Code Enforcement
A unit of Development Services
Our Mission:
To promote community awareness of and facilitate voluntary compliance with city municipal codes to enhance the quality of life and foster civic pride.
Be a Partner:
You can make the City of Venice a better place to live, learn, work and play by following these steps to resolve code enforcement violations in your neighborhood.
- File a complaint. Please provide detailed information, including exact address or location and a complete description of the violation.
- Use the online form to report a code violation, or you can call Code Enforcement at (941) 486-2626 ext. 22010 or ext. 22007 weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm.
- Get involved in the code enforcement process by educating yourself on the content and application of the enforcement codes
Code Enforcement:
Charged with the basic responsibility of education and notification, code enforcement seeks voluntary compliance of city codes which are baselines of minimum expectation for the maintenance of the community and environment.
Code enforcement strives to provide a clear systematic and consistent process for the investigation, notification and conformance of city code. Phone: (941) 486-2626 ext. 22007 or 22010.
Who to Contact:
Phone Code Enforcement: (941) 486 2626 ext. 22007 or 22010
Link to: Complaint Form
Mailing Address: City of Venice, FL 401 W. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34285
Location: Code Enforcement is located at City Hall in the Building Department on the first floor in the center of the building.
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
After Hours: City of Venice Police Department: (941) 486-2444
What Code Enforcement is responsible for:
Violation of City of Venice code of ordinances
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Compliance of zoning laws
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Enforcement of Sign Ordinances
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Obstructions on city property or city right-of-way
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Overgrown vegetation
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Trash
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Unlicensed inoperative vehicles
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Yard waste
What Code Enforcement is NOT responsible for:
For complaints related to: |
Please call: |
| Animal Control |
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department:
(941) 861-9500 |
| Building Constructions |
City of Venice Building Department :
(941) 486-2626 ext. 22002 |
| Building Permits |
City of Venice Building Department :(941) 486-2626 ext. 22003 |
| Disposal of old appliances and electronics |
City of Venice Public Works Department:
(941) 486-2422 |
| Dust |
City of Venice Stormwater Supervisor:
(941) 480-3194 |
| Graffiti Report |
City of Venice Police Department:
(941) 486-2444 |
| Local Business Tax Receipt (FKA: Occupational License) |
City of Venice Planning & Zoning Department:
(941) 486-2626, ext. 28004 |
| Mosquitoes |
Sarasota County Mosquito Control:
(941) 861-5000 |
| Signs Permit |
City of Venice Planning & Zoning Department:
(941) 486-2626, ext. 28004 |
| Traffic |
City of Venice Police Department:
(941) 486-2444 |
| Water Restrictions |
City of Venice Police Department:
(941) 486-2444 |
| Yard Waste |
City of Venice Public Works Department:
(941) 486-2422 |
How does Code Enforcement Work?
Effective code enforcement can have a major influence on the safety of the City and its citizens. Safety is the primary concern.
Citizens are normally unaware of proper code compliance.
When a code violation is reported, a complaint is opened and inspectors try to resolve the violation through a process of education, inspection and notices. Continued violations are followed by progressive enforcement. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given a top priority.
Complaints
Complaint driven process:
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A complaint may be received from a concerned person via phone, e-mail, letter or in person. To remain anonymous please use the on-line complaint form.
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As much detailed information as available should be supplied at the time of complaint submission:
- Address of property
- If no address is available – identify by a nearby address
- Description of property
- Suspected violations
- Where suspect violation is located on the property
3. 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.
Investigation
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Information collected during an on-going investigation is public record in compliance with Florida records management laws.
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Detailed information regarding the complaint is verified and documented (with pictures if necessary) and an inspection of the property is conducted to determine if a compliance request should be issued.
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Complaints are inspected in a timely manner, with consideration of seriousness of the violation from a health, safety and welfare standpoint.
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Inspection is made from the public right-of-way, or on private property with the permission of the owner, and findings from the inspection are noted.
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Inspections are conducted discreetly and with respect for the property and privacy of others.
