BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Bradford County approved new civil fines for code enforcement violations focused on cleanliness and safety.
Confusion continued about rules on gatherings of 50 or more people. Sheriff Gordon Smith said that will be addressed later, but they continue to work on language to address problematic gatherings without impacting all gatherings.
The fines approved for junk cars and equipment and trash on property were all set at $10 a day on the code officer’s first visit, $25 a day starting with the second visit and $50 a day starting with the third visit. The fines for an overgrown lawn are similar, but they drop back down to $10 per day after the third visit because this can be an ongoing problem, particularly with abandoned or foreclosed properties, Smith said.
For campers and sheds placed on private properties and used as dwellings, the fines were $50 per day for the first 30 days, $100 per day for the second 30 days and $300 per day for the third 30 days.
Commissioner Carolyn Spooner said sometimes sheds are converted into living quarters for family members who might otherwise be homeless. Some have been converted into businesses, she said.
Smith said all code enforcement actions are the result of complaints, and they are not seeking out violations. But the safety of these buildings as housing is a concern, and officials will be the first to be blamed if is someone is injured or worse.
Sometimes neighbors ask code enforcement to intervene. In one recent case, Smith said a property owner asked to be cited so he would have a reason to have family members’ campers removed from the property.
The civil fines are meant to encourage the resolution of code violations more quickly before they wind up before the magistrate, Smith said. Alleged violators can also appeal their citation to the magistrate.
Citizen Matthew Carlton objected to previously discussed restrictions on public gatherings, saying most people would agree. People don’t want to apply for a permit for a large family get-together on their own property, he said, and the same is true for churches.
Sheriff Smith said the target is impromptu gatherings promoted on social media. Sometimes they are organized, such as a biker event that takes place in Lawtey and has residents livid, he said. These events often involve community disruption and safety concerns, and law enforcement is called to get involved. Requiring a permit means they will be able to identify who is in charge. Requiring security could prevent the event from getting out of hand.
The need to define this better is why they are still working on the language. Until something is in place, Smith said he has no enforcement power.
When it comes to cleanups and the removal of junk cars and equipment, people are given notice to come into compliance before fines are imposed. Smith said they work with church and community groups when necessary to help someone out.
