Belle Glade code enforcement staff report seven-day operations, voluntary-compliance approach and monthly magistrate hearings

Albert Dell, Belle Glade's code enforcement manager, updated the City Commission on Feb. 24 about a department-wide restructuring intended to increase proactive code compliance.

"We have recently begun a 7-Day a week schedule where our officers are working 10 hours 7 days," Dell said, adding the shift change helped reduce pedalers and other street issues on weekends. He said officers focus on voluntary compliance and education and frequently use door hangers to warn residents before issuing written violations.

Dell described the abatement and enforcement process: staff identify violations and, when warranted, bring cases to monthly magistrate hearings (first Tuesday of each month, except January and July) for abatement orders that may lead to city-conducted cleanup and liens if charges are unpaid. He noted the department cannot accept anonymous complaints and cited statute guidance.

The manager said staff—many with less than six months on the job—still wrote roughly "52" complaints in a recent month and continue training with outside partners (court clerk, other agencies). Dell highlighted cases in which the city connected residents to outside resources (a paint donation and volunteer painting project) to help low-income homeowners come into compliance.

Commissioners commended the approach and urged continued outreach to seniors and property owners. The commission did not direct new enforcement policy at the meeting; Dell said the department will keep the commission apprised of training and complaint metrics.

The update contained specific operational details commissioners said they wanted to share at community events such as the next housing fair.