Item H5
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: September 16, 2009 Division: Growth Management
Bulk Item: Yes L No - Department: Code Enforcement
Staff Contact PersonlPhone #: Andrew O. Tivette/X2517
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: BOCC discussion and possible approval of the immediate funding
and creation of a new PTE position (pay grade level 8) within the Monroe County Code Enforcement
Department.
ITEM BACKGROUND: Over the past two years there has been an increased level of illegal short
term rental complaints and illegal rental advertisements in Monroe County. The current level of
enforcement has been limited by the reduced number of inspectors within the Department and the
requirement to provide sufficient evidence for prosecution of these cases. Unlike a routine case, short
term rentals require extensive research and fact finding. The amount of time and tasks required to
investigate a short term rental routinely requires several hours of office time and multiple field visits to
the property. A specialty inspector was utilized for the enforcement of short term rental ordinance. Due
to the heavy work load within the Department this specialty position transitioned back into the general
enforcement throughout Monroe County. Later budget constraints forced the elimination of this
position. The restoration of this position will allow a more proactive effort to enforce illegal vacation
rentals throughout Monroe County.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: n/a
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: nla
ST AFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Approval
TOTAL COST: $37,988.28 base Salary ($53,721.00) BUDGETED: Yes l No -
DIFFERENTIAL OF LOCAL PREFERENCE:
COST TO COUNTY: nla SOURCE OF FUNDS:
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes - No AMOUNT PER MONTH - Year
-
APPROVED BY: County Atty _ OMBlPurchasing _ Risk Management _
DOCUMENTATION: Included X Not Required_
DISPOSITION: AGENDA ITEM #
I
MEMORANDUM
MONROE COUNTY GROWTH MANAGEMENT DIVISION
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
We strive to be caring, professional and fair
TO: Andrew O. Trivette, Growth Management Division Director
FROM: Ronda L. Norman, Sf. Director, Code Enforcement &p
DATE: August 28, 2009
RE: Request funding of a New FTE Code Enforcement Inspector Position:
Short Term RentallVacation Rental Inspector
The purpose of this memo is to request the immediate funding of a new FTE position
within the Code Enforcement Department at a pay grade level 8 for the purpose of the
enforcement ofthe Vacation RentaVShort Term Rental Ordinance throughout Monroe
County.
The dramatic increase in the number of illegal rental complaints and advertisements has
made this difficult to effectively enforce with the limited number of staff we currently
employ. There are multiple web sites advertising short term rentals. Each web site varies
in the number of properties being advertised with some advertisements running into the
hundreds.
Unlike a routine code case such as trash and debris, building sufficient evidence for
prosecution of these cases relies on extensive research and fact finding. The amount of
time and tasks required to investigate a short term rental routinely requires several hours
of office time to research the web, licensing, permitting, property appraisers office,
checking and verifying names and phone numbers as well as checking the property
managers information to name a few.
In addition to the time required of the inspector to complete his or her research from the
office these cases may require multiple visits to the property, documenting and speaking
to the occupants, documenting and verifying vehicle ownership as well as speaking with
neighboring property owners.
I believe that with a dedicated resource we can more effectively enforce the provisions of
this code and restore a sense of neighborhood back to the property owners being affected
by these illegal operations within their communities.
The number oflicensed short term rentals in Monroe County is approximately 29.
MOil roc C 0 U n t y G r 0 \\ t h rvtanagcl11Cllt Di\'ision Page 1
MONROE COUNTY
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: INSPECTOR CODE ENFORCEMENT I Date: 8-31-09
Position Level: 8 I FLSA Status: NonExempt I Class Code: 8-1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Primary function is to receive, document and investigate violations of the Monroe County Code, Standard
Building Code and State and Federal Regulations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. *Investigate complaints of violations.
2. Performs research as required.
3. Prepare, compose, and organize evidence.
4. * Attends Special Master hearings as required in order to prosecute violators.
5. Issue citations and/or notices of violations.
6. *Communicate with the public during investigations.
7. *Travels as required throughout area of responsibility.
* Indicates an "essential" job function.
The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work
performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a
comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to
this job.
Position Title: INSPECTOR, CODE ENFORCEMENT Class Code: 8-1 Position Level: 8
Education: Associate's De uired.
Ex erience: 2 to 3 ears.
Impact of Actions: Makes recommendations or decisions which usually affect the assigned department, but
may at times affect operations, services, individuals, or activities of others outside of the
ass! ed de artment.
Complexity: Analytic: Work is non-standardized and widely varied requiring the interpretation and
application of a substantial variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents used in
combination. Frequently, the application of multiple, technical activities is employed;
therefore, analytical ability and inductive thinking are required. Problem solving involves
identification and anal sis of diverse issues.
Decision Making: Analytic: Supervision is present to establish and review broad objectives relative to basic
position duties or departmental responsibilities. Independent judgment is required to
study previously established, often partially relevant guidelines; plan for various
interrelated activities; and coordinate such activities within a work unit or while
com letin a ro' ect.
Communication Requires regular internal and external contacts to carry out programs and to explain
with Others: specialized matters. Occasionally requires contact with officials at higher levels on
matters requiring cooperation, explanation and persuasion, as well as with the public
involvin the enforcement of re ulations, olicies and rocedures.
Mana erial Skills: Involves no res onsibili or authori for the direction of others.
Working Conditions/ Work requires only minor physical exertion and/or physical strain. Work environment
Ph sical E art: involves onl infre uent ex osure to disa eeable elements.
On Call None.
Re uirements:
Other: Florida Drivers License.
APPROVALS
Department Head:
Name: Signature: Date:
Division Director:
Name: Signature: Date:
County Administrator:
Name: Signature: Date:
On this date I have received a copy of my job description relating to my employment with Monroe
County .
Name: Signature: Date: