Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Code enforcement officer warns of heavy caseload, urges online reporting with photos
Summary
Frank Burrill, the city’s senior zoning and code enforcement officer, told the committee that two full-time officers cover zoning and municipal code enforcement year-round, that most work is complaint-driven with 25–50 pending cases, and that the online reporting form does not require a caller’s name.
Frank Burrill, introduced earlier by the parks director as the city’s senior zoning and code enforcement officer, described Jacksonville’s code enforcement operations and limits, telling committee members the work is largely complaint-driven and that staffing is constrained.
"We only have 2 of us basically in the field full time a year for for the whole year," Burrill said, adding that he and his partner manage zones across the city and commonly have 25 to 50 pending violations at a time while receiving roughly five new matters per day.
Burrill explained the enforcement remit: the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and municipal code cover everything from nuisance complaints — high grass, trash, junk vehicles — to minimum-housing issues; some matters require building-inspector involvement for permit-related conditions. He said minimum-housing cases now average about five per month for each officer and that the department often resolves issues with landlords before formal hearings.
The presentation covered interactions with homeowners associations, which can set stricter private rules but cannot override municipal ordinances. Burrill also described frequent calls from realtors asking enforcement to address nearby properties that affect sales.
On domestic animals, Burrill said roosters are prohibited in the city while up to five chickens are allowed in most residential yards, subject to containment and cleanliness requirements. On landscaping, he said planning staff now coordinates tree selections for new builds to avoid conflicts with power lines; for new commercial properties, large trees are typically required to be at least 8 feet at planting.
The committee reviewed the city’s online "report a violation" portal. A committee member noted the form’s first fields ask for name and phone number but that they are optional; Burrill confirmed reports arrive to staff and his office and said anonymity is permitted. The committee suggested adding a photo-upload option to help triage complaints.
Burrill noted the department’s civil-enforcement focus and collaboration with police, fire and social services on cases that raise safety or welfare concerns. He encouraged residents to report problems online, especially with photos, to help the two-officer team prioritize limited resources.
The committee did not vote on any measures; Burrill and staff took questions and agreed to continue coordinating with planning and facilities on tree selection and maintenance.
