Bay Harbor Islands Code Compliance Keeps Community Standards High

The Bay Harbor Islands Code Compliance Department works to maintain the town's appeal and property values by enforcing local codes and ordinances. Two Code Compliance Officers conduct regular patrols, investigate resident complaints, and enforce building and zoning regulations.

Residents and business owners can reach the department at 305-993-1786. Code Compliance Manager Evelyn Merizalde, at (786) 256-4347, manages matters in the Business District and on properties south of Kane Concourse on the East and West Islands. Code Compliance Officer Scherrie Griffin, at (786) 792-9619, oversees properties north of Kane Concourse on the East and West Islands.

The department promotes voluntary compliance through community monitoring and necessary actions. It also educates citizens and visitors on public safety and collaborates with other agencies to enhance the quality of life in Bay Harbor Islands.

Key enforcement areas include:

* **Animal Control:** Dogs must be leashed when off-owner's property, and owners must remove fecal matter from public or private property. * **Property Maintenance:** Deteriorated structures such as driveways, exterior doors, paint, fascia boards, fences, garbage containers, landscaping, parking areas, railings, roofs, screens, shutters, swimming pools, and windows may be addressed if they create blight or endanger safety. * **Eyesore and Blight:** Litter or junk storage visible from public or neighboring properties are addressed. * **Eyesore Vehicles:** Wrecked, dismantled, heavily rusted vehicles, or those with missing/broken parts, unrepaired damage exceeding 10%, or more than three colors may be ticketed or removed after notice. * **Noise Regulations:** Construction and other noises are permitted weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Construction is restricted on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays without special approval from the Town Manager. Applications for after-hours work are available from the Building Department at 305-993-1786.

Recently, the Town Council commissioned an engineering inspection of seawalls and docks across Causeway Island, East Island, and West Island. The inspection assessed conditions and categorized seawalls as good, satisfactory, fair, poor, serious, or critical. Property owners will receive letters detailing their seawall and/or dock condition with repair recommendations. The 'Seawall Condition and Resiliency Assessment Report' is available for download.