CODE COMPLIANCE

Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Code Compliance Complaint Line (7 days a week; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 305-664-6435
Voicemail messages will be responded to as soon as possible.


Effective July 1, 2021 code inspectors are prohibited from initiating an investigation of a potential violation by way of an anonymous complaint.

To investigate, a complainant must have provided the complainant's name and address with the complaint to the "governing body" before an investigation occurs. The only exception is if there is reason for the investigator to believe a present and imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources has or is occurring.”

The prohibition of the investigation of anonymous complaints was adopted by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by the governor signed through an amendment to F.S. 162.21 and F.S. 166.0415.

 

CODE COMPLIANCE
Village Administrative Center and Public Safety Headquarters
86800 Overseas Highway, 2nd floor, Islamorada, FL 33036


OVERVIEW

The Code Compliance Department of Islamorada, Village of Islands, strives to preserve the Village’s unique way of life, protect property and environmental assets and ensure continuation of a high standard of living within the Village for current and future residents,  property owners and  business  owners. 

The Code Compliance Department is responsible for ensuring that the public  observes and follows Village codes and ordinances. Code Compliance services  include prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement of code violations.

The services the department provides include prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement of code violations. Code Compliance Officers respond to citizens’ complaints, aid in the dissemination of public information, and assist the public in the process of code compliance.

Five-Level  Enforcement Priority System

 To help ensure that the most serious violations are addressed expeditiously and effectively, the Code  Compliance Department has established the following rating scale to guide enforcement priorities.

      • Priority 1      Immediate threats to public health, safety or welfare
      • Priority 2      Environmental protection issues
      • Priority 3      Unpermitted construction and development activity
      • Priority 4      Nuisance complaints
      • Priority 5      Violations of land development regulations

Note:  Enforcement of the Village’s Vacation Rental Ordinance is a primary focus at all times.

VILLAGE CODE SECTIONS SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT

Native Plant and Tree Removal
The regulations and requirements in this section of the Code are intended to preserve native vegetation and habitat for the propagation and protection of wildlife, birds, game, fish and other aquatic life and the enhancement the aesthetic appearance and value of the village. Removal of trees increases surface runoff, which contributes to water pollution. Preservation of native plants and trees reduces stormwater runoff, reduces water consumption, reduces impervious surface area, conserves energy, increases tree canopy and decreases ambient temperatures, thereby promoting the public health and general welfare. Village Code Ch. 30,  Sec. 811-823 and Sec. 1611

Sea Turtle Nesting Protection  (View more information on our Sea Turtle Nesting page.)
Islamorada’s turtle nesting season is from April 15 to October 31 every year. During that time, lights can discourage female sea turtles from coming ashore to nest and can cause sea turtle hatchlings to become disoriented. Hatchlings that head toward light often die from dehydration, exhaustion, predation and passing cars. The regulations and requirements in Village Code, intended to protect sea turtle nesting habitat, include artificial lighting and placement of materials such as kayaks and beach furniture. Village Code Ch. 30, Sec. 1581-1587

Unpermitted Construction Activity
The regulations and requirements in the Code are intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Permits are required as provided in the Florida Building Code for new commercial and residential  construction, commercial and residential renovations, land clearing, the placement of fill, commercial and residential demolition, blasting, excavation, storage of materials, signs, fences, tie-downs of habitable structures and work subject to floodplain management requirements. Village Code Ch. 6, Sec. 61-69

Nuisances
Growth of noxious uncultivated or non-native weeds, grasses or undergrowth (other than protected species or native vegetation) over 12 inches in an average height above the surface of the ground is prohibited. The regulations and requirements in the code are intended to provide an efficient procedure for cleaning and mowing properties that are littered or overgrown so as to become unsightly, a nuisance, or a breeding ground for insects and rodents. Code Compliance Officers also address nuisance such as  abandoned vehicles, boats and trailers. Village Code Ch. 18, Sec. 31-37

Vacation Rentals
The intent and purpose of this division of the Code is to protect single family homes and residential    neighborhoods from the adverse impacts of vacation rental uses. Vacation rental use of single-family and multi-family residential properties is allowed in future land use map categories identified in the Code for periods of 28 days or less when other conditions also identified in the Code are met. Annual registration is required. Village Code Ch.30 Sec. 1291-1299

Signs
The regulations and requirements in this section of the Code are intended to promote and protect public health, safety and general welfare by regulating   existing and proposed signs on residential and commercial properties within the Village. The Code promotes  and  enhances  the  unique  aesthetic character of the Village by reducing visual and light pollution, helping to visually organize the activities of the Village and lend order. Information regarding sign measurements and requirements, prohibited signs, signs that require permits and signs not requiring permits is presented in the Code in addition to information on nonconforming signs and sign variances. Village Code Ch. 30, Sec. 1431-1437 

Outdoor Merchandise Display
Outdoor storage and display areas as either a principal or an accessory use in connection with any lawfully established commercial use are permitted in designated zoning districts. There shall be no accessory outdoor storage or display by any person operating or conducting a different business than the principal business conducted at a location.  Outdoor display areas shall comply with each of the development standards identified in the Village’s Code.  Village Code Ch. 30, Sec. 1371-1377

Distressed and Foreclosed Properties Registration Requirements 
The Code Enforcement Department partners with PROCHAMPS to combat neighborhood blight and enforce Islamorada’s regulations regarding distressed and foreclosed properties.  Banks are required to register defaulted and foreclosed properties with PROCHAMPS. To register a foreclosure property (or to file a citizen complaint regarding a property issue), please visit PROCHAMPS Islamorada page.  Any questions with respect to registration requirements, registration status, etc. should be directed to SUPPORT@PROCHAMPS.COM.  

CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND HEARING PROCESS

Only Code Compliance Officers shall have the authority to initiate code proceedings as provided in section 2-116 of the Village’s Code of Ordinances.  Code Compliance Officers remain readily available to provide ongoing education and guidance to the public regarding code violations and the enforcement process. 

Generally, a Code Compliance Officer who finds a violation of the Code shall follow the following procedures:

  • Provide a verbal warning and education during direct contact with property owner or resident.
  • If  the  Violation  is not  remedied, a Notice of Violation is issued providing a time period to correct the violation.
  • If the violation continues after the time period for correction, a Notice of Hearing is issued.
  • At the Hearing, findings of fact and conclusions of law are presented to the Code Hearing Officer.
  • Decisions made by Code Hearing Officer include daily fines, administrative costs of hearing to be paid and date by which the violation must be corrected.  


CONTACT US:

Under Florida Law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

Code Compliance Line: 305-664-6435
Code Compliance Group Email: code@islamorada.fl.us

Carlota de la Sierra
Senior Code Compliance Officer
Phone: 305-394-5910
Email: carlota.delasierra@islamorada.fl.us

Paul Minning
Code Compliance Officer
Phone: 305-304-6517
Email: paul.minning@islamorada.fl.us

Gerardo Gonzalez
Code Compliance Officer
Phone: 305-304-9152
Email: gerardo.gonzalez@islamorada.fl.us