Code Compliance Process

If you see unpermitted work taking place, please contact us at the appropriate number below:

  • Weekdays: 941-263-6417
  • Saturday: 941-894-2790

Hours of permitted construction and demolition are as follows:

  • Weekdays: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Weekends or holidays: 9:00 a.m. to to 9:00 p.m.

What happens when a code violation is reported?

Inspection Process

An inspector is assigned to each complaint. Typically, the inspector:

  • Visits the property acting on customer complaint, referral from staff, or personal observation;
  • Checks to see if the property appears to be a violation;
  • Attempts contact with owner/tenant and may leave a door hanger describing the problem and expected resolution and timeframe to remedy the violation;
  • Re-inspects after the given time to verify compliance;
  • Issues a violation letter to owner of property by certified mail, if not in compliance;
  • Final inspection performed to verify compliance;
  • Schedules a hearing before the Special Magistrate if the property is not in compliance. The Special Magistrate may levy fines and costs;
  • Closes the case once compliance is verified.

Inspection Zones

The City of Sarasota is separated into seven (7) Inspector Zones, with at least one inspector assigned to each zone, working 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. One inspector works on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m and handles all areas of the City. To contact the weekend inspector send an email, monitored throughout the day on Saturdays.

Additional References

Hearings: Code Compliance holds code violation hearings in front of a Special Magistrate on Thursdays. All hearings are open to the public, but only parties involved in the case or any witnesses that are called are permitted to speak during the proceedings. Upcoming Live and On-Demand hearings are streamed online.

Foreclosed or Abandoned Properties: All lenders/mortgagees are required to register properties that are currently in foreclosure (vacant/occupied) or that have been deemed abandoned by the city. Code Compliance maintains a list of properties and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with maintenance requirements.

Lien Searches and Lien Payoffs: Code Compliance can provide a final payoff amount or help making a code lien payment online. For all lien research/estoppel requests please contact Orange Lien Data, LLC.

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