CRT Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I report a possible violation?
A: Call the Community
Response Team. Be prepared to give the street address and a brief
description of the potential violation. Your call may remain anonymous.
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Q:
Do I have to leave my name and number?
A: No. Our offices receive and investigate anonymous complaints on a
daily basis. If you leave your name or phone number, it becomes part of
the public record, and is available to any citizen for review.
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Q:
How do I know my complaint was acted upon?
A: If you've called in a complaint and do not see any results, please
call again. Our office staff will gladly check the computer records and
inform you of the status of your complaint.
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Q:
What happens if I'm in violation?
A: First, if there is a suspected violation an Inspector will leave a
card or or an informational doorhanger at your residence. Second, if we
receive no response from you, a Notice of Violation will be mailed to
the property owner and/or occupant giving you a specific amount of time
to comply. If you need additional time to correct a violation, please
take the time to telephone the Inspector. Our goal is to achieve voluntary
compliance through education, communication and cooperation. As a rule,
monetary fines are used only as a last resort.
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Q:
What is a "Notice to Appear"?
A: Inspectors have the option of issuing a Notice to Appear citation
instead of a Notice of Violation. These citations are sent directly to
County Court. You will have the option of a trial or being fined accordingly.
Notices to Appear are used most frequently for water and other transient-type
violations and for repeat violators and/or violations.
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Q:
Is there any type of assistance available?
A: Our Inspectors will gladly work with you in coming into compliance
with City codes. However, if you
do need additional assistance, there are alternative options available,
including the City's own Economic
Development Department. Please call (727) 462-4040 for information
on how they may be able to assist you.
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Q:
My whole neighborhood has violations. Why are you picking on me?
A: Our Inspectors try to cover their entire zone on a routine basis and
may have spotted your violation at that time. In addition, they respond
to any and all complaints that come into our offices. If you feel we have
missed a violation in your neighborhood, please feel free to call and
ask an Inspector to investigate. In no way is this program designed to
be used as a "selective enforcement" tool or to be biased against any
one citizen, group or business entity.
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Q:
This is a ridiculous waste of taxpayers money. Shouldn't you be
out chasing "real criminals?"
A: The Community Response Team is dedicated to maintaining a high standard
of living for all citizens of Clearwater. Code enforcement is not law
enforcement. We enforce codes that help ensure a safe and pleasant environment
that also helps maintain the highest value for your property investment.
Areas that become blighted with debris, overgrowth and graffiti are more
susceptible to crime than areas that remain free of code violations. We
actively enforce these regulations to ensure that your neighborhood remains
a safe and healthy place to live.
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Q: What are some of the more common
code violations?
A: The Community Response Team is often asked about the following codes:
Abandoned (Inoperable) Vehicles
All vehicles must be mechanically operable and display current registration,
or must be kept under a carport or in a garage. Operable requires that
the vehicle runs and has all the tires inflated.
Address Numbering
For public safety reasons, all developed properties must have their
address numbers clearly visible from the streets they face, and the numbers
must be Arabic numerals. (Script and/or numbers painted on the curb do
not meet Code requirement.) Residential properties must have numbers at
least 3 inches in height, nonresidential properties must have numbers
at least 6 inches in height.
Animals
City Code empowers Police Officers to handle any animal complaints
(including barking dogs). If you wish to report a violation involving
animals, please call the Police
Department's non-emergency number at (727) 562-4242.
Boats
In residential zones, boats may not be parked or stored on the street
or street right of way. Boats 20 feet or less in length may be parked
between the principal structure and the right of wa. Boats over 20 feet
long may not be located between the principal structure and the right
of way. Boats must display a current registration.
Canvas
Canvas, or other similar materials, shall not be allowed as a permitted
material for any accessory structure. The temporary carports that use
canvas for the roof covering are prohibited in the City of Clearwater.
Commercial Vehicles
In residential zones, commercial vehicles and semi-tractor trailer
trucks or cabs may not be parked or stored on the street or street right
of way. No semi-tractor trailer truck or cab may be parked or stored in
a residential area. Commercial vehicles over 20 feet in length, 7 feet
in height or 7 feet in width must also be kept out of the area between
the principal structure.
Debris
To keep our City free from blight, no accumulation of debris is allowed
on a property.
Fences
Fences require a building permit
which can be obtained from Development
and Neighborhood Services at (727) 562-4567. In addition, fences must
be maintained in a structurally sound and attractive manner.
Garage Sales
Garage, yard or estate sales may be held no more than 2 times per
property within one year-no longer than 3 days each.
Graffiti
Graffiti is monitored and tracked by the Community Response Team,
Solid Waste/Recycling Department
and Police Department. In
order to keep Clearwater a clean, safe place to live, prompt removal
is required. Assistance is available for those properties targeted with
graffiti. Please call the Community Response Team at (727) 562-4720 for
information.
Grass and Overgrowth
Grass must be maintained under 12 inches high and must not extend
out more than 4 inches over the sidewalk, curb or edge of pavement. Rights
of way and sidewalks shall be clear of refuse and vegetation, and a height
clearance of at least 8 feet from the pavement surface shall be provided
unless an exception has been granted by the Urban Forester for protected
trees.
Grass Parking
Motor vehicles may not be parked, displayed or stored on grass or
other unpaved area unless specifically authorized by the parking code.
See Residential Parking on the Grass also.
Hauling Trailers
In residential zones, hauling trailers may not be parked or stored on
the street right-of-way; nor may they be parked or stored between the
principle structure and the right-of-way. Hauling trailers must display
a current registration. (Section 3-1407.A)
Housing
All residential properties must be in compliance with the Minimum
Standard Housing Code (hot/cold water, heating, sanitary facilities, etc.).
