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The Code Enforcement Special Master is an individual, chosen from the community, who receives and evaluates evidence and testimony regarding alleged violations of Lake County Codes, including Animal Control Codes, Land Development Regulations, and any resolution duly enacted by the Board of County Commissioners. The Lake County Board of County Commissioners appoints the Special Master.
The Code Enforcement Special Master hearings are usually held in the County Commission Chambers on the second floor of the Lake County Administration Building, 315 W. Main St., Tavares. Typically, these hearings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at 9 a.m. Notification to the affected parties is provided as required by law. The public is welcome to attend.
The Code Enforcement Special Master proceedings are quasi-judicial in nature. The agenda for the hearing is separated into code enforcement and animal control cases and the two parts of the hearing are conducted consecutively. Within the two sections, the agenda follows the printed order. The Special Master may, however, reorder items on the agenda so that parties who fail to appear are handled last to accommodate those who do appear so they may depart more quickly following adjudication of their cases.
Initially, the particulars and charges for each case are presented by the County Attorney. This is followed by initial testimony and presentation of evidence of the alleged violation(s) by the code enforcement or animal control officer. Following this, persons involved in the case, including both witnesses and the respondent, are asked to step to the podium to be sworn in and provide testimony. After hearing and considering presentations from the staff, respondent and other participants, and asking pertinent questions of them, the Code Enforcement Special Master renders a decision regarding the presence of violation(s) on the property in the case of code enforcement, or with regard to the animal(s) in question in an animal control case.
In a code enforcement case, if a violation is found to exist the Special Master will issue an order specifying the date by which the violation(s) must be corrected and a fine amount which will be levied and begin to accrue each day the violation(s) remains beyond the ordered correction date. In an animal control case, a determination of a violation will result in the Special Master issuing an order of fine for the violation that has occurred. Should additional conditions be ordered by the Special Master, they will be listed specifically in the order.
Documentation of the Code Enforcement Special Master Orders is mailed to the respondent(s) after the public hearing. For the results of the public hearing, contact the Code Enforcement Public Hearing Coordinator at (352) 343-9639. For animal control cases, contact Animal Services at (352) 343-9688.
Audiotapes and minutes of Code Enforcement Special Master public hearings are available through the Lake County Code Enforcement Services Division in accordance with Public Records laws. Please note that charges may be applicable. If a transcript of these public hearings is desired, arrangements in advance should be made with a private court reporter to have the hearing transcribed. Court reporting services are not available through the Code Enforcement Board Recording Secretary.
For more information or questions regarding the Code Enforcement Special Master, call (352) 343-9639 and ask to speak to the Public Hearing Coordinator, or (352) 343-9688 for animal control and ask to speak to the Director.
A brochure which has guidelines to assist individuals who represent themselves before the Special Master Hearing is available here.
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