Code Enforcement

“The mission of Code Enforcement is to serve the residents of Clay County in a prompt and courteous manner through impartial and reasonable enforcement of zoning and land use regulations and nuisance ordinances.”

Updates

A fee resolution was recently approved by the BCC that allows the Code Enforcement staff to impose the following fees:

1. Staff shall charge a $25.00 fee for every request for a code enforcement lien reduction.

2. Staff shall charge a $100.00 administrative fee for all cases where the Special Magistrate issues an “Order for Non-Compliance.” This Administrative Fee is in addition to any “fines” imposed due to an “Order to Impose a Fine” by the Special Magistrate.

Example: If a case is brought before the Special Magistrate and the Special Magistrate makes a determination that there are/were code violation(s) and issues an “Order for non-compliance” whether the case was brought into compliance prior to the hearing, before the time granted by the Special Magistrate or after the time granted by the Special Magistrate this $100.00 fee shall be due. You may pay this Administrative fee at the Code Enforcement office at 2497 SR 16 West, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Only cash, cashiers check or a money order will be accepted for payment. Additional fines may be imposed by the Special Magistrate if an “Order to Impose a Fine” is issued by the Special Magistrate.

About Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement Division is to ensure and enhance the quality of life of county residents by requiring owners of property in non compliance with county codes, to come into compliance.

The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with those ordinances and portions of the Clay County Code dealing with non-criminal matters such as public nuisances, zoning violations, solid waste disposal violations, junk vehicle ordinance, sign ordinance and other Land Development Regulations.

The Code Enforcement Division regulates county ordinances such as, but not limited to, Land Development Regulations (LDR’s), Zoning and Land Use, Junk Vehicle, Standard Housing Code, Signs and Subdivision regulations.

The Code Enforcement Division does not regulate or enforce homeowner’s association deed restrictions or covenants and restrictions.

What you should know before buying into a homeowner's association:

Once you have an eye on a home, ask the real estate agent if it is part of a homeowner's association or whether there are any type of deed restrictions. If so, make sure you take the following steps:

• Get copies of the governing documents from the association manager or obtain a copy from your local clerk of court.

• If you don't understand the rules, ask your real estate agent or lawyer for help.

• Take time to talk to people who live there about the association.

• Know how much the assessments are.

• If you are on a tight budget, find out how easy it is for the board to increase the assessment amount.

• Does the community have a cash reserve for new projects?

• Are there restrictions on renting?

• Do you feel comfortable with the architectural guidelines?

• What are the rules on pets, flags, satellite dishes, fences, patios and home businesses?

• If you are considering an age-restricted community, what is the policy on underage residents and visitors?

• Consider whether the rules fit your lifestyle and sense of community.

 Things HOA’s commonly regulate include:

• Shingles and exterior paint color.

• Fences and hedges: whether you can have them at all, and if so, what type, color and how tall -- right down to the inches.

• Trees, lawns and weeds: what types of plants can be put in and even how many times a month you must water and mow your lawn.

• Pools: These are often hot-button items. Boards regulate whether owners can have pools, diving boards and how large they can be. Community pools often come with strict rules on times they can be used, supervision of youngsters and whether guests are allowed.

• Swing sets and basketball hoops: At some communities these are big no-nos. At others, they must be small and out of sight. Owners often get into trouble if they are in the front yard.

• Garages and sheds: Unauthorized sheds are another sticking point, and junky garages will get you in trouble, as will leaving your garage door up.

• Mailboxes and garbage cans: size, color and types. Also, leaving garbage cans out for more than a day can get you fined.

• Pets: size, type and breeds. Dogs off leashes are usually prohibited.
   
• Outdoor lights: One family got in trouble for leaving their tasteful, white decorative Christmas lights up until February. Know what types of lights and how many are allowed.

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