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1. I made a complaint weeks ago, why has nothing been done to the property?

In all cases, the responsible party (Respondent) must be provided notice of the violation. They must also be provided with a reasonable time period in which to correct the violation(s). This notice may be as simple as a visit from a Code Compliance Officer or as difficult as sending notice via certified mail, posting or publishing the notice in the local newspaper. Regardless of the type of service for the Respondent(s) in your particular case, please know that your complaint is important and is being handled in an appropriate manner. You should direct specific inquiries to the Code Compliance Division. 

Code Enforcement Page

2. The house next door is abandoned and the yard is overgrown, can anything be done to clean the property?

Yes- Lake Wales Code of Ordinances prohibits allowing debris, rubbish, trash, stagnant water, diseased or damaged trees, dense growth of vines, underbrush, weeds, or grass in excess of 12 inches in height from the ground on any lot having an aggregate size of 10 acres or less. If you know of such a property, please notify the Code Compliance Division.

Code Enforcement Page

3. Is it legal for someone to have a commercial vehicle parked at their house?

It shall be unlawful to park overnight or leave unattended during the day any commercial vehicle in a residential district of this city. This prohibition shall not include those commercial collecting or delivering persons or property in the normal course of business, any authorized emergency vehicle when operated in an official capacity. 

A Commercial vehicle is defined as any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the public highways in commerce to transport passengers or cargo, if such vehicle: 

a) has a gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand pounds or more

b) is designed to transport more than fifteen passengers, including the driver; or

c) is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended (49 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq.).

Municipal Code Online

4. Is it legal for someone to have an inoperable or unlicensed vehicle on their property?

NO- A vehicle or vessel, or parts thereof, shall be deemed to be derelict if the vehicle or vessel is unlicensed, inoperable to the extent that it is unable to perform its original intended function; is partially or wholly dismantled, is in a condition that prevents legal operation, is junked or intended to be recycled, or scrapped unless the vehicle/vessel is in an enclosed building, is on the premises of a business enterprise operated in a lawful place and manner, is in an appropriate storage or depository facility maintained in a lawful place and manner, is covered by an intact custom vehicle or vessel cover made for the specific type and size of vehicle or vessel which it covers. One custom covered vehicle or vessel on residential property or two custom covered vehicles, vessels, or combination thereof on nonresidential property. 

Municipal Code Online

5. My landlord refuses to make repairs to my apartment or house, what can I do?

Depending on the types of deficiencies, the Code Compliance Division may be able to help. Please note, however, that neither the Code Compliance Division nor the City of Lake Wales have the authority to intervene in a landlord/tenant dispute. Code Compliance Officers will work with both parties to correct all violations of the City's Code of Ordinances.

Code Enforcement Page

6. Can my neighbor add an addition to their house without a permit?

No- Anyone who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit as required by the Florida Building Code and City Code of Ordinances. 

Municipal Code Online

7. I received a Notice of Violation from the Code Enforcement Section, but the violation(s) will not be corrected or removed within the time allotted, what can I do?

Contact the Code Compliance Division. You may request an extension. Dependent upon the severity of the case, an extension may be allowed. You may also appear before the Code Enforcement Board and present your case. 

Code Enforcement Page

8. What happens if a person refuses to comply with the City Code of Ordinances?

Several things can happen. Depending on the case, it may result in citations, fines, and/or liens not to exceed two hundred fifty ($250) per day, per violation for each day the violation exists, ($500) per day, per violation for each day the violation exists if a repeat offender, Code Enforcement Board action and/or The City may abate the violation(s) and the cost of the abatement will be charged to the owner of the property or assessed against the land upon which the violation(s) exists or both.