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The inspector will determine if the complaint is a situation better addressed by another department and, if so, refer the issue to the most appropriate department.
| Notification: The two approaches for notification of violation are Municipal Code Enforcement Board action and citation. |
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Code Board |
Citation |
| Verbal: Visit to Educate |
- Upon verification, a code enforcement inspector will inform the citizen of the violation.
- The violation and actions needed for code compliance will be explained.
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- Upon verification, a code enforcement inspector will inform the citizen of the violation.
- The violation and actions needed for code compliance will be explained.
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| Written: |
A notice of violation (NOV) will be sent to the alleged violator serving as a warning and citing applicable code sections. |
If non-compliance is found, a written warning is issued with violator signing a receipt of written warning. |
- 2007 Florida Statues: 162.12 Notices
(1) All notices required by this part shall be provided to the alleged violator by:
(a) Certified mail, return receipt requested, provided if such notice is sent under this paragraph to the owner of the property in question at the address listed in the tax collector's office for tax notices, and at any other address provided to the local government by such owner and is returned as unclaimed or refused, notice may be provided by posting as described in subparagraphs (2)(b)1. and 2. and by first class mail directed to the addresses furnished to the local government with a properly executed proof of mailing or affidavit confirming the first class mailing;
(b) Hand delivery by the sheriff or other law enforcement officer, code inspector, or other person designated by the local governing body;
(c) Leaving the notice at the violator's usual place of residence with any person residing therein who is above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents of the notice; or
(d) In the case of commercial premises, leaving the notice with the manager or other person in charge.
- As an alternative or in addition to certified mail, a notice may be published (once during each week for 4 consecutive weeks) in a newspaper having general circulation in the city.
- 2007 Florida Statues: 162.12 Notices
Proof of publication shall be made as provided in ss. 50.041 and 50.051.
(b), 1. In lieu of publication as described in paragraph (a), such notice may be posted at least 10 days prior to the hearing, or prior to the expiration of any deadline contained in the notice, in at least two locations, one of which shall be the property upon which the violation is alleged to exist and the other of which shall be, in the case of municipalities, at the primary municipal government office, and in the case of counties, at the front door of the courthouse or the main county governmental center in said county.
2. Proof of posting shall be by affidavit of the person posting the notice, which affidavit shall include a copy of the notice posted and the date and places of its posting.
The notice, whether mailed or published shall advise the property owner of the violation. |
Compliance: |
Code Board |
Citation |
The citizen may contact the inspector in person or by phone for further information regarding the city code, the enforcement process, or to seek an extension on the compliance date. |
The citizen may contact the inspector in person or by phone for further information regarding the city code, the enforcement process, or to seek an extension on the compliance date. |
Compliance dates are used as a guide and may be subject to change if the citizen requires additional time to bring the property into compliance. |
Compliance dates are used as a guide and may be subject to change if the citizen requires additional time to bring the property into compliance. |
| Upon inspection, if the site is in compliance, the case is closed. |
No further action if compliance is met within specified time. |
If compliance is not met within specified time: a hearing will be set with the Municipal Code Enforcement Board for a verdict and possible fine. |
If compliance is not met: the violator will receive a citation ticket with a fine. Non-payment of a fine is referred to circuit court, |
If compliance takes place before the board meets, the case is heard, guilt is determined but the fine may be waived. Repeat offender status is assigned if found guilty. |
The violator will pay the circuit court fine,
or |
Appeal to city council |
N/A |
Appeal to circuit court |
Appeal to circuit court |
Court order |
Court order |
The goal of code enforcement is compliance, not punishment. |
The goal of code enforcement is compliance, not punishment. |
Historically, only 10-15 percent of all code enforcement issues require Municipal Code Enforcement Board or circuit court action. Cooperative efforts by violators and city staff result in resolution of 85-90 percent of the cases.
The Code Enforcement
Neighborhood Enhancement Team
Nancy Woodley, PH.D., P.E., General Manager of Development Services/City Engineer
Hans Behrens, CBO, Building & Code Enforcement Director
John Patek, Certified Code Enforcement Inspector
Pat Stuehler, Certified Code Enforcement Inspector
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