Sucessful raid today by "Walton County Code Enforcment"

I agree with GEO. Never mind the reference to communism. Saber rattling.

A business saying they don't have time to research laws is nothing more than a cop out. If I don't know what the speed limit is because I just don't take time to read all the signs doesn't make it OK for me to fly into town going 70MPH.

Do these same businesses also have poor fire suppression systems, emergency egress simply because they don't have time to do the research. Baloney, they wouldn't be in business if they didn't go through a process put in place for many very good reasons.

Tourists who can't see the beauty of the emerald coast for all the "litter on a stick" won't feel compelled to return.

Tourists who can't see the beauty of the emerald coast for all the "litter on a stick" won't feel compelled to return.

Great term and a wonderful description. I love it!

Many business owners don't have the time to research all the codes etc.

kind of like 'i didn't know the gun was loaded'?

Bottom line to all of this is that it's LOW RENT and FUGLY. As a business owner I wouldn't think of putting out a tacky sign to attract customers. Business signs go on the building, period, make sure that it's visible and attractive. I increased my tv ads and my networking and it has paid off. I didn't go for the florescent paint signs on 2x4s. It's hard all over, but the beauty of the area the economy can't take away. Those are my 2 cents and word for the day is "LOW RENT"

Many business owners don't have the time to research all the codes etc. Our public servants would serve us well with a simple phone call to let those violators know if they are out of compliance. Give them a couple days to come into compliance. We should all be helping each other out, especially during these trying times. The phone numbers are on the signs and it's not like their busy visiting construction sites these days.

At the risk of veering off of the higher road (as this thread did previously...) I would find it entertaining and I trust you would too to have code enforcement officials, the fire marshals and some deputies share how well proactive phone calls and visits are received from the business owners when it comes to signs, faulty security alarms/fire alarms, emergency access and parking, not to mention the maximum amount of human beings in one small area at any given time..

Huh? I don't believe we are on the same wavelength...

For those who don?t know, I?m being facetious! We are individuals, we are not the same! Neither are our businesses! What works for one, doesn't necessarily work for another!

Just for info, in many communities, including my own (which, believe me, is in no way a scenic area), there are strict sign ordinances. If you want to put up a temporary sign (banner, inflatable, etc) you have to submit a picture/diagram and pay $75 for a permit. This allows you to display your sign for 2 weeks and code enforcement does come and check to make sure it is removed. Also, if you are not on the list as having a permit, they can give you a citation. Permanent signs have to be of a specific design and also be approved. There are not supposed to be any real estate, campaign signs, etc in the right of way. Those that are not off the ROW are removed and disposed of on a regular basis.

As I said, we are not a scenic area, but the looks of downtown have sure improved with the sign ordinances being enforced. Of course, there was a whole lot of b@&#$ing and moaning when all the enforcement began.

Just for info, in many communities, including my own (which, believe me, is in no way a scenic area), there are strict sign ordinances. If you want to put up a temporary sign (banner, inflatable, etc) you have to submit a picture/diagram and pay $75 for a permit. This allows you to display your sign for 2 weeks and code enforcement does come and check to make sure it is removed. Also, if you are not on the list as having a permit, they can give you a citation. Permanent signs have to be of a specific design and also be approved. There are not supposed to be any real estate, campaign signs, etc in the right of way. Those that are not off the ROW are removed and disposed of on a regular basis.

As I said, we are not a scenic area, but the looks of downtown have sure improved with the sign ordinances being enforced. Of course, there was a whole lot of b@&#$ing and moaning when all the enforcement began.

What area is it that you live in? I need to let some of my libertarian lawyers know.

wrobert, as chair of the code enforcement board perhaps you can answer this question. Was this the result of a complaint or an action taken upon by the code enforcement department? If it was a complaint how would one go about finding out who filed it.

Thanks in advance.

I think they need to change the code, let's have a vote! Do we really want to be the cemetery between 2 cities?

Feel free to move to one of those bustling cities. Need help packing?

wrobert, as chair of the code enforcement board perhaps you can answer this question. Was this the result of a complaint or an action taken upon by the code enforcement department? If it was a complaint how would one go about finding out who filed it.

Thanks in advance.

Call Sandra Jenkins, 622-0000 and ask her. Complaints are public record but they do act on anonymous ones. If it the sign sweep you are speaking of, I understood it was complaints received by the District 5 commissioners office from the public that caused it.

Personally, they either need to do it more often or they need to change the law.

The only cases I really know that much about are the ones that make it as far as the board for us to act upon. Usually weddings and people needing DOs to develp and not getting them. Although we have been working on those sand mines and letters of credit a lot this year.

What area is it that you live in? I need to let some of my libertarian lawyers know.

Thanks for the libertarian lawyer offer. But, I already have one of those at home.

... We are individuals, we are not the same! Neither are our businesses! What works for one, doesn't necessarily work for another!

It sounds like you are trying to say that while I might like to drive 45mph in a posted speed limit of 55mph, you might like to drive 75mph, and that should be without consequences.

We are given the rules, and not the option to decide which to obey, without suffering the consequences.