Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions that City staff receives about code enforcement. If you have additional questions, please contact us at 386-424-2400 ext. 2210 between 8a.m. and 4p.m. Monday through Friday.
Complaints may be filed using any of the following methods:
In person: Our office is located at 1605 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Edgewater, FL.
Telephone: Our telephone number is 386-424-2400 ext. 2210. You may leave message for us on this line.
You also may leave your complaint information on a recorded line 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 386-424-2400 ext. 2210.
Online: Complaints may be filed online around the clock by using the following link Contact Us.
A new Florida state law prohibits local governments from investigating anonymous code compliance complaints. Known as Senate Bill 60, the law went into effect July 1, 2021, and specifically states that a code compliance officer may not initiate a potential violation investigation that stems from an anonymous complaint.
The enforcement of codes is reactive (initiated by a complaint from a community source) and proactive (initiated by the code officer). However, there are a number of violations that are enforced after a complaint is received. These include zoning ordinance violations and nuisance code violations occurring in enclosed rear yards.
Our goal is to encourage both owners and tenants to voluntarily eliminate any violations that may exist so that Edgewater remains a city in which we can be proud to live. When a code violation is reported, we open a complaint and work toward resolving the violation through a process of education. Continued violations are followed by progressive enforcement which includes citation(s) and a hearing.
The primary function of the City of Edgewater Code Enforcement Division is to educate the citizens about City codes. The codes apply to each and every property within the City. The purpose is to ensure that all neighborhoods and properties are maintained to a minimum standard.
Homeowner’s associations are private organizations that are paid by designated neighborhoods to oversee maintenance standards, as established by written codes, covenants and restrictions for the properties within specific neighborhoods that were designed to be managed by a homeowner’s association. Homeowner’s associations have the right to enforce and assess fines to home owners in accordance with the homeowner’s association’s codes, covenants and restrictions. Every property owner within these designated neighborhoods signs documents agreeing to the standards that have been established and will abide by any penalties assessed.
A homeowner’s association may establish maintenance standards that require a higher standard of upkeep than the City codes. Neighborhoods that are within homeowner’s association are required to abide by City code requirements.
Code Enforcement can enforce City code standards within a homeowner’s association area. However, a code enforcement officer does not enforce home owner’s association requirements. Homeowner’s associations only may enforce maintenance standards within their designated neighborhood.
Code Enforcement has many methods of initiating contact. The most common tool is a Courtesy Notice or Notice of Violation. This is a hard copy paper that has generic, common violations listed and suggestions on how to resolve the complaint. The individual inspector may add more detailed descriptions of the violation or describe other violations not listed on the form. Inspectors try to make contact with the resident by knocking on the door, ringing the doorbell or by telephone. If there is no answer at the door, a notice or a door hanger may be left at the front door.
A door hanger is another notification tool. This door hanger is used when an investigation is required, and the violation or problem may not be clearly visible to the inspector. The inspector describes the possible problem on the door hanger. Additionally, the inspector’s name and telephone number is listed with a request that you call. Because the violation is not clearly visible and a complaint has been filed, the inspector needs some method of letting the resident know that a possible violation may be on the property. Many times, just talking with the resident will resolve the complaint.
Once a violation has been observed, it is the intent of Code Enforcement to have the resident/property owner come into voluntary compliance. To accomplish this, the resident/property owner normally is given 5-10 days to take whatever action is requested to correct the problem. The inspector does have the choice of requesting correction in fewer days. An example of a quicker correction period would be a vehicle parking on and blocking the public sidewalk. There may be a request to correct the violation within 24 hours.
Code Enforcement work with the property owner and not renters. Contact will be made with the property owner to notify the owner of the violation. Depending on the violation, a copy of the notice is also mailed to the renter’s address. Voluntary registration of rental properties will assist code officers with the contact information for the owner.
Yes, the trash container must not be placed at the curb earlier than 4 p.m. the evening before trash pickup. It must be brought back to the side or rear of the house by 11 p.m. the day of trash pickup. This does not include bulk waste placed at the curb for removal.
You may sell your vehicle only on the property that is listed on the vehicle’s registration or at a fully licensed car lot. This is to keep the street corners and parking lots from becoming an eyesore with a multitude of vehicles for sale.
Overgrowth of grass, weeds and uncultivated vegetation over a discernible portion of the property in excess of twelve inches (12”) is considered a violation.
You may have one vehicle that is inoperable or unlicensed inside a fully enclosed structure such as a garage so that it is not visible to public view. All other vehicles including trailers and boats must have a valid tag on them and be fully operable to remain on any property in the city.
No. Junk, indoor furniture, trash, totes, boxes, car parts, dismantled machinery, etc. may not be stored outside on any residential and/or most commercial properties. You cannot run a “scrapping” business out of your residence.
They may obtain a Home Occupation Business Tax Receipt for certain types of businesses being run from a residence. However, this space is to be used as a home office and needs to be transparent to the neighborhood. No signage or commercial vehicles are permitted at a home business. The license is applied for and issued by Finance, their phone number is (386) 424-2400 ext. 1305.
No. Signs may not be placed in the right of way, medians or on utility poles. That is a violation of state laws and of the City ordinance. They cause a distraction to drivers. They also are a danger for citizens when placing them in high traffic areas and endanger code officers who must remove them.
Yes, you may make minor vehicle repairs such as changing the spark plugs, tires or oil. You cannot do major repairs such as dropping the transmission or engine or removing body parts unless it is done inside a fully enclosed garage or structure.
