The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
A violation of a provision of a code or ordinance by a person
who has been previously found, through a code enforcement board or
any other quasi-judicial or judicial process, to have violated or
who has admitted violating the same provision within five years prior
to the violation, notwithstanding the violations occur at different
locations.
An officer appointed as provided in this article who shall
have the status and authority to the extent prescribed herein.
An alternative local government code enforcement system is hereby
created and established to be filled by a Special Magistrate to enforce
the ordinances and Code of the City instead of a Code Enforcement
Board pursuant to Chapter 162, Florida Statutes.
The Special Magistrate shall have to power to:
A.
Adopt rules for the conduct of code enforcement hearings, subject
to amendment or modification by the City Commission.
B.
Subpoena alleged violators and witnesses to code enforcement hearings.
Subpoenas may be served by the Police Department.
C.
Subpoena evidence.
D.
Take testimony under oath.
E.
Issue orders having the force of law commanding whatever steps are
necessary to bring violation into compliance.
A.
The Special Magistrate shall be a person licensed to practice law
in the state. Appointments shall be made by the City Commission on
the basis of experience or interest in code enforcement.
B.
The City Commission shall appoint as many Special Magistrates as
are deemed necessary. The City Commission shall have authority to
remove a Special Magistrate with or without cause.
C.
A Special Magistrate shall not be a City employee but shall be compensated
at a rate to be determined by administrative order.
