§ 138-54. Report of violations; enforcement procedure.

Any person may report a violation of this chapter.

(1)

Inspectors for the county's code enforcement department shall have the authority to investigate alleged violations of this chapter.

(2)

Investigations may be based upon statements of complainants or upon inspections performed by county departmental personnel.

(3)

In conducting investigations of alleged violations of this chapter, departmental inspectors shall have the authority, where otherwise lawful, to inspect property, obtain the signed statements of prospective witnesses, photograph violations, and do such other gathering of evidence as is necessary for the complete investigation of an alleged zoning violation.

(4)

Where violations of this chapter are found to exist during the course of any construction or other activity requiring a permit, a stop work order may be issued by the county building department, or any department referenced in this section, and work shall thereafter cease until the violation is corrected.

(5)

Where it is determined that a violation of this chapter exists, the county's code enforcement inspectors shall attempt to contact the violator and direct compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The county administrator may refer matters to the proper agency for other county, state and/or federal law violations not covered by this chapter.

(6)

Responsible parties: The owner(s) of property subject to this zoning code shall be responsible for compliance with this chapter with respect to their property. Enforcement action taken by the county or state may be brought against the owner(s) and/or persons or entities in control of the property, including a contractor working on the property.

(7)

Any person or entity that violates any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction of a county ordinance and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or as allowed by Florida State Statutes. Each day a violation continues to exist constitutes a separate offense. Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the county or state from bringing an appropriate civil action to ensure compliance with the zoning code or from utilizing the procedures found in article VIII of chapter 2 of the Pinellas County Code.

(8)

Where this chapter provides for permitted uses or activities, a violation of the particular section which provides for the permitted use or activity shall occur if dissimilar uses or activities are existing on the subject property. Failure to obtain a permit, site plan or clearance from the county, as required in this chapter, shall be considered a violation of the particular provision requiring the permit, site plan or clearance.

(Ord. No. 18-36 , § 3(Att. B), 10-23-18)