Responsiorcementbilities have changed in part of the ongoing process of resolving code violations in Hillsborough County. As you probably know, Team Sumberg members are very active in government with respect to property ownership here in the Tampa Bay area. As a member of Hillsborough County’s Code Enforcement Board, I am always amazed at the never ending and ever changing process.
Until recently, Code Enforcement actions (including fines) were effectively stayed while applications for permits, zoning changes and variances were being processed. This was the most un-complicated method for the County to work with citizens who were actively trying to remedy many violations.
Unfortunately, this process presented more than ample opportunity for some offenders to simply renew their applications or permits over and over again while doing nothing to correct the violations while incurring absolute no fines or penalty. OUCH!
The Code Enforcement Board addopted a change in this process several months ago Today, regardless of the application or permitting process, a deadline is set for curing the violation and if not resolved, fines and penalties begin. It is now the responsibility of the property owner to come before the board prior to that deadline and show proof that they are actively pursuing a resolution to the violation through these avenues.
While this makes for more work for the County and Board, it is helping to eliminate the perpetuation of violations with no recourse. In other words, it’s working!!
Paul J. Sumberg, Sr.
