Graffiti

Graffiti is defined as unwanted writing, drawings or symbols applied to any surface without the consent of the property owner, authorized agent or designee. Graffiti has a direct negative impact on our community, neighborhoods, and property values. It can constitute a threat to public safety and welfare because the graffiti may be associated with gang activity and other criminal acts. If graffiti is not promptly removed, it encourages the creation of additional graffiti and the spread of blight. The City’s Graffiti Abatement Program is designed to rid our City of unsightly graffiti. City departments collaborate with community partners and business owners to remove graffiti as soon as possible. In some cases, this may include partnering with owners and community agencies to install new murals.

Lot Mowing

Our City codes prohibit the uncontrolled growth of weeds or grass on a property, except for those areas that are intentionally preserved in a “natural state” (for example, a passive park, restricted covenant land use, a designated canopy road, etc.). On private properties, the City is authorized to correct this violation by clearing vacant lots after the required legal notification is made to the owner and assess the associated costs against the property through a special assessment lien.

Code Enforcement Repair

The Code Enforcement Repair Program assists low-income owners of homes that are owner-occupied to eliminate exterior code violations, and to improve and preserve neighborhoods. Up to $2,500 in a forgivable loan is available to assist income-eligible homeowners who have received a notice of code violations, to make the necessary repairs to bring their home into compliance. Eligible repairs may include the following:

• Exterior painting
• Rafters, soffit and fascia repair
• Window glass and screens
• Railings and stairs
• Landings and porches
• Yard maintenance and debris removal when done in conjunction with repairs to the home.

Call 850-891-6566 to see if you are eligible and get more information.

Storm Mitigation Grant

Tallahassee experiences significant storm activity throughout the year, especially during the Hurricane Season from June through November. The Storm Damage Mitigation Program provides grant assistance to low-income homeowners to be proactive and help protect their property from damage during storms and flooding. Up to $12,500 is available for income eligible homeowners to:

• Trim and/or remove trees that have been determined to pose a risk to the home in a storm event,
• Elevate at-risk hot water heaters and HVAC units in flood prone areas, and
• Make other specific improvements that will harden the home against storm damage.

Apply for a Storm Mitigation Grant online. For additional information please call 850-891-6566 and ask for assistance with the Storm Mitigation Grant program.

Boarding & Sealing

Structures, which are open and unprotected as a result of the omission or disrepair of enclosures, are required to be temporarily secured or boarded to prevent further damage to the structure and to prevent unauthorized access [Land Development Code Chapter 3. Section 3-371]. Structures may be boarded to City specifications for up to one year or as ordered by the Municipal Code Enforcement Board. If an owner does not comply with the Code board order, the City is authorized to implement the boarding and sealing of the property and assess the associated costs to the property owner through a special assessment lien.

Demolition

The City can address unsafe residential buildings through demolition under the Land Development Code [Chapter 3. Section 3-541]. When a structure is determined to be dangerous and not suitable for rehabilitation, Code Enforcement may order a review by the Condemnation Review Team made up of other technical experts. A recommendation will be made to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to issue a final order. If owner does not demolish or remove the structure within the time set forth in the order, the enforcement may implement the demolition order and assess the associated costs to the property owner through a special assessment lien.