Code Enforcement

 

Code enforcement responsibilities are handled by the Planning Director.

The Town is very proactive regarding code enforcement.  Most violations are found through regular inspections of town neighborhoods.  Property owners are notified of existing violations, and given a certain period of time to resolve them  The Town employs the services of area towing companies to remove inoperable vehicles. 

The most common code violations include inoperable vehicles, lot mowing, outdoor storage of items customarily kept indoors, and illegally posted signs.

 

Lot Mowing

Section 42-44 A of the Code of Ordinances, regarding lot clearing, reads:

"Duty of owner.  All lots or parcels of land in the town not used for agricultural purposes shall be kept mowed or harrowed and cleared of weeds,, undergrowth, trash and rubbish by the owner at all times.  The maximum height of grass on said parcels shall be 18 inches."

If a vacant building lot is not regularly mowed, you may receive a violation notice from the Town, requesting that the lot be mowed.  If the lot is not mowed within 14 days of receipt, the Town may either clear the lots and assess the expenses against you through a lien, or assign this case to the Code Enforcement Board for disposition.

 

Signs

Signs, called "snipe signs" and "bandit signs," are illegal in almost every Central Florida municipality.  In Oakland, however, these signs will be removed almost immediately after it is placed.

Oakland Zoning Code §16.1.3 A states ”any sign placed on public property, including rights-of-way,“ is prohibited. This includes the street spam that frequently advertises questionable multi-level marketing or work-at-home schemes, dubious weight loss plans, credit repair and predatory lenders.

This provision of the Zoning Code is aggressively enforced, to protect workers that must scale utility poles (the nails and staples that are used to attach signs to poles are a safety hazard), prevent blight resulting from visual clutter, and preserve the town's unique and sensitive visual environment.  Snipe signs are usually removed and disposed by Town staff within 24 hours of posting, and the party responsible for posting the sign is sent a warning notice.  (Yes, the Town can find out who posted the sign, with just a phone number or Web address.)  The Town takes formal code enforcement action against repeat offenders, including fines, removal fees and referral to the Code Enforcement Board.

Garage sale signs and real estate signs advertising property located in Oakland are tolerated on weekends only, if they are displayed in moderation.

 

The Code Enforcement Board, an appointed quasi-judicial body of seven Oakland residents, hears cases regarding other unresolved code violations.