New Homeowner versus Code in Historic Springfield

[iloveionia]

I am not new at this game.  I first purchased in Springfield in 2007.  I know the system of real estate, historic preservation, and municipal code in Jacksonville.  I have pulled two homes off the unsafe structures list by rehabbing them and earning the certificate of occupancy.  It's NOT easy, but (obviously as I am not the only one,) it can be done.  I am on my third condemned home: two weeks my baby, and two visits by MCCD already. 

I'm on dumpster #2 (the house was filled to the brim with stuff, someone's elses trash and junk,) and work commences 5-6 days there without fail.  Definite signs of life and positive progress. 

On the first visit, one of the contracted workers I hired was threatened with arrest by a code enforcement officer for "being on the property without permission." The second time the electrician was approaced by code who informed him he had to have "permission" to be on the property.  Meaning permission from code.  God Bless the electrician, he didn't skip a beat.  He said to the officer: "Take a walk with me." He walked him over to the front window of the house and he pointed to a piece of paper in the window.  "You mean this?"  The inspector was agast and stated "I wasn't aware you had permission, I don't have record of that."  Despite his office providing this permission. 

It will be interesting how many more visits I get.  My intent is to clear the case file with code, get the certificate of occupancy, add an aesthetically pleasing rehabbed property to our neighborhood, and get it occupied.  I will not allow code to harass me or the licensed contractors I hire to rehab my historic home.  It's no wonder that years ago investors took flight: code does not help, they unduly harass. 

I will keep you posted on my journey with code and rehabbing in Springfield.

[mtraininjax]

Glad Code Enforcement is at your properties, because they are a pain in the ARSE, big time. Now there is a department with too much power, and the mayor should trim some of the egos in that department.

[Noone]

I am not new at this game.  I first purchased in Springfield in 2007.  I know the system of real estate, historic preservation, and municipal code in Jacksonville.  I have pulled two homes off the unsafe structures list by rehabbing them and earning the certificate of occupancy.  It's NOT easy, but (obviously as I am not the only one,) it can be done.  I am on my third condemned home: two weeks my baby, and two visits by MCCD already. 

I'm on dumpster #2 (the house was filled to the brim with stuff, someones elses trash and junk,) and work commences 5-6 days there without fail.  Definite signs of life and positive progress. 

On the first visit, one of the contracted workers I hired was threatened with arrest by a code enforcement officer for "being on the property without permission." The second time the electrician was approaced by code who informed him he had to have "permission" to be on the property.  Meaning permission from code.  God Bless the electrician, he didn't skip a beat.  He said to the officer: "Take a walk with me." He walked him over to the front window of the house and he pointed to a piece of paper in the window.  "You mean this?"  The inspector was agast and stated "I wasn't aware you had permission, I don't have record of that."  Despite his office providing this permission. 

It will be interesting how many more visits I get.  My intent is to clear the case file with code, get the certificate of occupancy, add an aesthetically pleasing rehabbed property to our neighborhood, and get it occupied.  I will not allow code to harass me or the licensed contractors I hire to rehab my historic home.  It's no wonder that years ago investors took flight: code does not help, they unduly harass. 

I will keep you posted on my journey with code and rehabbing in Springfield.

Please keep us posted. And by the way anybody want to show up from Dist. 7 and ask for a canoe or kayak launch for Hogans Creek? Klutho Park? Confederate Park? Just ask or Springfield will again be SOL. Anybody from SOS want to take this on? FIND is compiling a list right now. What a potential amenity for the residents of Springfield.

If you aren't on the list then just go over to Dist. 9 and look at that newly created canoe and kayak launch at Chelsea St. and Stonewall in Riverside. Who will be getting the design award for that certificate of access?

Congratulations on your certificate of occupancy. I'm serious. Congratulations Nicole.

Too bad Springfield isn't going to be celebrating their certificate of access to Hogans Creek which leads to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.

It is happening in Dist.9 and 5

I haven't heard back from Gaffney or Redman.

[avs]

They have been down my alley harrassing us too, iloveionia.  Why does code harrass people who are cleaning up the neighborhood? Why don't they spend their time (paid for with our tax dollars)  on properties that are truly hazards and blight and owners who are not contributing the the community??

Why doesn't Gaffney DO something!!!!   We have all contacted him!  He also works for us!!!!

[fsujax]

I agree Amanda. It is easier to go after those who are trying to make a difference. Like I have said before some have to follow the rules while others do not. i have to look at a non-compliant trailer every day!!!!!!

