City of Jacksonville

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What we enforce...

Residential
The Property Safety and Maintenance Code requires that all residential structures be maintained at a certain level. It covers violations both inside and outside the structure, from excessive trash and junk in the yard to obstructed sewer lines and improper plumbing or electric installations. Violations of this section of the ordinance can be cited to the property owner or the occupant, and after time is allowed for correction, may be filed with the Special Magistrate for prosecution or be cited with a fine through the citation system.

Commercial
The Property Safety and Maintenance Code requires that all commercial properties be maintained at a certain level. Commercial properties are defined as any property except a single family residential structure. Violations of this ordinance cover anything from exterior paint, to parking lot conditions and cleanliness, to improper plumbing and electric in the interior of the structure. Violations of the ordinance can be cited to the property owner or the occupant and, after time is allowed for correction, may be filed with the Special Magistrate for prosecution or be cited with a fine through the citation system.

Unsafe Structures
The Property Safety and Maintenance Code covers any structure which is structurally unsound and unsafe due to blight and abandonment. Violations of this ordinance can be cited to the property owner or the occupant, and after time is allowed for correction, may be filed with the Special Magistrate for prosecution or be cited with a fine through the citation system. If necessary, the city may take action up to and including demolition of the structure. 

Nuisance Lots
Complaints regarding high grass, trash or debris on vacant lots and occupied structures constitute a violation of the Nuisance Lot section of the ordinance. Violations of this ordinance can be cited to the property owner, and after time is allowed for correction, the city will contract to have the overgrowth cut and then place a lien on the property.

Vehicles
Junk and Abandoned Vehicles, those without current tags, parts missing, i.e., engines, tires, transmissions, etc., which do not run or cannot be readily started, moved or pulled in accordance with its original purpose are citable under this section. Both owners and/or occupants of the property where the Junk or Abandoned vehicle is located may be cited. Vehicles may be towed from private property, a fee paying citation issued or a case may be filed with the Special Magistrate.

Zoning
The zoning code coverers the allowable uses in all residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This includes regulations of a single-family structure, storage or other activities on any residential or commercial parcel, where commercial vehicles are permitted to be parked, and the locations and sizes of structures and fences on a parcel. Violations of the ordinance can be cited to the property owner or the occupant and, after time is allowed for correction.

Signs
The zoning code, along with Chapter 741, regulates where signs are permitted or prohibited, and what size or other requirements are required in specific zoning districts.  Violations of ordinance can be cited to the property owner or the occupant and, after time is allowed for correction.  Certain signs may be considered "litter" and subject to confiscation.

Addressing
Commercial and Residential parcels with structures are required to have posted addresses meeting specific size and location requirements.  Violations of the ordinance can be cited to the property owner and, after time is allowed for correction.