Code Enforcement has changed the way it does business– the key is to be proactive.

The first change for the department was the City Council wanted a Code Enforcement Officer that would interact with the residents and be proactive in bringing the community into compliance with the City’s Code of Ordinances;

Next the city was divided into four areas, so the Code Enforcement Officer could perform weekly inspections.  These inspections are vital in ensuring the residential and commercial areas stay in compliance with the Code of Ordinances.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the City of Keystone Heights Code Enforcement Department is to provide a service that would protect the city and it’s residents from hazardous situations. Residential and commercial properties are maintained to keep the property values up and so that our residents can maintain a high quality of life in the community as a whole.

The Road to Compliance                              

STEP 1
FIRST INSPECTION
Every parcel is systematically inspected.
Any violations found are entered into the system and photo evidence is taken. A courtesy letter is sent out in an effort to allow the residents to come into compliance voluntarily. If compliance is not met a “Notice of Violation” letter is mailed out by certified and regular mail (A hearing can be requested by the property owner within a 10 day period of receiving the “Notice of Violation”).  A follow up inspection is completed after the prescribed time.

STEP 2
SECOND INSPECTION
The results of the second inspection is entered into the system along with photo evidence. If the inspection fails, the property owner is notified with a letter of “Notice to Appear” by certified and regular mail.  If the certified letter is not accepted a notice will be posted on the property, at City Hall and the local Post Office.  If the property passes the inspection a letter of compliance is sent out and the case is closed.

STEP 3
PRE-HEARING INSPECTION
An inspection is performed the day before the hearing and photo evidence is taken. If the property is in compliance the property owner will be contacted and will not have to attend a code enforcement hearing.

STEP 4
THE HEARING
The Code Enforcement Officer testifies to the ordinances that are in violation and presents the photos and correspondence to the Code Enforcement Board.  A ruling is made by the board to give the property owner a set amount of time to come into compliance with the Code of Ordinances.

STEP 5
POST HEARING INSPECTION
An inspection is conducted after the deadline is set by the Code Enforcement Board. If the inspection fails a hearing is called before the Code Enforcement Board and fines are levied. An affidavit is filed with the Clay County Clerk of the Court as a lien. 

*** If the property is brought into compliance with the Code of Ordinances no hearing is required.

Common Code Violations

• Accumulation of junk, trash and debris on carports, driveways and throughout the property
• Overgrowth of lawns and vegetation
• Storage of disabled or unlicensed vehicles in residential or commercial areas
• Failure to maintain vacant lots
• Allowing animals to run loose
• Extended auto repairs in a residential zone
• Failure to meet proper fence height or maintain fences
• Residential storage areas that are not enclosed
• Operating home businesses without a Business Tax Receipt
• Storage of old appliances on a residential lot 
• Chickens and Roosters within the City Limits
• Abandoned structures that are improperly maintained and improperly secured
• Offensive conditions that are creating a public nuisance, or an eyesore to adjacent property owners or residents of the community that would cause property values to decrease
  

Compliance Tips

• Lawns are to be mowed and trees, shrubs and vines are to be kept trimmed on a regular basis
• Carports, driveways and properties are to be free of debris, old appliances and trash
• Store unlicensed or disabled vehicles in enclosed storage areas
• Keep vacant lots mowed and trees trimmed
• Do not  allow dogs run loose
• Only one chicken,(no roosters) caged, within the city limits 
• Do not store junk cars, repair or sell cars in a residential area
• Fences are to be maintained and cannot exceed four feet on front of property or six feet on side and rear of property
• Abandoned properties are to be secured in a manner that vagrants or neighborhood children cannot gain access or the structure will be razed