Code Enforcement

The City of Brandon Code Enforcement Team promotes and maintains a safe and desirable living and working environment for Brandon residents and business owners. Through education and enforcement, code enforcement staff helps to maintain the quality of the community. In partnership with residents, neighborhood associations, public service agencies and City departments, code enforcement:

  • Facilitates voluntary compliance with City laws and codes
  • Empowers community self-help programs
  • Develops public outreach programs
  • Establishes community priorities for enforcement programs

Code enforcement teams work proactively, meaning the majority of violations issued each month are self-identified through one of the following methods:

  • Sweeps – neighborhood sweeps begin with a friendly letter identifying common issues and alerting the neighborhood that the INSPECTORS ARE COMING! This gives residents the opportunity to self-inspect their property and resolve issues prior to code enforcement inspections. These sweeps generally have a 60-70% voluntary compliance rate.
  • Officer Patrol – officers patrol the quadrants of the City regularly spot-checking problem zones.
  • Enforcement Priority – city-wide enforcement on a specific priority example: dumpster enclosure maintenance.
  • Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Alert – often HOA’s will alert us to issues in their neighborhoods. We work with the HOA to help them resolve issues through their association network.

Citizens can report code enforcement issues online, in person, or via the phone. We will request information from the complainant regarding the location and type of violation. Complainant can remain anonymous or leave a name for follow-up.

Complaints will be placed on the investigation schedule based on severity and location. Not all complaints are actual violations. Life safety complaints take precedence.

Citizen Works Request Portal

  • Missing Premises ID – structure must be properly addressed for easy recognition by fire and police.
  • Inoperable vehicles – considered one of the top code compliance complaints in most neighborhoods, inoperable vehicles (including trailers, boats, RV’s and any other type of vehicle that requires a state license or inspection sticker) may not be kept in public view in any residential zoned district. Inoperable means “any vehicle that is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled condition (including deflated tires, no wheels, broken windshield or windows, or lacking other necessary parts for the normal operation of the vehicle, or without a current tag and inspection sticker).
  • Vehicle Parking – Vehicles must be parked on a driveway or a paved parking area (this includes trailers, boats, RV’s and any other type of vehicle that requires a state license or inspection sticker). It is a violation to park a vehicle on the lawn.
  • Junk and Debris – It is a violation to have illegal, dumped debris, accumulated trash and junk, abandoned or inoperable vehicles on private properties, etc.
  • Improper Outdoor Storage – Any item that is not customarily used or stored outside (or is not made of durable, weather-resistant material) cannot be placed outdoors on your property. This applies to the front, rear and side yards, as well as open porches or carports. Exceptions include vehicles parked on an approved surface, lawn furniture and landscaping items.
  • Litter, Weeds and Grass – Weeds or grass more than 12 inches high is a violation of the City Code. Homeowners or tenants are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed, clipped, mulched or cleared and the property free of litter (garbage, paper, cardboard, wood, glass, bedding, auto parts, appliances, limbs, etc.). The property must be maintained from the curb / edge of the pavement in front of the house to the back property line.
  • Illegal Signs – It is a violation of the City code to post, attach, nail or staple any signs (notices, posters or other paper devices) on any utility pole, street sign, lamp post, shade tree, public structure or building, or on the City’s right-of-way or median. This includes garage sale signs and lost animal signs.
  • Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs – Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs must be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition year-round, whether in use or not. All pools, spas and hot tubs over 24 inches deep must be surrounded by an approved enclosure.
  • Work Without Permits – Many property improvements (including accessory structures, decks and pools) require permits to ensure projects are built to meet safety standards and ensure quality development. Permits acquired after construction begins are subject to a fine. Before beginning any home improvement project (other than routine maintenance), please call Community Development for permitting requirements.
  • Erosion Control Violations – Failure to provide adequate measures to prevent erosion and contain sediment on a construction site.
  • Illegal Dumping– ‘Illegal Dumping’ refers to the disposal of garbage, refuse, or rubbish as defined by city code upon any street, sidewalk or other public place within the city.

Notice of Violation – this notice may be made verbally in person, left on the door, or by mail. This is the first notice and will provide a list of issues along with the specific codes violated. The notice gives a period of time for the property owner to rectify the issue before re-inspection.

Each notice will give the name and phone number of the code enforcement officer. The code enforcement officers welcome communication. If you need to call and ask questions, request more time, or require an explanation, please call your case officer. This officer will also be performing the re-inspection for compliance.

THERE IS NO FINE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE – We try to achieve voluntary compliance first.  If compliance is not achieved voluntarily during the re-inspection period, we will proceed to issuing a ticket and municipal court.

FAQ

How do I report a violation?

Complete the online complaint form, visit the community development office, or call 601-824-4580.

Am I responsible for pre-existing problems on a property I purchase?

Yes. The property owner is responsible.

What happens after I receive a notice from the City to correct neighborhood code violations?

The violator and/or property owner will have a period of time to correct the violation or to appeal the notice. Immediate, dangerous situations must be remedied right away. Notices that have not been remedied voluntarily during the time given on the notice will be followed up by a ticket.