§ 17-8. Same—Powers.

The powers of the Minimum Housing Enforcement Officer shall include the following:

(1)

The enforcement of the provisions of this article and rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, and all County or municipal ordinances, codes, rules and regulations, as applicable pertaining to housing and the use and occupancy of dwellings, and all rules and regulations of the Florida State Board of Health and the Florida Hotel and Restaurant Commission, in cooperation with such State agencies except where preempted, in the unincorporated and incorporated areas of Miami-Dade County.

(2)

Investigation of complaints and institution of enforcement actions necessary to abate all violations of County or municipal regulations, as applicable, governing the use and occupancy of housing premises of four units or less. In addition to inspections resulting from complaints, inspections may be made at the request of the owner of the subject property provided such requested inspections are for the purpose of qualifying for participation in a governmental program. The Minimum Housing Enforcement Officer shall have the power and authority to charge and collect fees for making inspections. The fees charged shall be as set forth in the applicable duly adopted County or municipal fee schedule.

(3)

Publication and dissemination of information to the public concerning all matters relating to minimum housing standards and the advantages of adequate housing facilities.

(4)

Rendering of all possible assistance and cooperation to federal, State and local agencies and officials in the accomplishment of effective minimum housing standards and controls.

(a)

Any municipal Minimum Housing Enforcement Officer may seek assistance from the County regarding any individual enforcement action. Such request shall be made in writing expressing the purpose therefor and submitted to the Miami-Dade County Enforcement Agency.

(b)

Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Chapter, and at the direction of the Miami-Dade County Mayor or Mayor's designee, the Miami-Dade County Minimum Housing Enforcement Officer may be directed to assist, mediate or intercede within the territorial limits of any municipality to ensure the requirements of this Chapter are uniformly enforced in the event it is determined the municipal Enforcement Agency is unable or otherwise fails to enforce this Chapter.

(c)

Recovery of any enforcement costs incurred pursuant to Subsection (4) (a) and (b) shall be in accordance with Section 17-8(2) and Section 17-19 herein.

(5)

The Minimum Housing Enforcement Officer shall have the power and authority to charge and collect fees as described in Section 17-8(2) herein for rendering inspection assistance and to recover the costs of enforcement as provided for in this chapter.

(6)

Make periodic reports as may be necessary, concerning the status of minimum housing standards and the enforcement of the provisions of this article, and recommendations concerning the improvement of minimum housing standards and controls.

(7)

Perform such other administrative duties as may be assigned by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

(Ord. No. 63-30, § 1.08, 7-16-63; Ord. No. 81-15, § 1, 2-17-81; Ord. No. 88-15, § 1, 3-15-88; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 98-125, § 10, 9-3-98; Ord. No. 18-18, § 1, 2-6-18)