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What is Code Enforcement?
Code Enforcement is the prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement of violations of statutes or ordinances regulating public health, safety, and welfare, public works, business activities and consumer protection, building standards, land-use, or municipal affairs.”
What is a Code Enforcement Officer?
A Code Enforcement Officer is a sworn or non-sworn inspector, officer or investigator, employed by a city, or county, or city and county, who possesses specialized training in, and whose primary duties are the prevention, detection, investigation, and enforcement of violations of laws regulating public nuisance, public health, safety, and welfare, public works, business activities and consumer protection, building standards, land-use, or municipal affairs (http://www.caceo.us/?10).
Did You Know???
According to Sec. 42-83:
(a) No building or structure, or part thereof, or land or water, shall be erected, altered, moved, or used unless a permit consistent with all applicable provisions of this chapter shall have been first obtained for such work.
(b) Any permit issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance or approval of a final inspection, whichever occurs first. Any expired permit which is not renewed within 60 days of the date of expiration shall become void; and any new permit shall be subject to all current requirements of this chapter.
(c)A permit card and a set of approved plans shall be available on the site where the construction is occurring at all times a scheduled inspection is being conducted to ensure compliance with such approved plans.
(d) A construction layout survey shall be submitted to the city administrator or designee prior to or at commencement of construction of any building or structure on undeveloped property to ensure compliance with the approved site plan. Such survey shall also indicate all easements and rights-of-way of record.
(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 12, 2-21-2007)
For buildings within city limit a building permit and final inspection is required for a wide variety of construction, remodeling and repair work, including:
RESIDENTIAL PERMITS
Single Family Homes
Duplexes
Multi-Residential Apartment Buildings
Townhouses
COMMERCIAL PERMITS
Manufacturing Plants
Offices
Stores
Warehouses
ACCESSORY PERMITS
Air Conditioning (installation or replacement)
Burglar Alarms
Decks
Docks
Fences
Permanent Generators (residential and commercial)
Hurricane Shutters
Lawn Sprinklers
Low-Voltage Electric (includes cable, telephone, internet installations, burglar, fire alarm systems, landscape lighting)
Pools (residential)
Propane Gas Tank Systems
Reroofs/ Roof Repairs
Screen Enclosures
Sheds
Water Heaters (installation or replacement)
Window/Door Replacement
Source: https://www.broward.org/Building/BuildingPermits/Pages/BuildingPermits.aspx
UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS
In 1990, Broward County Commissioners approved a countywide unlicensed contractor program to reduce problems associated with construction work of unlicensed contractors. In brief, the unlicensed contractor program states that any construction work performed in Broward County must be completed by a licensed contractor who has an up-to-date Broward County Certificate of Competency (license) or a State of Florida license.
There are many concerns with the use of unlicensed contractors which ultimately affect you, the consumer. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is a choice made by you, therefore you are held accountable for all outcomes associated with the contractor’s work. Using an unlicensed contractor often leads to unsafe and hazardous construction and additional costs.
The use of an unlicensed contractor may result in the following problems:
• Inability to Receive Inspections: In order to apply for a building permit from any building department in Broward County, a contractor must have a valid license. Failing to get required permits will result in jobs being performed without inspections. Such unauthorized construction leaves you with no guarantee as to whether the construction was performed correctly and is safe.
• Failure to Meet Florida Building Code Standards: Unlicensed contractors can’t apply for a building permit therefore their construction work cannot be reviewed or inspected. This eliminates the opportunity to ensure that the work meets Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements. Failure to meet FBC requirements may result in unsafe and hazardous conditions.
• Substandard Workmanship: As unlicensed contractors do not go through the process of getting a license, they do not know required construction standards which are understood by licensed contractors. This leads to shoddy and substandard workmanship. The review of construction plans and inspections by building departments in Broward County provides that work has been performed correctly and meets the standards of the Florida Building Code.
• Further Cost to You: The work of unlicensed contractors is often substandard and ultimately leads to costly repairs and corrections that require services of a licensed contractor. You may pay more money for the job than if you had initially hired a licensed contractor.
• Fraud and Exploitation: The continued hiring of unlicensed contractors encourages “roving” unlicensed contractors who are involved in illicit construction practices. These contractors embark on work throughout the county, often taking money for jobs that are never started, not completed or are poorly constructed. Ultimately, you incur the additional expense for such activities.
• Consumer Liability: You are responsible for the hiring of a contractor. Consequently, you are responsible for any damages and injuries incurred on the job site since unlicensed contractors often do not have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Legal Action Against the Consumer: Since you are held responsible for hiring an unlicensed contractor, you run the risk of being involved in legal action. This legal action may involve lawsuits from various parties due to the unauthorized construction work, thus incurring further cost.
• Code Enforcement Fines: Hiring an unlicensed contractor violates Florida Building Code requirements. This may subject you to fines and the possibility of facing a quasi-judicial hearing in front of a Hearing Officer.
Verify an active Broward County Contractor license holder at https://dpepp.broward.org/BCS/Default.aspx?PossePresentation=SearchForContractorLicense
Verify an active State of Florida Contractor license holder at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=
Source: https://www.broward.org/Building/Contractors/Pages/UnlicensedContractors.aspx
The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcement of the city codes, including chapter 42-83 to ensure that all required permits with final inspections are obtained prior to the commencement of any construction, remodeling, and repair work. Failure to obtain a building permit and inspections in accordance with the ordinance subject the property owner to code enforcement fines ranging from $250 to $500 and/or code enforcement magistrate fines from $50 to $250 per day until compliance plus “after the fact” double permitting fees.
For building permit applications and forms contact the Building Dept. at 954-989-2688 option 1 or email at usercitizen@cityofwestpark.org.
