Growth Management Department

Report Code Violations

Code Enforcement

call 941-743-1247, or email

More information and FAQs about Code Compliance.
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License Investigation and Building Code Enforcement

  • Building Code Violations
  • Contractor Licensing Complaints
  • Un-Permitted Work

call 941-743-1921, or email

 

More Information about the Code Compliance Division - Code Enforcement

The goal of Code Compliance is compliance with the laws. The most preferred method is voluntary compliance.  All of the division’s efforts are focused on that issue. The “laws” for the purposes of this Division are Chapter 3-9 Zoning Regulations of the Charlotte County Code of Laws and Ordinances and certain Florida Statutes.  The division has the ability to issue citations and present violations to the Code Enforcement Board (CEB). The CEB hears the case in a “quasi-judicial” process and then determines if the violation exists. They can also assess fines and recommend that liens be placed based on their determinations.

Code Compliance deals with all aspects of residential and commercial zoning compliance. Most of our work is derived from violations on private properties. Some zoning code issues addressed are; junk like conditions, abandoned motor vehicles, abandoned water craft, tall grass, setback requirements, permitting requirements, fence inspections, landscape inspections (commercial and residential), sign inspections, commercial changes of occupancy, verifying home occupations, and much more.
 
Code Compliance must adhere to Florida Statutes requiring “due process”. Time delays occur while certified mail is being delivered or, in the event of a “missing” property owner, properties are posted with a notice of a CEB hearing.  During these delays, it is possible that nothing will occur at the location of the violation.  It may appear that Code Compliance is taking no action and that would not be the case. The Division minimizes this perception by staying in touch with the complainant whenever practicable and keeping the office staff current on the progress of all cases.  Feel free to call the office to check on the progress of a case.

EVERY VALID CODE COMPLAINT WILL BE INVESTIGATED!

COMMONLY ASKED GENERAL QUESTIONS:

  • Who can report a violation?
    ANYONE can report what they believe is a Code violation by calling 743-1247.
  • What if I see a violation over the weekend?
    Code Compliance Officers generally work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Evening or weekend schedules are adjusted based on need. However, you can leave a message concerning a violation at 743-1247 and this line is available 24/7.
  • Q. Do I have to identify myself when I report a violation?
    No, the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners has directed our office to accept anonymous complaints. Simply call 743-1247 and indicate that you wish to file a complaint and state that you want to remain anonymous. If you do identify yourself and indicate that you would like the inspector to call you back with their findings, you should be aware that, in the event anyone asked, the Florida Sunshine Law mandates that we must reveal who the complainant if we have that information.
  • I have always heard that if the matter should go to court, the accused has the right to face their accuser, would I have to appear in court to testify?
    When the complaint is received, an inspector will be assigned to investigate the report. If there is no violation, the complaint is cleared. If a violation is confirmed, the County becomes the accuser, and our office will take the appropriate action.  Should you wish to testify, you have that option.
  • Are commercial trucks allowed to be parked in a residential area overnight?
    Yes, just because there is commercial advertising on the side of the truck that does not prohibit the truck from being parked overnight in a residential district. There are other requirements that come into play such as the truck cannot be unloaded, and business related materials cannot be stored at the residential property.
  • Q. Does that mean any truck can be parked in a residential area, anytime?
    No, quite to the contrary, the Code specifically prohibits storage of trucks and trailers which have tandem axels or two rear wheels per side on public rights-of-way or on private property in specific residential zoning districts.
  • Are there any exceptions which would allow a dual wheel truck to be parked overnight in a residential area?
    Yes, there are several exceptions which would allow a vehicle as described above to be parked on a residential lot overnight:

    1. Pickup trucks of a one ton capacity and two rear wheels per side provided that said vehicle is owned by an occupant of the premises. Basically what this is saying is that the truck cannot be a company-owned truck.
    2. Tow trucks are permitted in residential districts provided the truck is owned and operated by a company or individual on a rotational list maintained by the Florida Highway Patrol or a local law enforcement agency and only when the operator is present on the premises.
    3. Service and delivery vehicles while engaged in the loading, unloading or servicing on the premises.

  • If friends visit me, can they stay in their motor home while they are here?
    No. Recreational vehicles, including motor homes, used for temporary living purposes shall be allowed only in recreational vehicle parks. Your guests may park on your lot, however, they must stay with you in the house or obtain some other accommodations such as a motel.

EXAMPLES OF CODE VIOLATIONS:

Abandoned vehicles. “Section 3-9-61. Abandoned vehicles (a) Vehicles and trailers which are unlicensed or which by outward appearance are not operable and which remain … for a period of 10 days shall be prohibited unless within a carport or garage…” That section goes on to say that a single unlicensed vehicle which appears operable and which is parked in the driveway of the developed lot is not a violation.  When we receive a call about multiple vehicles at a house, we explain the Code pertaining to unlicensed vehicles and ask if the vehicles are licensed.  Quite often the caller does not know if the vehicles are licensed. When the inspector goes to the property, he or she will be checking for unlicensed/inoperative vehicles, among other things.  No inoperative vehicles are allowed on the property. There is no limit to the number of licensed vehicles which may be on a property.  Neither is there any regulation pertaining to the where the licensed vehicles may be stored on the property.

High grass. Section 2-5-72 of the Code states: “(a) No owner of a developed lot shall permit, allow or maintain excessive growth on said developed lot.  Excessive growth shall mean any growth of weed or grass that exceeds twelve (12) inches in height and covers more than 50% of the mowable lot.”  Many people file complaints of high grass based on perception as it relates to how they maintain their own property. A meticulously cared for lawn is beautiful to behold, but it must be remembered that perception is not an element of this code. When Code Inspectors respond to a complaint of high grass, they will be enforcing the standard, not as a comparison to the neighbors’ yards.