§ 16.04.080. Stop orders.

A. If at any time the oil services coordinator finds that any operator is violating any of the provisions of this title, which affect public health and safety, with concurrence of the D.O.G., he may issue a stop order for immediate cessation of operations. A copy of the stop order shall be served upon the operator or the operator's agent designated pursuant to Section 16.04.070(B). The operator shall immediately comply with the order of the oil services coordinator to cease and shall not resume such operations until written consent therefor by the oil services coordinator has been obtained, or unless ordered by the California Division of Oil and Gas (D.O.G.) due to special or emergency circumstances. Upon written request by the operator or a request by D.O.G., the oil services coordinator may stay compliance with the stop order until such operator has appealed the determination of the oil services coordinator.

B. Appeals.

1. Any operator may appeal the inspector's stop order to the city council by filing a written notice of the appeal with the city clerk within ten days of service of the stop order. The notice shall state all grounds for the appeal and be accompanied by an appeal fee. The city council shall, at its next regular meeting from the filing of the notice of the appeal, conduct a hearing thereon, at which the operator shall be given an opportunity to present any evidence why the stop order should be modified or vacated. The hearing may be continued by city council from time to time.

2. After receiving evidence proffered on the appeal and closing the hearing, city council shall render its decision on the appeal within thirty days. The city council may affirm, conditionally affirm, vacate, or otherwise modify any aspect of the stop order.