Municipal code enforcement board and special magistrates created; authority of code enforcement board and special magistrates

(a)

It is the intent of this chapter to promote, protect and improve the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Tampa.

(b)

The operation of one (1) or more code enforcement boards ("CEB") and/or one or more code enforcement special magistrates ("CESM"), is authorized by F.S. Ch. 162, Part I, to provide an equitable, expeditious, effective and inexpensive method of enforcing the City Code.

(c)

The CEB and CESMs shall have the authority to impose administrative fines and other non-criminal penalties when violations of the City Code exist, existed, or continue to exist.

(d)

The CEB and CESMs shall have the authority to make a determination whether a property condition presents a serious threat to the public health, safety, and welfare so as to warrant the immediate abatement of the condition by directing the appropriate city department to make all reasonable repairs or take all reasonable action necessary to bring said condition into compliance with the City Code and to charge the violator the reasonable cost of the repairs or action along with any fine imposed pursuant to this article.

(e)

The CESMs are authorized to hear and review the appeals of orders entered by City of Tampa officials pursuant to City Code sections 19-5(a) or 5.115.3.

(Ord. No. 2015-50, § 11, 4-16-15)