Florida Association of Code Enforcement Before and After Contest Grand Prize Winner: Michelle Owen Code Compliance Administrator Martin County This property is located in Martin County, Florida. From the front, the property seems to be in compliance. Upon inspection of the rear of the property we found what seemed to be a pool used as a landfill. The pool was a danger and was tagged unsafe due to the fact that it was popping out of the ground. The case was heard at an emergence hearing before the Special Magistrate. The owner was found in violation of the Code; they were assessed hard costs of $ and were ordered to comply within 30 days. A demolition permit was required. The property owner complied by removing the trash and debris. The pool was removed and the danger to the neighborhood no longer exists.

Florida Association of Code Enforcement Before and After Contest Runner Up Lori Crain This property has long since been an eyesore on highly travelled State Road 50 and County Road 561, known as th Street. We received a complaint from a new business next door that an overgrowth of vines from this property was invading their trees and choking them out. Upon response I found a whole lot more than that. Long story short: To obtain compliance, the property owner obtained a demolition permit, leveled the buildings, removed the debris and now this prime location is offered for sale.

Florida Association of Code Enforcement Before and After Contest Runner Up Peter Backhaus City of Gainesville Code Officer Todd Martin identified the structure and its contents as a dangerous building. It was an eyesore in the community and a hazard as well because of structural faults (roof falling in, etc.) as well as the amount of “possessions” that was accumulated by the hoarder who lived there. Officer Martin was able to have the building condemned and obtained authorization for demolition when repairs were not made. As a result of the demolition, 9 roll-off dumpsters were filled with the contents of the house alone. The structure and its contents have been removed and a pristine lot now remains.

Florida Association of Code Enforcement Before and After Contest Runner Up Pilar Diaz North Miami, FL A house located just to the east of I-95 was being occupied by a disabled senior citizen who had collected numerous items for over 20 years. He planned on reselling the items but had sold very few. This house was the worst example of hoarding in North Miami history. For two years Code Compliance and the Police Department had worked with him to remove items and salvage anything of value. Due to health and safety concerns, Code Compliance, with the assistance of the City Attorney’s Office, was able to get a court order for a complete and ongoing clean-up of the exterior of the residence. With the help of vendors and volunteers, we were able to clean the property and eliminate health and safety hazards for the resident. The cleanup was televised by a local news station in Miami, FL. This was the first time in 20 years that the exterior was clean.