[iloveionia]

It's not that I personally deserve special treatment, but harassment is not appropriate.  I own multiple properties in Springfield though my primary residence is 3,000 miles away.  I pay property taxes on ALL properties and employ local folks to care for and maintain my properties.  I encited my Dad, Uncle, AND Aunt to all buy in Jacksonville.  Bringing in more tax dollars and employment for our city.  I spend 3-4 months in Springfield each year dedicating my time to better our community.  I know code could give a rat's you know what about this, but bottom line is I am a contributing (positive) homeowner and a law abiding member of the community.  Help!  Support!  Be decent for God's sake!  I am not the only one.  I know many folks who go through the same thing I do, who work to improve Springfield and get only the wrath of code enforcement. 

Rather than a "what are you doing?"  "you can't do that."  "you don't have permission."  "no, not that way."  "no, not until we say so." How about a stinkin' THANK YOU.  How about a we appreciate you rehabbing this forgotten home in Springfield.  How about a how can we help you.   But nooooooooooooooo, instead let me work to make it difficult for you.

FSU.  I don't know what trailer you are talking about or where you live exactly, and I don't know the codes on this one, but maybe landscaping would help better your view?  I realize that is not the answer, but it may solve your problem.  I'm a labor kind of gal and happy to help dig holes, just let me know. 

[hooplady]

FSU.  I don't know what trailer you are talking about or where you live exactly, and I don't know the codes on this one, but maybe landscaping would help better your view?  I realize that is not the answer, but it may solve your problem.  I'm a labor kind of gal and happy to help dig holes, just let me know. 

Honey, you have waaay too much going on.  Yes, you know where FSU lives and what he's talking about!  You are going to fall over laughing in a minute....

[fsujax]

I strategically planted queen palms to block the view!

[iloveionia]

Still standing. Waiting for the pm on FSUs identity.
I could use a good laugh today!

[hooplady]

Hope you got your chuckle from my pm.

Back on topic, please keep us apprised of the Code Follies.  There are people out there who would like to risk their hard-earned money on saving another house and are willing to bear the risks of the real estate market, unpredictable old-house woes, and all the other usual stuff.  But Code is like a Sword of Damocles hanging over your head!

This may be one of my wacko theories but I think we can blame it on the War on Drugs.  When cities starting DART'ing homes it's because they realized, hey, maybe we can't get these people on drug charges but we can bring every other agency in and shut them down somehow.  Code Enforcement started being used for everything under the sun, and citizens were happy until it suddenly dawned on them that once the genie is out of the bottle it's kinda hard to get it back in.

I know I'm preaching to the choir but we've basically trained Code to act this way...like dogs given treats for eating your shoes.  So keep giving us the facts - the more people know about the crap that goes on, the more they will be able to push back and say, no you can't do that and here's why.

[ChriswUfGator]

Still standing. Waiting for the pm on FSUs identity.
I could use a good laugh today!

Ah you should have just asked me I've told you months ago..

[sheclown]

Hope you got your chuckle from my pm.

Back on topic, please keep us apprised of the Code Follies.  There are people out there who would like to risk their hard-earned money on saving another house and are willing to bear the risks of the real estate market, unpredictable old-house woes, and all the other usual stuff.  But Code is like a Sword of Damocles hanging over your head!

This may be one of my wacko theories but I think we can blame it on the War on Drugs.  When cities starting DART'ing homes it's because they realized, hey, maybe we can't get these people on drug charges but we can bring every other agency in and shut them down somehow.  Code Enforcement started being used for everything under the sun, and citizens were happy until it suddenly dawned on them that once the genie is out of the bottle it's kinda hard to get it back in.

I know I'm preaching to the choir but we've basically trained Code to act this way...like dogs given treats for eating your shoes.  So keep giving us the facts - the more people know about the crap that goes on, the more they will be able to push back and say, no you can't do that and here's why.

Hoop Lady...you are right on the money here. 

[iloveionia]

Update:
All's quiet for now.
Permit pulled, work done, arriving in one week to make further rehab plans.
Gardener was out there today, doing his initial clean-up.
Will paint the exterior (at least the front) just after Christmas and proceed with interior reno.
Expected completion: summer 2012.

I follow the rules. 
COAs.
Permits.
Inspections.
Quality work.
Maintain historical integrity.
Add historical character.

[iloveionia]

Remember ^^^ I follow the rules.  I have an open permit and COA for The Carriage House.

Having seen code across the street yesterday I had to school my Dad (retired cop of 30 years) on code enforcement etiquette.  They didn't visit yesterday, but showed up today.

Hmmmm.  Just b/c he saw dad working he thought he'd stop.  Hmmmmmm.  Despite it showing in the computer an open permit and COA.  Hmmmmmm. 

Suffice it to say there was no Carriage House tour. 

[avs]

I love that they are constantly harrassing people who are working to make the community better.  There are so many neglected homes and land - but they go after those makeing efforts to improve the tax base.

they are a freaking brilliant city department