Code Compliance / Enforcement

Code Compliance / Enforcement Hello, The City is actively working to ensure that all neighborhoods remain in compliance with City codes. Our Code Enforcement person conducts regular inspections and responds to reports of non-compliance to address issues such as overgrown vegetation, debris, unsafe conditions, and other violations of City Code. Residents who wish to report concerns about code compliance issues can do so directly by contacting the City's Code Enforcement office. Reports can typically be made by phone (727-758-7469), email ([email protected]), or through an online portal on the City's website (https://portrichey.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/portrichey). There is also a general request portal on the city website (https://portricheyrequest.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/portricheyrequest). This process allows staff to provide timely review and response and ensures that City Council members and the City Manager are not placed in the position of intermediaries for these types of concerns. Please allow staff time to open cases and collect data before they respond to each active code case. Staff appreciates residents' vigilance in helping maintain our community and encourages direct reporting to ensure all concerns are addressed efficiently and appropriately. Thank you, Development Services' Team and Code Enforcement COMMON CONCERNS WE ADDRESS - Overgrown grass, vegetation, and sight obstructions - Trash, debris, junk, outdoor storage, and dumping - Unsafe structures, property maintenance, and nuisances - Unpermitted work, building code issues, and zoning concerns - Vehicles, signage, stormwater, and other City Code matters COMMUNITY PROMISE Most issues are resolved faster when concerns are reported directly to staff with clear location details and photos. REPORT A CONCERN How Do I File a Code Complaint? Use the online portal, phone, or email. The best reports include a location, brief description, and photos when safe. START WITH LOCATION Provide the address, nearest cross street, or a clear description of where the issue is located. DESCRIBE THE CONCERN Tell us what you observed. Add photos only when safe and appropriate. SUBMIT AND ALLOW REVIEW Staff will open the request, inspect as needed, and respond as quickly as possible. Expect a response in 7 to 10 days. BEFORE YOU SUBMIT Be ready to provide your name, address, the concern location, and the best way to reach you. Public records laws generally apply to information submitted to the City. ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS Florida law generally requires a reporting person's name and address before enforcement proceedings may begin, except for imminent threats. BEFORE WORK BEGINS Unpermitted Work Can Cost More Than the Permit Permits help make sure projects are safe, inspected, and documented before work starts. CHECK FIRST IF YOUR PROJECT INVOLVES - Building, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or roofing work - Fences, sheds, pools, docks, seawalls, driveways, or site work - Floodplain, drainage, stormwater, or substantial-improvement questions - Business occupancy, signs, zoning use, or property redevelopment WHY IT MATTERS Work completed without required permits can affect safety, insurance coverage, refinancing, and sale of a property, and may result in delays, fees, fines, or work that must be corrected or removed. BEST NEXT STEP Contact Development Services before you buy materials, hire a contractor, or begin construction. When in doubt, ask first. Staff can help identify the right permit path. IF YOU RECEIVE A NOTICE Notice of Violation: What Happens Next A Notice of Violation is the City's written communication that a possible code issue has been observed and must be corrected. REPORT OR OBSERVATION - A concern is reported or observed by staff. INSPECTION - Staff reviews the location to verify whether a violation exists. NOTICE AND CORRECTION - A written notice explains the issue and provides time to correct it when required. RE-INSPECTION - Staff confirms whether the issue has been corrected. IF UNRESOLVED - Repeat, serious, unsafe, or uncorrected cases may proceed to hearing, civil penalty, court, or other remedy. BEST RESPONSE Correct the issue by the deadline or contact staff before the deadline for guidance. Prompt communication helps resolve code cases efficiently and fairly. CONTACT INFORMATION CODE ENFORCEMENT Phone: 727-271-3822 Email: [email protected] DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Phone: 727-816-1900 #2 Email: [email protected] CITY HALL 6333 Ridge Road, Port Richey, FL 34668 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. OUTSIDE BUSINESS HOURS: 727-816-1919 LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES: 911