§ 2.7. Code Enforcement Board.

A.

Establishment. The Code Enforcement Board is hereby established in accordance with State law to provide an equitable, expeditious, effective, and inexpensive method of enforcing this Code and other authorized City Codes and ordinances for all parties.

B.

Powers and Duties. The Code Enforcement Board shall have all powers and duties set forth by State law, including the following powers and duties, as further set forth in Article 10: Enforcement:

1.

To conduct administrative hearings concerning alleged violations of this Code and other authorized City Codes and Ordinances—Including authority to subpoena alleged violators, witnesses, and evidence at such hearings and to take testimony under oath;

2.

To issue orders having the force of law to command whatever steps are necessary to bring a violation into compliance;

3.

To impose fines, or fines plus enforcement and repair costs, for repeat violations or noncompliance with its orders;

4.

To adopt rules governing its proceedings, conduct regular public meetings, call special meetings, and create committees to help carry out its powers and duties; and

5.

To carry out any other powers and duties delegated to it by the City Commission, in accordance with State law.

C.

Membership, Appointment, and Terms of Office.

1.

The Code Enforcement Board shall consist of seven members appointed by the City Commission as a whole.

2.

Appointments shall be made on the basis of experience or interest in zoning and development regulation, building regulations and control, or other fields within the jurisdiction of the board. Whenever possible, board members shall include an architect, a businessperson, an engineer, a general contractor, a subcontractor, and a realtor.

3.

All board members shall be residents of the City.

4.

Board members shall be appointed for three-year, staggered terms, and may be appointed to successive terms. Members shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed.

5.

Vacancies occurring for reasons other than expiration of term shall be filled for the period of the unexpired term only.

6.

Board members shall serve without compensation.

D.

Attendance. If a member of the Code Enforcement Board fails to attend two of three successive regularly scheduled board meetings without cause, the board shall declare the member's office vacant. The City Commission shall promptly fill the vacancy in accordance with Section 2.7.C.5.

E.

Removal. Code Enforcement Board members may be removed for cause by a majority vote of the City Commission. If a member is removed, the City Commission shall fill the vacancy in accordance with Section 2.7.C.5.

F.

Chair and Vice-Chair.

1.

The Code Enforcement Board shall elect a Chair and a Vice-Chair from among its members, each to serve a one-year term. No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms as Chair. The Vice-Chair may be elected to successive terms without limitation.

2.

The Chair shall preside over all board meetings. The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair. If both the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent, the board shall vote to determine who shall serve as acting Chair for the meeting.

G.

Staff. The City shall provide clerical and professional staff liaison to the Code Enforcement Board and shall provide for notification of board members of all meetings, the keeping of the minutes of the meetings, and administrative support.

H.

Meetings.

1.

Schedule. The Code Enforcement Board shall adopt a schedule establishing the date, time, and location of regular meetings. The Chair may cancel a regular meeting on determining that there are no agenda items for consideration, and may call special meetings.

2.

Official Record. The Code Enforcement Board shall keep a written record of its recommendations, transactions, and determinations. Such record shall include minutes of meetings in accordance with State law and shall be a public record. The record shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall be available for inspection by the public during normal business hours.

3.

Notice of Meetings. Notice of all Code Enforcement Board hearings shall be provided to the public in accordance with State law and the public hearing requirements in Section 3.3.E.3, Public Hearing Notice, as appropriate.

4.

Open Meetings. All meetings of the Code Enforcement Board shall be open to the public.

I.

Quorum and Necessary Vote.

1.

Quorum. Four members of the Code Enforcement Board shall constitute a quorum. No official business of the board shall be conducted without a quorum present.

2.

Voting. The affirmative vote of a majority of Code Enforcement Board members present and voting is required to approve any item.

J.

Voting Conflicts. All board members shall comply with State law regarding voting conflicts.

K.

Rules of Procedure. The Code Enforcement Board may adopt rules of procedure governing its procedures and operations.

L.

Sunshine Law Requirements. All meetings and decisions of the board shall comply with State Sunshine Law requirements.