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Deltona staff outline code enforcement, abatement and animal-control processes to citizens
Summary
City staff reviewed how code compliance officers respond to complaints and use education and formal steps — courtesy notices, civil citations and special-magistrate hearings — and described animal-control services including traps, transport and wildlife handling.
City of Deltona staff told a Citizens Academy audience that code compliance and animal-control work combines education, voluntary correction and formal enforcement when necessary. Mark Gibson, a code compliance manager, described an initial process of investigation and a seven‑day window for property owners to correct violations before staff pursues contractors or a special magistrate hearing. “We give them 7 days to give them due process to bring the property into compliance,” Gibson said.
The explanation was meant to clarify a common public perception that “codes not doing anything.” Brandy (staff member) and presenters emphasized that officers work seven days a week in zones across the city, often on 12‑hour shifts, and use both complaint response and proactive patrols to identify parking violations, overgrown yards and debris. Gibson said staff first seeks voluntary compliance, using a courtesy notice and a corrective-action description that includes the relevant ordinance and an officer contact number for follow-up.
Officials outlined the escalation steps if voluntary measures fail: courtesy notice, notice of violation, civil citation and, ultimately, a special magistrate hearing. The special magistrate meets monthly on the last Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in commission chambers and can assess fines, grant additional time or order abatements. Gibson said the magistrate is a last resort after certified notifications and other attempts to secure compliance.
Speakers showed examples of common enforcement items — abandoned commercial structures, vacant lots, parking on lawns and hoarding cases — and discussed how responses are adjusted when medical, mental‑health or mobility issues are apparent. Gibson said staff will “assess each situation individually” and may recommend outside help when cases involve hoarding or other multifactorial problems; community volunteers and churches have sometimes assisted with cleanups.
On animal control, Lead Code Compliance Supervisor Josie (last name not provided) described calls for loose or injured animals, her unit’s equipment — kennelled trucks, catch poles, traps and chip readers — and transfers to contracted shelters. “Our number one concern is always going to be the health, safety and welfare of all residents, also including animals,” Josie said. She described transporting an immobile hawk to a Halifax facility and using a Reptile Sanctuary for venomous snakes; staff use snake tongs and sealed buckets and said venomous snakes are transferred out of the city for safety.
Staff described the city’s trap‑neuter‑return (TNR) program funding (about $70,000 annually for spay/neuter) and explained that TNR funding does not cover medical care for injured cats; injured animals are handled by animal control and transported to contracted facilities for treatment. Officers include certified veterinary technicians on some shifts, and animal handlers receive continuing education and certification through the Florida Association of Code Enforcement process mentioned in the session.
Presenters closed by encouraging residents to call the phone number on courtesy notices to reach the officer who inspected the property for specific guidance, and to attend special magistrate sessions or review ordinances online. The session also highlighted that code enforcement aims for voluntary compliance but will use formal remedies when necessary.
