CA AB2164

Allows local agencies to impose immediate administrative fines or penalties for violations of building, plumbing, electrical, structural, health and safety, or zoning requirements related to illegal cannabis cultivation, without requiring a correction period.

Exception: Immediate fines do not apply if a tenant is cultivating cannabis illegally and the property owner/agent can prove the lease prohibits cultivation and they had no actual notice of the illegal activity.

In cases involving rental properties with tenants, property owners/agents must still be given a reasonable correction period if they can provide evidence of a lease prohibition on cannabis cultivation and demonstrate lack of knowledge about the illegal growing.

Establishes that persons contesting a local agency's final administrative order may appeal to superior court within 20 days and receive a de novo hearing, with the appeal filed as a limited civil case.

Specifies that if the court rules in favor of the appellant, the local agency must reimburse the appeal filing fee and refund any deposited fines or penalties; if the court rules against the appellant, the local agency may proceed with collection.