More Code (Not the DaVinci)

I have several complaints about Code Enforcement.

They do not nail the hardcore violators hard enough. These repeat offenders seen to coast on by, let go by an ineffective judge or inadequate city foreclosure program.

They do not have a very good code education program. Some people would not get code violated if they knew better or if the understood why things are done a certain way.

They do not have a good code assistance program, to help those who can't get things up to code due to health or age.

I went to the City of Tampa Code website to check on some information. I was thinking of doing a blog article listing all of the code concerns. I found a FAQ that was not very detailed. As I was poking around I wondered what other cities code department websites look like.

Here is the description paragraph for the City of Tampa:
"The Department of Code Enforcement is the City of Tampa entity responsible for enforcing Chapters 19, 20.5, and 27 of the City of Tampa Code. Infractions include, but are not limited to: zoning violations, overgrown lots or yards, inoperative vehicles, maintenance of structures, illegal signs, public nuisances, and anything else that may affect the quality of life within the boundaries of the city.

Code Enforcement responds to complaints from citizens, peer to peer groups, and other agencies. Systematic inspections are also performed throughout the city in an effort to keep developing situations from becoming worse."

The City of St. Petersburg has the Codes Compliance Assistance Division. Hmmm. The agency title gives a diffrent flavor.

"The mission of the Codes Compliance Assistance Department (CCAD) is to maintain the quality and extend the life of existing housing, to stabilize neighborhoods and to protect the public. We do this by educating property owners and enforcing the City codes, including zoning issues and housing and vegetation maintenance standards."

There is much more to there web site: “I Received a Letter…” This is good because these letters can be scary. You can search a database of complaints. This makes these Code activities more transparent. You can tell what is going on in a particular case. You can see how many complaints and address has. Why don't we have this? St. Pete has information sheets that tell you more about a particular aspect. The common questions are far more extensive.

Hillsborough County's Code website is not very impressive. Too bureacratic. Orlando's is pathetic also. Jacksonville's is worse.

I wonder what city in the US or Florida has the best Code program?

I typed in Code Enforcement in Yahoo and the #1 spot was San Jose, California. Very good site.


** 5/16/06 Addition. Received this email:

"The often forgotten Temple Terrace has the best code enforcement and compliance in the area. You can cross the Tampa city line into Temple Terrace and see a marked difference. Likewise when you cross the county line into Temple Terrace it’s like night and day. Temple Terrace code enforcement is proactive rather than reactive as is Tampa and Hillsborough County. The City of Tampa should really model their code enforcement program after Temple Terrace. I agree the city is in need of a change in the Code Enforcement Dept. The city and county complain that they don’t have the legal ability or the teeth in the laws to really crack down however Temple Terrace has proven it can be done. You would be surprised to learn that it is easier for the city to have a house demolished than it is to foreclose on the property."

Here is their website.

In this spirit, how could Tampa Code Enforcement be improved? What positive suggestions does we have?