The City's desire is to strengthen and streamline the Code Compliance process in order to both improve neighborhoods and increase property values. To this end, the respective Ordinance will serve  to repeal the existing Code Compliance process and replace it with a revised process, which focuses on new notification procedures and timeframes, as well as the procedures associated with full and partial lien releases for homestead and non-homestead properties. 

The City Council had historically workshopped the subject Code Compliance Ordinance Amendment proposal during two previous City Council Meetings that were held on January 11, 2020 and February 5, 2020.  In response to Council’s directions provided during both meetings, staff is presenting first reading of this Ordinance for City Council’s consideration at this time.  In concert, a companion Resolution to establish code compliance administrative fees, application fees for lien reductions and releases, and the creation of a "Property Improvement" account is anticipated to be presented to the Council on the same meeting as the second reading of the subject Ordinance.

The recommended Property Improvement Program will receive five percent (5%) of code compliance violations. This money will then be reinvested into the community by way of property improvement grants, neighborhood beautification initiatives, and similar programs that will be established by the City in the future. Potential eligible activities will include, but are not limited to, yard improvements, house painting, and minor structural improvements.