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Code Enforcement Division

The Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department is committed to the effective enforcement of the City’s codes and ordinances affecting the use and maintenance of private property throughout the City. Our objective is to secure voluntary compliance whenever possible; only resorting to a judicial proceeding when necessary to abate the violation to the  minimum standards. With the cooperation of all property owners, businesses, and residents, we can ensure that our quality of life is maintained at a high level, and that the actions of a few will not negatively impact the value of our property. 

General Information Codes and Regulations Code Enforcement Documents
How do I report a possible code violation? Property Maintenance Inspections and Common Violations Magistrate Agendas and Minutes
What happens after a possible code violation is reported? Code Enforcement Regulations Archived Code Enforcement Board Agendas and Minutes (Available Upon Request)
Can I remove a tree from my property? Land Development Code (Zoning)

2015 International Property Maintenance Code

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) Special Magistrate

 

How Do I Report a Possible Code Violation?

  • To report a possible code violation please call (904)247-6284, visit our office, or send us an e-mail request.
  • To report unregistered short-term rental units and filing noise, parking, trash, and other nuisance complaints related to short-term rental properties, please call the 24/7 Hotline provided by Host Compliance, LLC. at 904-204-2525 or online.

What Happens After A Possible Code Violation Is Reported?

  • A code enforcement inspector will inspect the property and determine if a violation exists.
  • If a violation exists, the property owner may be contacted, but is most likely sent a notice of violation via USPS Certified Mail.  The notice of violation contains the specific code section and the nature of the violation, and a reasonable time period to correct the violation.
  • If the violation is not corrected, the violation may be referred to the Special Magistrate for a hearing.
  • The Special Magistrate will hear testimony from the City and the property owner, and determine if, in fact, a violation exists.
  • If the Special Magistrate finds the property owner is in violation of City Ordinances, an order may be issued and/or a fine imposed upon the property owner of record.

Can I Remove A Tree From My Property?

Many types of trees within our city are protected and cannot be removed without a permit. It pays to check first. A fine can be assessed for removing a protected tree without a permit.  Unless specifically listed as an "unprotected tree", any tree that has a diameter of six (6) inches or more is protected and may not be removed except as provided in Section 34-425 of the Land Development Code.  To remove a protected tree, please submit a tree removal application to our department for review.  If the proposed tree meets the criteria for removal, a tree removal permit will be issued accordingly.

Property Maintenance Inspections

The Code Enforcement Division enforces the City's property maintenance codes throughout the City limits.  The codes apply to both developed and undeveloped properties.  When a violation is found, a notice is issued to the property owner of record who is allowed a reasonable time, depending on the severity of the violation, to correct the violation.  If voluntary compliance is not achieved, the violation may be referred to the Special Magistrate for a hearing, finding of violation, and an order directing the abatement of the nuisance.  Failure to correct the violation may result in a fine of upto $250 per day while in violation.

Common Violations

Junked or Inoperable Vehicle (Chapter 14, City Code)

  

Overgrown Vegetation (Chapter 19, City Code)

  

Snipe or Bandit Signs (Chapter 34, City Code)

  

Accumulation of Trash and Junk (Chapter 19, City Code)

  

Parking of Heavy Vehicles in Residential Areas (Chapter 34, City Code)

  

 

Code Enforcement Regulations