Mission
Code Enhancement provides the highest quality service and dedication to sustain the quality of life for citizens and our natural resources. This is accomplished through effective and equitable implementation of established codes and standards to protect the public health, safety and welfare of all residents, business owners and visitors. Accountability, Civility and Ethics (the “ACE” philosophy), along with courtesy and professionalism serve as guiding principles. This combination infuses the character of the Code Enhancement Division, serving our community with compassion, honor and commitment.
Activities
Code Enhancement Inspectors cover over 700 square miles of unincorporated Manatee County. The Inspectors respond to and investigate concerns and complaints of alleged violations of permitting, land development, zoning and land use. The Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the County’s Land Development Codes, applicable Code of Ordinances and related State Statutes. Code Enhancement leads the County’s damage assessment program to document and report all damage associated with natural or man-made disaster events.
Objectives
We aim to increase public awareness through community outreach and education. Personal interaction provides an opportunity to educate the public about current laws, codes, ordinances, development processes, work that requires a building permit and any other material we may be able to share. This outreach can be achieved through community meetings, posting on our County website and any other means of communication. We need to ensure compliance with all applicable codes by encouraging voluntary compliance. Voluntary compliance will be accomplished through education. We will develop process improvements that will ensure reasonable actions to all violations while building relationships in the communities.
Successes
The Code Enhancement team works diligently every day to follow up, investigate, and resolve issues, concerns, and violations. They flex their hours at times to address issues that may be occurring after regular work hours. They attend association, civic, neighborhood and professional organization meetings. They are in the communities creating relationships, increasing their personal contact and interaction with as many individuals and groups as possible.
COMMON CODES: MANDATORY LAWS
Environmental/Sensitive Lands
- Wetland Protection
- Conservation Areas
- Tree Protection
- Landscaping Requirements
- Erosion Control
- Drainage - Stormwater
Construction
- Permits Required - Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Building
- Work Beyond the Scope of a Permit/Approval
- Stop Work Orders
- Accessory Structures
- Waterfront Structures
- Signs without Permits and Prohibited Signs
- Expired Permits
- Fences Requiring Flood Review
Development
- General Development Approval
- Site Plan Approval
- Working Beyond the Scope of Approvals
- Earth Moving Permits
- Adverse Impacts
Zoning/Other
- Special Permits
- Administrative Permits
- Temporary Uses
- Lighting Encroachment
- Setback Requirements
- Accessory Uses
- Change of Use
- Uses within Specific Zoning Districts
- Overlay Districts
Damage Assessment
Code Enhancement has the responsibility to conduct damage assessment for residential and commercial structures within the unincorporated areas of Manatee County. With the assistance of Building Inspectors and Code Enforcement, using the Crisis Track Application, we can report damage timely following natural and man-made events.