Schedule Weights & Measures Inspection - Fresno Ordinance
Fresno, California businesses that use measuring devices or sell products by weight must comply with local and state weights and measures requirements. This guide explains how to schedule a weights and measures inspection, who enforces standards, what to expect during an inspection, typical violations, and the appeals process. For local enforcement, contact the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer of Weights & Measures for scheduling and compliance assistance Fresno County Sealer of Weights & Measures[1].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled locally by the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer of Weights & Measures; state standards and testing procedures are set by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) CDFA DMS[2]. Specific fine amounts and daily penalties are not consistently itemized on the cited county page; where the cited page does not list a figure, the amount is not specified on the cited page and you should contact the sealer for current schedules of civil or administrative fines.
Escalation: the county typically treats first offences, repeat offences and continuing violations differently; exact escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page. Non-monetary sanctions can include orders to repair or remove devices from service, seizure of equipment, suspension of sales, and referral to county counsel for civil or criminal proceedings. Inspection, complaint and enforcement pathways are administered by the Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer; to report a suspected violation or request inspection, use the contact link in Help and Support / Resources below or the county page cited above [1].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; contact the sealer.[1]
- Escalation: first offence, repeat or continuing offences - ranges not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repair/remove, seizure, suspension, court referral (not fully itemized on cited pages).[1]
Applications & Forms
The county sealer provides inspection scheduling and guidance; the cited county page does not publish a universal online inspection form, so scheduling is typically by phone or email through the sealer's office. If you require permits, weighmaster registration, or device registration, contact the office directly; specific form names and fees are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Common Violations
- Retail scales out of tolerance or not certified.
- Missing or expired verification seals or device registration when required.
- Inaccurate pricing by weight or insufficient disclosure of unit pricing.
- Pump meters (fuel) or delivery meters delivering short measure.
FAQ
- How do I schedule a weights and measures inspection?
- Contact the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer of Weights & Measures via the official county page to request an inspection and provide device details and business address.[1]
- Are there fees for inspections?
- Fees may apply for testing or certification of devices; specific fees are not specified on the cited county page and should be confirmed with the sealer.[1]
- Can I appeal an enforcement action?
- Yes. Appeal and review routes are managed by the enforcing agency or county hearing processes; exact time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited page—contact the sealer for deadlines and appeal forms.[1]
How-To
- Gather device details: make, model, serial number, and last verification date.
- Contact the Fresno County Sealer using the official county online contact or phone to request an inspection.[1]
- Provide business name, address, contact person, and preferred inspection times.
- Prepare the device for inspection: ensure clean access, power, and any calibration paperwork.
- If out of tolerance, follow sealer instructions for repairs, retesting, or removal from service.
- If you disagree with findings, request the sealer's appeal or review process and submit any supporting calibration records promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Fresno County Sealer to schedule inspections and confirm fees.
- Keep device records and verification seals up to date to avoid enforcement.
- Appeals are possible; ask the sealer about time limits and procedures immediately after a notice.
Help and Support / Resources
- Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer of Weights & Measures
- California Department of Food and Agriculture - Division of Measurement Standards
- City of Fresno Business License & Permits
- City of Fresno Code Enforcement