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Investigation and Notification
Information collected during investigations into code violations is public record subject to Florida Sunshine laws.
- Complaints are inspected in a timely manner, with a priority placed on those complaints most seriously related to health, safety, and welfare.
- Detailed information regarding the complaint is validated and documented with photos, and an inspection is conducted to determine next steps.
- Inspections are always made from a public right-of-way, unless permission is granted by the property owner to come onto the property.
- Inspections are conducted discreetly, keeping the property owner's privacy in mind.
- The Code Compliance Officer will determine if the complaint should be handled by another department or agency, and make the referral, if this is the case.
The Code Compliance Officer has three methods of notifying someone of a code violation: 1) Personal Contact, 2) Notice of Visit Door Hanger, and 3) Notice of Violation/Notice of Hearing Letter.
1) Personal contact - Upon validating a complaint, the Officer will reach out to the citizen to inform them of the violation and actions needed for code compliance. This could be in person, by phone, or by email, whichever is available.
2) Notice of visit door hanger - If the Officer cannot reach the owner or resident, a door hanger will be left explaining the violation, actions needed for compliance, and a time frame to contact the Officer.
3) Notice of Violation/Notice of Hearing - Upon validating a complaint and attempting personal contact and a door hanger, or non-compliance of the violation, the Officer will send the property owner a Notice of Violation/Notice of Hearing via certified mail explaining the violation, actions needed for compliance, and a time frame to contact the Officer. If the violation is not corrected within the time frame, the Officer will send the case to the Code Enforcement and Appeals Board. Please see Florida Statute 162 for more information on notice requirements.
Compliance
In order to come into compliance, a citizen, business owner, tenant, property owner, or visitormay contact the Code Compliance Officer in person, by email, or by phone to get more information regarding the code violation, the process, or to seek more time to comply.
Compliance time frames are used as a guideline and may be subject to change ifsomeone requires more time to bring the property into compliance.
- If the Officer inspects a property, and the site is in compliance, the case is closed.
- If compliance takes place after personal contact or a door hanger, the case is closed.
- If compliance takes place before the Code Enforcement and Appeals Board meets, the case may or may not be heard. If it is heard, it is up to the Board to determine guilt and whether to assess any fines.
- If a complaint reaches the Code Enforcement and Appeals Board, the Board will hear the case evidence, from both sides, determine whether or not there is a violation, and whether to assess fines and fees. If fines and fees are not paid within the specified time frame, a lien can be recorded on the property. Appeals of the Board's decision go to Circuit Court.
ALL CODE CASES THAT HAVE OUTSTANDING FEES AND/OR FINES WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL PAID IN FULL
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