Several agencies are available to assist those persons whose properties
may not be up to Code. For more information, contact our Housing Inspectors.
Landscaping
Any portion of a lot not covered by a building or structure shall
be landscaped with grass or other appropriate ground cover, and shall
be maintained in a neat and healthy condition. A detailed handout regarding
groundcover options and maintenance is available. Call 727-562-4720 and
we will provide you with a copy.
Newsracks
The City has restrictions regarding the location of newsracks upon
rights-of-way and public property. Call us at (727) 562-4727 if you have
questions regarding newsracks.
Noise
Excessive noise can be a serious problem for residents. To report
noise violations, please call the Police
Department at (727) 562-4242.
Occupational Licensing
Any person holding himself or herself out to the public as being engaged
in business or offering services for sale to the public, is required to
obtain a City of Clearwater Occupational
License. For more information on how to apply for a license, please
call our Development
and Neighborhood Services at (727) 562-4567. If you suspect someone
is running an unauthorized home business, call the Community
Response Team at (727) 562-4720 and an Inspector will investigate.
Outdoor Storage
Equipment, material or furnishings not designed for use outdoors,
such as automobile parts and tires, building materials and interior furniture
may not be stored outdoors. Additionally, goods and materials may not
be stored so that they are visible from an abutting property or a public
right-of-way.
Parking Lots
Parking lot surfaces shall be maintained so that they are clear of
litter, trash, debris, equipment, weeds, dead vegetation and refuse. Cracked
or heaved parking lot surfaces shall be promptly repaired.
Parking on the Grass in Residential Areas
One designated parking space may be located on the grass in a required
front setback adjacent to and parallel to the driveway located on the
property. Access to such designated parking space shall be by way of the
property's driveway. If the designated parking space can not be maintained
as a landscaped area and is either reported by neighboring residents as
a detrimental property or is identified by any Code Inspector as in violation
of this provision, such designated parking area shall be filled in, by
the property owner, with pavers, concrete, turf block, or other approved
suitable parking material.
Portable Storage Units
A Portable storage unit is allowed in a residential area for no more
than 4 days, no more than four times per calendar year. The unit may not
be larger than 8 feet high, 8 feet wide and 16 feet long, have no more
than 2 sign faces no larger than 12 square feet each, and have a sticker
affixed that indicates the most recent date in which the portable storage
unit was delivered to the site.
Property Maintenance Standards
Exterior surfaces of buildings must be maintained so that they are
free of mildew, rust and peeling paint. All cornices, trim and window
frames that are damaged, sagging or otherwise deteriorated shall be repaired
or replaced to be made structurally sound. All exterior surfaces other
than decay-resistant wood shall be protected from the elements by paint
or other protective covering. Doors, windows and roofs must be maintained
in a secure and weatherproof condition.
Recreational Vehicles
Recreational vehicles, travel trailers, motor homes and camping trailers
may not be parked or stored either in the street right-of-way or on private
property unless out of the area between the principal structure and the
right of way. All RVs must be operable and display current registration.
Hauling trailers are subject to the same restrictions. No vehicle shall
be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes except campers,
travel trailers and RV’s may be in an approved RV park.
Rental Property
A Business Tax Receipt is required for all rental of condominiums, single
family and multi-family residences. Rental property for less than 30 days
or one calendar month (whichever is less) is prohibited in certain areas
and must meet requirements of restrictions on all areas where allowed.
Please call the Planning Department at 562-4567 for information on approvals
if allowed.
Residential Parking Restrictions
The parking restrictions placed on RVs, boats, commercial vehicles
(except semi trucks and semi trailers) and hauling trailers do not apply
to the loading, unloading or cleaning of these vehicles completed within
a 24 hour period no more than 2 times a month; nor do they apply to commercial
vehicles during the performance of a service.
Signage
- Garage Sale Signs: The maximum area of garage sales signs is
4 square feet per sign. There may be one sign on site and 2 directional
signs only on the sale dates. Signs must be placed on private property
and may not be placed in city rights-of-way, i.e. utility poles, sidewalks,
bridges and so on.
- Obtaining a Sign Permit: In most cases, a sign may not be located,
placed, erected, constructed, altered or extended without first obtaining
a sign permit. Applications for sign permits are available online
or from Development
and Neighborhood Services. Any questions can be directed to this
department at (727) 562-4726.
- Prohibited Signs: In most cases, the following signs are prohibited:
balloons, cold air inflatable, streamers, strings of pennants, portable
signs, human, roof and above-roof signs and vehicle and trailer signs.
If you are unsure of whether or not to obtain a permit, please call
our Zoning Department at (727) 562-4567.
- Signs in the Right-of-Way: Signs can not be placed on publicly-owned
land or easements or inside streets' right-of-way. This includes signs
on utility poles, sidewalks, bridges, etc. Such signs may be confiscated
by any City employee.
- Window Signs: Window signs may be 25% of an individual window
up to a maximum of 8 square feet of the individual window. A cumulative
total of no more than 24 square feet of window signage is allowed for
a business.
- Maintenance: Signs must be maintained in good condition, free
of mildew, rust, and loose material, including peeling or fading of
paint or materials.
Unsafe Structures
To report unsafe structures or properties which are not secure, contact
Development
and Neighborhood Services at (727) 562-4567.
Vehicle Repair
In residential zones, no repair of any vehicle is permitted unless such
repair is either confined within a completely enclosed building and limited
to vehicle service involving vehicles owned by a person who resides at
that residence. Under no circumstance shall such repair be conducted as
a commercial activity.
Water Restrictions
See water
restrictions.
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