Violations of this chapter may be prosecuted as misdemeanors punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or by both fine and imprisonment. At the discretion of the charging officer and/or city attorney, violations of this chapter may also be charged as infractions as defined in Section 19(c) of the California Penal Code. Violations charged as infractions shall not be subject to imprisonment and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each offense. If a peace officer or code enforcement officer elects to charge a violation of this chapter as a criminal violation, such officer shall issue a criminal citation with a notice to appear, signed by the alleged violator. Alternatively, the city attorney may prosecute violations of this chapter by filing a criminal complaint. (Ord. 2727 NCS §3 (part), 2020.)