BadgeThe Neighborhood Services Department recognizes service to each and every neighborhood; this service comes with a responsibility to find solutions to problems; and application of enforcement efforts with the driving force of customer service. We recognize that ultimately we, “are on the front line of blight.” Our efforts effect crime rates, quality of life and property values. While we embrace the ongoing challenges of our daily operations, we recognize maintenance of properties and the overall aesthetic appearance of neighborhoods ultimately lie with the property owners and tenants in the area. This translates to every citizen is responsible for their City.

Properties that are not maintained fall into disrepair; they deteriorate; devalue neighborhoods; become an encouragement to crime and lead to blight. As the City grows and ages, it becomes more crucial  to ensure that all property owners are aware of the ordinances and requirements for maintenance of their properties. Neighborhood Services provides a vital, effective means of educating and enforcing the City’s standards to ensure our City remains and continues to grow to become a model city for all to enjoy and admire.

When handling violations, our primary goal is Voluntary Compliance. This is achieved through a proactive, comprehensive, neighborhood service based community communication initiative that stresses cooperation through education. When necessary, staff must use other steps to ensure compliance. . Formal enforcement procedures are governed by State Statute 162.

​Potential violations are discovered through citizen complaints, referrals from other agencies, inspector observations in an assigned area and systematic inspections in a target area. Once a complaint is received, an inspector will conduct an investigation to determine if there is a violation. If there is a violation, the inspector may notify the owner verbally or in writing. 
Periodic follow-up inspections are conducted to determine if compliance has been met. The owner is encouraged to telephone the Department to discuss the needed repairs and arrange a plan of action to meet compliance.

VISION STATEMENT

To educate the public about the codes and ordinances and to obtain voluntary compliance. Strive to perform our duties in a fair, professional and courteous manner;

  • Develop and establish standards and ordinances that ensure positive effects on property value, community appearance, and neighborhood pride;
  • Partner with other departments and agencies to reach our common goal;
  • Partner with community organizations and associations and assist them in reaching common goals;
  • Establish and maintain a proactive environment to help solve community problems and stay at the forefront of creative and effective Code Enforcement.

Neighborhood Services Operating Principle: The "ACE" Principle:

  • ACTION– We are proactive in serving the community;
  • COMMUNICATION– Professional public education is essential;
  • EFFECTIVENESS– Compliance and a safe, healthy, clean environment is the end result of our program.

MISSION STATEMENT

  • To deliver exceptional government service
  • To uphold and enforce Codes and Ordinances established to protect the Public Health, Safety, and Welfare of all residents, business owners, and visitors.
  • To provide an environment where people will enjoy living, working, playing and investing.

Most Common Violations

The following is a list and brief description of the most common violations our Neighborhood Services Department handles. If you have any of these violations, please understand that you must remove the violation from your property. If you have any questions, please call Neighborhood Services at (239) 949- 6257.

FOR PROPERTY:

  • Having junk, trash, debris or other waste materials on your property including discarded materials and horticultural waste;
  • Having vehicles on your property that are non-operable (not road worthy), unlicensed/unregistered, junk, or in a state of disrepair;
  • If your grass and weeds are over sixteen (16) inches in height you must have your property mowed and maintained;
  • If your lot is overgrown with invasive plants, or other growth that is considered exotic (not native to Florida), your property must be cleared of these exotics and properly maintained to prevent re-growth;
  • Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces- either driveways or improved areas for parking (can be gravel)- for residences: driveways and parking areas cannot exceed thirty (30) percent of the front yard area/ forty (40) percent if the area is a circular driveway;
  • Commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more then twelve thousand (12,000) pounds cannot be parked in residential areas;
  • All structures must be maintained to be free from cracking, fading and peeling paint; must be free of mildew and other growth spores; must not have any broken or boarded windows; and maintained in a safe and sanitary condition;
  • All structures require address numbers on the buildings that can be easily seen from adjacent roadways.

MINIMUM HOUSING, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

The City has adopted the  International Property Maintenance Code to regulate the maintenance of all structures within the City and to insure minimum standards for living in residential structures. This code is very involved as it covers the maintenance of structures and equipment that affect your living standards. . This code helps in establishing minimum standards for dwelling units. These standards include:

  • Smoke/fire alarms/detectors in every sleeping room and adjacent hallway;
  • Windows to provide proper light and ventilation;
  • Windows and doors to provide proper ingress and egress;
  • Doors and windows to be weather tight and have safety equipment (locks);
  • Kitchens to have proper food preparation surfaces and utilities and be able to be maintained in a sanitary manner;
  • Floors and walls to be free of cracks, holes and breaks;
  • Bathrooms to have proper ventilation;
  • All rooms to have proper square footage for proper occupancy-dwelling units must not be overcrowded;
  • All plumbing and electric must be functioning properly and without hazards;
  • Screens must be on all openable windows;
  • All dwelling units must be free from infestation of rodents or other pests;
  • All units must be free of trash, junk, debris and other items that create rodent harborage;
  • The property must properly drain so that the foundation of the structure stays in good repair.

The above is a brief synopsis of what the International Property Maintenance Code covers. It is designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of all persons in the community. If you have questions, please call us.

SIGNS:

The following signs are PROHIBITED:

  • Any sign placed in any street right of way, on any street sign, across any sidewalk, in any street median; nailed or tacked to any trees, fire hydrants, utility boxes or any other public utility; any "snipe" sign; any roof signs; and any sign that creates a nuisance or a safety hazard.

ALL OTHER SIGNS REQUIRE PERMITS INCLUDING TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS.




USE OF STREET RIGHT OF WAYS:

The use of any street right of way for any business is not permitted. This includes:

  • Parking vehicles, boats or other items in right of ways "For Sale";
  • Vending- selling from cars, trucks, or vans any retail or wholesale items including food;
  • Placing of any signs for "Garage Sales" or "Open Houses", or any other event;
  • Parking- especially if the area is posted with "NO PARKING" signs.

NOISE:

The City does have a Noise Ordinance that regulates nuisances regarding specific events and times of day. This is a rather involved Ordinance. The most common violations of the Noise Ordinance are:

  • Beginning construction prior to seven (7) in the morning and working beyond seven (7) in the evening;
  • Loud radios, drums, amplified music, etc. during night hours and weekends  is handled by the Lee County Sheriff's Department- contact them at (239) 477-1200.
  • Barking dogs or other domestic animal related noise complaints please contact Lee County Animal Services at (239) LEE-PETS (533-7387)

Please help us "Keep the Beautiful in Bonita"

 

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

27300 Old 41 RD- Liles Hotel
Bonita Springs, Fl 34135

(239) 949-6257