specify which ordinances will use administrative citations.