Code Enforcement

DUNNELLON CODE ENFORCEMENT

Dunnellon Community Development Department has a division called Code Enforcement, which enforces laws that prohibit the existence of conditions deemed to be a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare.

This information is designed to answer some of the most frequent questions that citizens ask about City codes and the process for correcting violations.

Ordinances include weed and grass control, trash and rubbish accumulation, disposal methods, dismantled or inoperable vehicles, non-permitted structures and buildings, commercial vehicle parking, businesses in residences, right-of-way obstructions, and setback violations, nuisance structures, property maintenance issues.

HOW SERVICE IS PROVIDED

The Code Enforcement officer will observe for violations and respond to citizen reports of violation.  When a citizen reports a violation to the Code Enforcement office, a staff member takes the name of the caller, location, and nature of the violation.  Anonymous complaints are not considered legally acceptable.  The Code Enforcement officer will conduct an inspection of the property.  If it is determined a violation exists, the officer issues the property owner a Notice to Comply.  The Notice to Comply gives the individual a specified number of days, up to 30 days, to correct the problem.  When that time has passed, the property is re-inspected.  If the violation has not been corrected, a Notice of Violation will be issued.  The Notice of Violation gives the individual a specified number of days, up to 30 days, to correct the problem.  When that time has passed, the property is re-inspected.  If the violation has not been corrected, a Notice to Appear at a hearing in front of the Special Magistrate is issued.  

The City also has the authority to have the violation corrected when it involves removal of debris or lot mowing.  If it becomes necessary for the City to bring the property into compliance, the cost of the work, including administrative costs, will be imposed as a claim against the property.  If the bill remains unpaid for thirty (30) days after billing, a lien will be imposed on the property.