Code Enforcement Defined

The City of Florence Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for neighborhood preservation, compliance with the City Code, erosion control, and nuisance abatement while providing sensitive and courteous public service. The Code Enforcement Officer also has responsibility for parking enforcement throughout the City. This individual is assisted by members of the Florence Police Auxiliary who have been trained in the preparation of parking citation issuance and are authorized to do so as needed.

It is our commitment to excellence that is reflected in serving our community in a safe, professional and effective manner for these quality of life issues. Our services are dedicated to enriching the lives of our citizens by protecting the health and welfare of its residents through fair and impartial enforcement of the Florence Municipal Code. Our goal is to educate and seek voluntary compliance prior to enforcement.

When a code violation complaint is received, it is researched for location, ownership and jurisdiction. The Code Enforcement Officer will make a site visit to determine if a violation exists. If there is a violation the officer will determine who the responsible individual/property owner is and the appropriate parties will be notified of the violation(s). Notification may be in the form of a personal visit, phone contact, email, a warning with a door hanger or letter. In certain situations, such as health or safety matters, or repeat violations, there may be no notification and a citation may simply be issued.

No matter what form of notification is given, there will be a due date by which the corrections must be completed in order to avoid further enforcement action. If after the first notice there is no abatement of the violation by the due date, the Code Enforcement Officer may issue a second notice. This notification will be in written form with a deadline by which the violation must be corrected. At anytime the City may post a notice to abate. In certain instances there may be no second notice and the Code Enforcement Officer may issue a citation to appear in court. It is the City's policy to provide all citizens with the opportunity to correct any issues before the pursuit of formal enforcement actions. When a property owner refuses to correct violations found on the property and it reaches the point of a citation, the responsible party/property owner may be issued an Oregon Uniform Citation and Complaint. This requires the individual receiving the citation to appear in Florence Municipal Court on the date and time listed. If after judicial proceedings a defendant is found to be guilty of violating the municipal ordinance, the judge may impose a civil penalty similar to a fine.

While the Code Enforcement Program at the City of Florence is a proactive based approach to community policing, the public is also invited to make a complaint of possible code violations. Whether self-initiated or received by complaint, the Code Enforcement Officer will review the information and investigate to determine if there is a violation of the Florence Municipal Ordinance. The Code Enforcement Officer is available to listen to your issues. If any citizen of Florence has a concern or complaint and would like to notify the Code Enforcement Officer, please call City Hall at (541) 997-3437.