Code Enforcement enhances quality of life and economy

From Bryan Nelson - Orange County Commissioner of District 2

Orange County Code Enforcement is a Division of the Community, Environmental and Development Services Department. It employs over 50 individuals who are charged with investigating and prosecuting violations of Orange County Codes governing street signage, nuisances such as junk vehicles and overgrown lots, enforcing housing quality standards, adult entertainment, residential and commercial zoning. The mission of Code Enforcement Division is to enhance the quality of life and economy of Orange County by enforcing regulations that preserve and protect neighborhoods. The Division also promotes voluntary compliance by establishing partnerships with citizens, community groups, and other agencies.

Commissioner Bryan Nelson

One of the most visible areas of Code Enforcement’s work can be seen in their constant monitoring of existing commercial signage as well as the removal of over 100,000 illegal signs yearly. Private signs may never be placed within the public right-of-ways unless approved by Orange County. Signs may be removed without warning by County workers and those placing such signs are subject to fines. Temporary weekend directional signs for events such as a garage sales, moving sales, or real estate open houses may only be placed within public rights-of-way or upon any public property with a permit from the Zoning Division. Garage sales are allowed in residential zoning districts with the proper zoning permit. Sales are limited to two per year.

Lot cleaning generally refers to the removal of excess vegetation, cutting grass or weeds over 18 inches in height and the removal of accumulated trash, junk or debris. If the owner of a property that has received a code violation notice within 15 days and does not take the necessary remedial actions, then a contractor is directed to clean the lot with the bill being passed onto the owner. The penalty can be as much as $200 per violation.

The removal of junk vehicles is also a prominent part of Code Enforcement’s day-to-day responsibilities. In order to avoid such infractions, your vehicle(s) should remain licensed and operable at all times. However, if you do happen to have a disabled vehicle, it can be placed inside a garage or under a carport with a car cover.

Code Enforcement also ensures that all new structures or those undergoing retrofitting are up to code. No building or structure may be erected, altered or enlarged without first obtaining the necessary building permit and approval of the Zoning Division. Housing and accessory structures are required to have functioning Exterior walls, Foundations, Roofs, Windows, Doors, Sanitary drainage, Electrical, and running water. Graffiti removal is also a priority for the division. Code Enforcement first documents this criminal activity and then paints over it.

These services represent only a handful of the myriad of the ordinances Code Enforcement is responsible for enforcing on a daily basis. They truly represent one of the first lines of defense when it comes to keeping our local communities safer, healthier and generally more enjoyable to live in.

For more information regarding the Code Environment Division or to file a complaint, please visit: http://www.ocfl.net/CodeEnforcement. Code Enforcement call also be contacted at (407) 836-3111 or emailed at governmentinformation@ocfl.net. Additionally, they can be reached via phone through the Orange County General Information phone line at 311.