Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement Officers enforce Manatee County codes, ordinances and statutes to protect consumers, property values, environmentally-sensitive lands, infrastructure and property. Code Enforcement operates in 13 zones with an officer in each one.

Officers respond to concerns and complaints and proactively seeking out violations including:

• Unlicensed contractors
• Overgrown yards and property maintenance issues
• Unsafe structures and demolitions
• Abandoned vehicles
• Boats, campers, trailers, and other vehicles that are improperly parked or stored
• Home offices/businesses in residential areas
• Unpermitted signs
• Dangerous dead trees
• Noise disturbances (contact Manatee County Sheriff’s Office after hours)
• Criminal Nuisance Activities (Prostitution, gang-related activities, drug-related activities) in conjunction with Manatee County's Sheriff's Office

View information about the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.

Code Enforcement Programs

Code Enforcement is also responsible for the following programs:

• Criminal Nuisance Abatement
• Pain Management Clinic Licensing and Regulation
• Vacant Property Registration
• Sexually Oriented Businesses Regulation

Mission

To protect and improve the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of the citizens in our communities through the enforcement of Codes (i.e. building, zoning, housing, land development, animal control, fire safety, environmental, etc.), Ordinances, and Statutes. To protect consumers, property values, environmentally sensitive lands (i.e. wetlands, conservation areas, etc.), infrastructure and property.

Activities

Code Enforcement Officers cover 723 square miles of unincorporated territory. The Division has created 13 zones with an Officer in each one. The Officers are responding to concerns/complaints and pro-actively seeking out violations which include but, are not limited to; unlicensed contractors, unsafe structures, various property maintenance issues, inoperable vehicles, lot clearing, pain management clinics, sexually oriented businesses, and criminal nuisances.

The Division is also charged with maintaining the Vacant Property Registration program. Additionally, it is responsible for maintaining, utilizing, and scheduling the Nuisance Abatement Board and Special Magistrate Hearings.

Objectives

Increase public awareness (Community Code Enforcement) regarding current laws and ordinances through public outreach, personal interaction with the community, and attending community meetings. Create programs that are inexpensive but yield high results. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws including property maintenance standards.

Successes

Code Enforcement staff work diligently each and every day to resolve disputes, issues, and violations. They flex their hours at times to address issues that may be occurring in the evenings. They are attending association, civic, neighborhood, chamber, and professional organization meetings. They are in the communities creating relationships and increasing their personal contact with as many individuals and groups as possible. The Division implemented Bike and Boat Patrol units to allow for increased visibility and connection with the community.

Unlicensed Contractor Hotline: 941-749-3084