Page 12 - The Islander - October '22

Page 12, The Islander

CommissioNEr’s UpdatE

Speaking In Code

By Commissioner Maria Marino

Your Palm Beach County property maintenance standards, overgrown lots, unpermitted within which the respondent must correct the violation(s),
government provides a wide construction, sign regulations and others that you can find listed and the imposition of fines, once the deadline has passed.
range of services to the public. at https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/codeenforcement/PDF/ In 2021, CE investigated more than 13,000 complaints,
One of the areas I frequently Residential_Property_Maintenance_Guide.pdf. With home resulting in over 10,000 notices of violation. Of those, 87
hear about from residents is ownership representing the single largest investment most percent of the cases were brought into compliance and closed,
the condition of, or activities people will make, one of the benefits of enforcing codes is to and were not taken to a magistrate hearing.
occurring on a property. protect that investment. By adhering to building standards and Code Enforcement officials acknowledge that each case is
For those matters, I request zoning codes, we can help enhance property values, maintain unique, and some property owners may need additional time to
assistance from the Code neighborhood appearances, and assure safety. obtain a building permit, update site plans and pass inspections
Enforcement Division. At any one time, each of the 45 CE officers are monitoring for a particular improvement. If the owner demonstrates
The role of Code in excess of 6,500 properties. Some reported violations may they are making an effort to comply, the division will allow
Enforcement (CE) is to enforce be minor with simple remedies, yet others may affect the reasonable time for completion of the necessary steps.
the County’s Code of Ordinances and Land Development health and safety of the surrounding community. Depending If you live in a homeowners or property owners
Regulations in the unincorporated areas of the county uniformly on the nature of the problem, CE will involve other applicable association, your management company will likely handle
and consistently, to maintain our neighborhoods, and protect departments and agencies. the process to correct problems on properties that are out
our health, safety, welfare, and quality of life. Municipalities If a property is in violation, the owner will receive of compliance with your bylaws. Additionally, if your
handle enforcement within their boundaries, following their notification and ample due process to correct the issue. community is located in the unincorporated area and
particular ordinances and the Florida Building Code. Neighbors often feel that the “wheels of justice” move your association or neighborhood group would like a
The CE division responds to complaints and monitors open very slowly; however, CE is required to follow the presentation on code enforcement and typical issues that
cases, working with residents. They individually investigate statutes, which provides for a respondent’s day in court. arise, let me know, and I can arrange for a speaker.
and track inquiries, and seek compliance through the process Once a Notice of Violation is issued, if the property owner Since violations run with the land, when you are buying a
outlined in Florida Statutes Section 162. The primary goal fails to come into compliance (the minimum time frame property, it is important for you to work with your realtor and
is to bring properties into compliance, and CE officers work is usually 30 days), a hearing will be scheduled before a the seller to verify that all structures and improvements have
extensively with property owners to achieve this. Our CE special magistrate, where the county and the respondent the required permits and inspections. It may save you a lot of
officers are required to obtain certification through the Florida can each present their case. The magistrate can dismiss aggravation later.
Association of Code Enforcement. the case if they determine the violation is unfounded or As always, if there is any way I can assist you, please contact
Common code violations include zoning and use regulations, resolved; or, they will enter an order setting a time frame me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at mmarino@pbcgov.org.

LoCaL GovErNmENt

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office

Dear Taxpayer: Limited Income Senior Exemption Public Information Program
Welcome fall! A $25,000 exemption is available to those 65 or older with an
The end of the 2022 tax adjusted gross income below $ 32,561, not including tax-exempt Award
year is fast approaching! bond interest or nontaxable Social Security income. You will be
October is a busy month in asked to provide a copy of your Federal 1040 Tax Form or your Our of fice
my office as we certify the Social Security 1099 Form. The county’s senior exemption does has earned the
ad valorem tax roll to the not apply to other taxing authorities, such as the school district Public Information
Palm Beach County Tax and other municipalities. Program Award from
Collector’s Office. The Tax In addition to the county-wide exemption, some municipalities the International
Collector will mail the 2022 offer additional tax savings. Association of
tax bills on Nov. 1. Boynton Beach – $25,000 exemption Assessing Officers,
This month, petition Haverhill – $50,000 a professional
hearings will begin for property owners who filed a petition Jupiter – $50,000 members hip
because they disagree with their property assessment or Jupiter Inlet Colony – $50,000 organization of more
denied exemption. They are led by the Palm Beach County Lake Worth – $25,000 than 8,000 assessors
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Value Adjustment Lantana – $25,000 worldwide.
Board (VAB). On average, the number of petitions filed in Loxahatchee Groves – $50,000 T he award
Palm Beach County is low, typically less than 1 percent of Palm Beach Gardens – $25,000 recognizes the
the total parcels in the county. Palm Springs – $25,000 Outliers video series Palm Beach County Property
As we move into the final months of the year, I’d like Royal Palm Beach – $5,000 as an outstanding Appraiser Dorothy Jacks, CFA,
to remind all property owners to review their homestead South Palm Beach – $25,000 outreach campaign. AAS, and Becky Robinson, public
exemption status to determine whether they might qualify Tequesta – $25,000 The honor is information officer, accept the Public
for additional property tax saving benefits. There are several Wellington – $50,000 particularly gratifying Information Program Award from
other exemptions such as those for seniors, the disabled, and Widow/Widower Exemption because the series IAAO President L. Wade Patterson.
members of the armed forces. Florida grants an additional $500 exemption to widows and shines a light on the
This month’s newsletter also highlights an award widowers, which is increasing to $5,000 beginning Jan. 1, 2023. professional staff in our office. The videos are fun, funny, and
my office recently received. We have earned the Public You will be asked to submit a copy of the deceased spouse’s engaging snapshots into some of the more unique functions
Information Program Award from the International death certificate. If the surviving spouse remarries, they are no of our team.
Association of Assessing Officers in recognition of our longer eligible to receive the additional exemption.
Outliers video series as an outstanding outreach campaign. Living Quarters Of Parents Or Grandparents Exemption
I hope you find this information helpful. (Also Known As The Granny Flat Exemption)
Respectfully, Homesteaded property owners who add living quarters for a
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, AAS, parent or grandparent can apply to have all or part of the value
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser of this new construction deducted from the assessment.
We Value What You Value Civilian Disability Exemptions
Full or partial exemptions are available for individuals with
Additional Exemptions the following disabilities:
• Quadriplegic
A property owner may be eligible for additional exemptions. • Paraplegic
In order to qualify for the following additional exemptions, you • Hemiplegic
must have a homestead exemption on your property. • Legally blind Clarice Bethel-Laing, public services specialist, our latest
• Total and permanent disability, requires wheelchair for mobility feature in the Outliers video series
• Total and permanent disability, does not require wheelchair
for mobility Office Closed Due To Holiday
Some of these exemptions have income limitations.
Visit our website for more information on these exemptions The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
or to download and print forms. You can always call us at (561) (including all of our Service Centers) will be closed on
355-2866 or email us at myexemption@pbcgov.org. Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10.