The Town of Fort Myers Beach is launching a Code Compliance Courtesy Warning Program that gives property owners an opportunity to voluntarily correct potential code violations before formal enforcement action is taken.
Most code cases begin when a resident or business submits a complaint to the town. It’s then investigated by the town to determine if a case should be opened. Many complaints, 4 years after Hurricane Ian, are about properties not being maintained and dilapidated structures.
The town is taking a more proactive approach to preserving the appearance, safety, and character of the island. In addition to responding to citizen complaints,
Code officers will now identify potential violations they observe while performing their daily duties. When an officer observes a potential violation, the property owner may receive a bright orange warning notice. The property owner then has an opportunity to correct the issue before a case is initiated.
“We want our residents to know that the Town is committed to proactively maintaining a
clean, safe, and attractive community,” said Town Manager Will McKannay. “Our goal is
always voluntary compliance first. These Courtesy Warnings give property owners the
opportunity to address concerns before a formal Code Compliance case becomes
necessary.”
“The town is taking a more proactive approach to preserving the appearance, safety, and character of the island. In addition to responding to citizen complaints.” Why didn’t they take this into account before making decisions that divided this community? A little late to worry about the appearance, character and citizen’s complaints. Also, train your people better. They post one yard, but not the two next to it that are just as bad because they don’t have a complaint to post those two. Now paying an employee to back to the same area two more times when they were already there. But go ahead and raise our taxes instead of being more efficient.
It’s taken them almost 4 years to act on people not repairing their places after Ian. Do you really think that the Town is going to act any faster on these warnings?