Frequently Asked Questions

Q.	Who's Responsible for Yard Maintenance Standards?
A.	Yard maintenance standards are the responsibility of every property owner, occupant, tenant, or resident and include the maintenance of plant material in any right-of-way abutting the property.
Q.	What are the Enforcement procedures?
A.	The city is divided into geographic areas with a Code Enforcement Officer assigned to each one. Each officer is responsible for violations occurring within their assigned area. Generally, the enforcement of codes occurs on both a reactive (complaint from a community source) and a proactive (initiated by the officer) basis. When a code violation is reported, we open a complaint and work towards resolving the violation through a process of education, inspection, and notices. Continued violations are followed by progressive enforcement. Code officers respond to complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received. A maximum of 2 days is allowed by policy for a code officer to respond to a complaint.
Q.	What is the procedure for following up on possible code violations?
A.	The Code Enforcement Officer visits the property to verify the complaint and document the violation with photographs. If a violation is found, a Notice of Violation is sent to the property owner, or in some cases a written warning is issued stating the violation and specifying how long they have to remedy the violation. The City may take immediate court action if the situation poses a significant risk to the community or if the individual has been found guilty of a similar violation within the previous 5 years. If action is not taken to remedy the violation, the case may be referred to a Code Enforcement Board for a hearing or a citation will be issued and a fine levied.
Q.	How you can help?
A.	The Code Enforcement Officer needs as much detailed information available and specifically what is on the property that would make a person believe that a violation exists. This information allows the investigator to go to the property and substantiate the complaint so that the appropriate action may be taken in an investigation. The following information is recommended when reporting a possible violation: Address of violation; If no address is visible identify by a next door or nearby address; Description of house or property: Violations suspected; Explanation of what you have seen on the property to make you believe this violation exists; and If you suspect that the address is a rental property, please specify. Please understand that while your complaint may be valid, it may not be a violation enforceable by the Codes Enforcement Division. The officer will determine if the complaint is an ordinance better served by another department and will determine the most appropriate method of gaining compliance. Follow-up contact will be provided if requested, assuming that you do not remain anonymous. If you choose to remain anonymous, you will have to contact the officer responsible for follow-up information.
Q.	What penalties result from code violations?
A.	In many cases, the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made, then the individual may be subject to fines of up to $1000.00 per day per violation for a first time offense and up to $5000.00 per day per violation for a repeat offense, and the city shall be entitled to recover all costs incurred in prosecuting the case before the board. If the board finds the violation to be irreparable or irreversible in nature, it may impose a fine up to $15,000.00 per violation.
Q.	How code compliance works?
A.	A citizen can report a complaint by calling the Code Enforcement Division at (352) 334-5030. A staff member will take information regarding, the location and nature of the violation. You can expedite the handling of your complaint by having the correct address of the property at the time of your call. You will be given a case number for your complaint so that you may call and receive updates on your complaint any time during normal business hours (Monday thur Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). The inspector assigned to the area will conduct an inspection of the property within 24 hours of your complaint. If it is determined that a violation exists, the inspector may issues a notice of violation or depending on the nature of the violation work with the individuals responsible for the property for a brief period of time to achieve compliance.
Q.	What to do if you receive a Notice of Violation?
A.	Find out how to correct the problem and do so promptly. You can ask for additional time provided you are making progress on the violations. Some problems are serious and correction must not be delayed. Remember to get proper permits that may be required for some repairs. If you are unwilling to take prompt action to correct the problems, there are several possible consequences. The City can arrange for compliance and bill the owner of the property for the cost. If legal action becomes necessary, you will be served a notice to appear before the Code Enforcement Board. You must explain your case, and ultimately correct the violations in order to avoid fines and liens. Remember: the Code Enforcement team is here to help. Working together will prevent blight in our neighborhoods and throughout the City, and further influence and enhance the quality of life in our City. You can reach the Code Enforcement Division at (352) 334-5030, during normal business hours (Monday thur Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Q.	How to check your property?
A.	Structures Repair rotted wood, broken or missing boards, siding or shingles and make all exterior parts weather tight, rodent proof and sound. Exteriors must be resistant to water and be covered with paint, siding, or be constructed of some other non-decaying material that is in good condition. Inspect: exterior walls roof parts including rafters, soffit, fascia roof covering railings on stairs, elevated landings and porches fences (should be in good repair and legal height) Keep housing safe, sanitary, in good repair and maintain a pest control program to eliminate harmful insects or rodents. Inspect both interior and exterior walls, ceilings and floors and repair any structural problem and holes that could allow access to rodents or insects. Inspect plumbing pipes and fixtures for leaks and make repairs as necessary. Check water heaters pressure temperature valves to insure functionality and that relief vents are unobstructed. Inspect electrical systems to insure proper fuse sizes, replace any cracked or missing receptacle/switch plates and repair any non-functional light fixtures. Make sure that address numbers are a minimum of 3 ½" in height and contrast with the color of the building. Check to insure garbage is properly disposed of. Inspect your yard to insure that there are no areas where stagnant water collects and breeds mosquitoes. Yard Maintenance Mow the lawn so that grass is twelve inches or less in height. Inspect to insure that debris such as plastic containers, used tires, building materials, non-operational vehicles and other materials that devalue the appearance of your yard are not present.
Q.	How to contact us?
A.	Phone:(352) 334-5030 Fax:(352) 334-2239 e-mail: codes@cityofgainesville.org