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1. How does Code Enforcement enforce the County codes?

Nassau County uses a Code Enforcement Board as authorized under Florida Statute, Chapter 162. Persons found to be in violation of one of the Codes enforced by the department are given every opportunity to comply with the Code before any penalty is assessed. Violators are notified of the section of the Code being violated and are afforded a reasonable period of time to comply. Anyone who fails to comply with the Code within the time allotted may have their case forwarded to the Code Enforcement Board where fines may be levied as a lien against the offender’s property. Nassau County Codes

2. Can I remain anonymous when reporting a code enforcement violation?

No, anonymous complaints will not be investigated. Effective July 1, 2021, Senate Bill 60 became law prohibiting code inspectors from initiating enforcement proceedings for potential violations of code and ordinances by way of anonymous complaints; requiring persons who report potential violations of code and ordinances to provide specified information to the department before an investigation occurs.  Remember that all information you choose to provide to the County, including names, phone numbers, or email addresses, is subject to the Public Record Laws. In other words, we must provide this information to anyone who asks for it.

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3. What is considered an unserviceable vehicle ?

The Nassau County Ordinance describes an unserviceable vehicle as any vehicle which is required to be licensed or registered in the State of Florida and is in such condition that it cannot be started or moved under its own power.(Ordinance 2003-17, Section 3) 

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  Unserviceable vehicle prohibited.

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  It shall be unlawful for the owner, lessee, and/or occupant of any real property in the unincorporated areas of Nassau County in the following Zoning categories: OR (three (3) acres or less), RS-1, RS-2, RM, RT, RG-1, RG-2, RMH, CN, CG, CI, Recreation and Open Space, and PUD, to cause, permit, and/or have stored thereon more than one (1) unserviceable vehicle(s), except for unserviceable vehicles stored within a completely enclosed building, or unserviceable vehicles stored on the premises of a properly zoned junkyard or vehicle repair or storage facility. One (1) unserviceable vehicle may remain on the property for a period not to exceed six (6) months.

  For OR zoned properties of four (4) acres or more, unserviceable vehicles may be stored subject to the following:

  (1)

  No vehicle shall be within three hundred (300) feet of any boundary of such owner's land.

  (2)

  If the vehicle is visible from the adjoining property or road, as determined by a code enforcement officer, it shall be contained within a pole barn (properly permitted, if applicable) or in a completely enclosed permitted building.

  (3)

  Unserviceable vehicles shall not be left on public property, including rights-of-way for any period of time.

  (Ord. No. 89-10, § 2(2.02), 3-21-89; Ord. No. 2003-17, § 3, 3-24-03)

  
  

4. What do I do if I've received a notice of violation from Code Enforcement?

If you have any questions about what is required of you to achieve compliance with Nassau County Code Enforcement, please contact the investigator assigned to your case. The investigator’s name is listed at the bottom of the notice you received. You can also call our main number at (904) 491-7326 and speak to anyone in the Department.

The goal of Code Enforcement is to preserve the quality and value of public and private property and maintain a high standard of living by eliminating conditions that threaten the life, health, safety, and general welfare of the public. The Department recognizes that this goal is most effectively achieved through the education of, and cooperation with, the citizens of Nassau County.

5. I have received a notice from the County Code Enforcement officer for violation of one of the County Ordinances. I don't feel I was given enough time to correct the problem. What should I do?

Call (904) 491-7326 or go to the Code Enforcement Department (96135 Nassau Pl., Yulee, FL) before the deadline has expired and discuss the circumstances with the Code Enforcement officer. Based upon the circumstances, the deadline may be extended.

6. Why does it take so long to resolve a Code Enforcement violation?

Upon receiving a complaint of suspected violation, Nassau County will not correct the violation but will give the violator due process. This means the overall decision must be fair. The violator must receive notice of what we intend to do and why, and an opportunity to correct the violation. Code enforcement, by law, is not a speedy process. However, to better serve you, our investigators will conduct initial inspections within a couple of days, but no later than five business days from the date the complaint was received.

The timeframe to correct violations can vary. Many times, the violator will receive a written or verbal courtesy notice. If the violation is not corrected within a reasonable time, Code Enforcement will issue a formal notice of violation. Normally, we allow 30 days to correct a code enforcement violation. This notice will specify the type of violation and time allowed to gain compliance.

When possible, we work with the violator to educate and allow sufficient time to correct the situation. Therefore, subsequent extensions of time to correct a Code violation may be granted by the Code Enforcement Director should the violator demonstrate progress towards correcting the violation. If the violator fails to demonstrate progress towards correcting the violation, he/she could be sent to Code Enforcement Board where fines can be assessed against their property.

7. Should I attend a Code Enforcement Board Hearing?

Yes. Although it is not obligatory to attend the hearing, it is in your best interest. Remember, the case will be heard whether or not you appear. Code Enforcement Board

8. What happens if I am found guilty?

When a property is found to be in violation at a code enforcement hearing, an Order Imposing Fine is issued, stating the case facts and giving the violator time to come into compliance with said ordinances. If the property is not brought into compliance within the time ordered, a fine per day may commence. The Order Imposing Fine may be recorded in the Public Record and will constitute a lien against the property in violation and against any other real or personal property owned by the violator.

The fine will continue to run daily until the property is brought into compliance. Once compliance is achieved, the fine will stop increasing, but the fine total, which is a lien, remains against the property until satisfied.

9. How much are Code Enforcement fines?

The amount of the fine is determined by the Code Enforcement Board and can range up to $1,000 per day for each day that the violation continues to exist. In the case of repeat violators, or those who have been found guilty of the same violation by Code Enforcement in the last five years. The fine can range up to $5,000 per day. A fine which has continued to accrue for 90 days is forwarded to the Nassau County Attorney’s Office for possible legal action.