Homeowners at 621 Oak Ave. took advantage of the Lien Amnesty Program when working to bring their home into code compliance.
Code enforcement is an integral part of the community policing, as it protects local property values and helps to build cleaner, safer communities.
The Code Enforcement Division is here to assist the citizens of Sanford in keeping their neighborhoods in compliance with city codes. Keeping properties code compliant protects and enhances property values and makes the city a more attractive place to live, work and play.
Those residents that have lived in Sanford for a while are familiar with our beautiful city and specifically the beautiful homes located in the historic district. Unoccupied and unloved for years, the home at 621 S. Oak Avenue had fallen into a state of disrepair – until new homeowners rose to the challenge of bringing the home back to its original splendor. The home at 621 S. Oak Avenue had been accruing a very large code enforcement fine since September 2010 due to the lack of maintenance to the vacant house.
Through the City of Sanford’s Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program, the Community Improvement Department, which includes the Code Enforcement Division, was able to assist a new owner of the home by reducing the fine and allowing the owner to make improvements to the home over a period of time.
The Lien Amnesty Program was enacted by the Sanford City Commission in October 2011 to allow property owners to take advantage of a reduction on code enforcement liens that are on their property. Taking what could be perceived as a negative experience and creating it into something positive – a “win-win” situation for all parties involved.
Property owners can seek a lien reduction on residential and commercial properties as long as the property is in compliance at the time of the application. If all conditions of the Lien Amnesty Program are met, the amount of the lien will be reduced 90 percent or no more than the maximum payment of $2,000 plus an administration fee.
There is a $100 application fee that will be credited to the lien payment. Property owners with multiple liens on different properties must apply concurrently under this program. Special Assessment or Municipal liens are not eligible for the amnesty program and must be paid in full for any property requesting a code enforcement lien reduction. Utility liens are not eligible for this program.
For more information or eligibility for the Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program you can contact the office of Community Improvement at 407-688-5160 or visit www.sanfordfl.gov for the application.
Lisa Mosca, MPA, is a Public Information Officer in the Office of the City Manager in the City of Sanford. If you would like to submit a question to Lisa regarding the subjects of the bi-weekly column she can be reached at Lisa.Mosca@sanfordfL.gov.