Skip Margerum

Community Enhancement Manager

Peter Schwarz, AICP

The Community Enhancement Division is providing an update on the following major initiatives:

• Landscape Initiative: This Initiative focuses on ensuring properties along the City's major corridors are compliant with their original Landscape Plans.

• Lien Compliance Initiative: The purpose of this Initiative is to contact commercial and residential property owners which have code violations, fines and liens, assist them in resolving the code violations, and settle the outstanding liens.
  
  
• Commercial Outdoor Storage: On September 6, 2017, the City Commission enacted an Ordinance establishing standards for outdoor storage, fencing, and screening of outdoor storage areas on commercial properties. The Ordinance became effective on July 3, 2020. Once adopted, staff provided information on the requirements and the City's incentive program which were approved by the City Commission, to all businesses affected by this Ordinance.

• Plastic Straw Ordinance: On October 16, 2019, the City Commission adopted an Ordinance prohibiting the distribution and sale of Single-Use Plastic Straws. The Ordinance allowed for a six (6) month period between adoption and enforcement. 

• Residential Neighborhood Code Compliance Initiative: On August 10, 2021, the Community Enhancement Division started a new residential neighborhood code compliance initiative, which began in the southwest area of the city, including the Lakeside neighborhood. The residential neighborhood code compliance initiative will focus on different areas and neighborhoods throughout the city in the coming months.

Landscape Initiative Update

The Landscape Initiative originally cited 120 properties that were not compliant with the City Ordinances.  The Community Enhancement Division, working with the property owners were able to bring 116 properties into voluntary compliance, and the cases were closed.  Since the last update 3 properties became non-compliant and have been readdressed.  There are currently 4 properties not in compliance, two are working towards compliance, two have been brought before the Special Magistrate and one of those is accruing fines.

Lien Compliance Initiative Update

This Quarter 5 liens were settled totaling $47,326.50 Staff in partnership with Orange Lien Data are diligently working with property owners towards compliance and settlement of code enforcement liens. There is approximately $22,493,364 in liens still outstanding, this is average for a city of our population. 

In March of 2021 the City entered into an agreement with PropLogix which recently purchased  Orange Lien Data, they will continue to assist the City with code enforcement lien settlements. This Division will continue to work with the public and PropLogix to reduce the unsettled liens.  Working with the Business Regulatory Unit Community Enhancement is notifying Businesses that have not renewed their Business Tax.

Commercial Outdoor Storage Update

The Ordinance establishing standards for outside storage and fencing of commercial and industrial properties went into effect on July 3, 2020, staff identified 210 businesses that required compliance with the new Outdoor Storage Ordinance.

The Community Enhancement Division collaborated with owners of 167 properties that have complied, leaving 43 properties left to comply.  Due to Covid-19 and the business decline, only 13 businesses are currently cited for the outside storage violations.  These 13 were the most egregious violations and did not want to work with this Department.  The remaining 30 uncited properties are receiving more time and being closely monitored until compliance has been achieved.   If a change in Covid-19 or a change in property conditions occurs these properties will be cited if not in compliance.

Plastic Straw Ordinance Update:

Staff inspected one hundred forty-seven (147) businesses within the City that utilized or sold Single-Use Plastic Straws. Staff informed the businesses of the new Ordinance and provided flyers informing them of the prohibitions on plastic straws and the environmental damage caused by their use.  Staff has provided information on the environmental concerns which prompted the Ordinance and requirements to meet compliance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic concerns, staff will continue to work with the business owners to achieve compliance with the new Ordinance prohibiting Single-Use Plastic Straws. 

Residential Neighborhood Code Compliance Initiative Update:

On August 10, 2021, the Community Enhancement Division began this initiative in the southwest area of the city, including the Lakeside neighborhood. During this ongoing project, the Division will work with the residents to achieve compliance with the City code of ordinances.  

In the residential area east of 21 Avenue, Community Enhancement Officers went property to property and approximately 61% of the properties were issued a Courtesy notice or Notice of Violation. This represents 56 properties east of NW 21 Avenue.   

Staff provided courtesy notices for all first offenses, with explanations and assistance in bringing minor code violations into compliance. Open and existing cases will be processed as appropriate per the City Code of Ordinances.

The properties were cited for various reasons including but not limited to, commercial vehicle parking, trash and debris, non-compliant fencing, disabled vehicles, and overgrowth. These properties were given a reasonable time to comply, and the Division is working with the owners to bring their properties into compliance. The owners will be brought before the Special Magistrate if necessary.

The Community Enhancement Division is in the process of completing the residential area west of NW 21 Avenue.    

This model of enforcement will be continued in the other areas of the City as necessary.