HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05 Discussion and Direction on Planned Actions in Reference to Code Enforcement and Parking Concerns
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: June 17, 2025
Item #: 5
Contact Name: Vincent Ogburn Department Director: Vincent Ogburn
Contact Number: Ext. 3038 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Discussion and Direction on Planned Actions in Reference to Code Enforcement and
Parking Concerns. (Police Chief Ogburn)
Background Summary:
This report is submitted in response to concerns raised during the May 6, 2025, City Commission Meeting,
during which the Commission highlighted the need to strengthen deterrents against motorists who disregard
“No Parking” signage and fail to comply with existing traffic enforcement measures. In response, City Manager
Shadrix advised that addressing this issue would necessitate amendments to the City Code and committed to
bringing forward policy options for the Commission’s consideration.
Since that time, Police Chief Ogburn, in collaboration with city staff, has conducted a review of best
management practices and developed a comprehensive set of policy and enforcement recommendations.
These recommendations are designed to enhance parking compliance and improve the overall effectiveness
of code enforcement efforts. Given the interrelated nature of parking and code violations, deficiencies in one
area often compromise the efficacy of the other.
To implement these improvements, amendments to Chapter 168 of the City Ordinance (Parking Violations and
Enforcement) will be required. The proposed revisions include provisions for escalating penalties, enhanced
tracking mechanisms, and strengthened enforcement procedures.
Under the current ordinance, initial enforcement action for parking violations involves the placement of a
warning sticker on the vehicle, which must remain for a minimum of 48 hours in accordance with §165-6 of the
City Code. In alignment with previous Commission discussions, staff is now presenting a set of follow-up
recommendations and enforcement options to be considered as next steps beyond the initial warning phase.
1. Implement Escalating Penalties for Repeat Parking Offenders
Increase citation fines for recurring violations within 12 months:
• First citation: $40 (Currently in the code)
The City Code would be amended to create:
• Second citation: $75
• Third citation: $100
• Fourth citation: $250, includes towing or immobilization of the vehicle at the owner’s expense.
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
2. Authorize Vehicle Immobilization or Towing After Notice Period
Provide for the placement of a 48-hour notice on vehicles parked in violation. If the vehicle remains in violation
after 48 hours:
• Option A: Issue a violation, and if unaddressed, immobilize or tow the vehicle.
• Option B: Proceed directly to immobilization or towing without an additional citation, at the owner's
expense.
3. Improve Violation Tracking Capabilities
Currently, the city does not possess software that tracks the number of parking violations issued to a single
vehicle. Staff recommends authorizing the Police Department to research and procure software that can track
and monitor parking offenses to manage habitual violators better.
4. Increase Visibility and Efficiency in Enforcement
• Improve signage visibility in problem areas to deter violations.
• Streamline enforcement procedures to ensure consistent application of penalties and notices.
Staff is presenting these recommendations to the commission for consideration, and they are designed to
reduce habitual violations, promote public compliance with posted regulations, and enhance overall traffic
safety within the City of Ocoee.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners authorize staff to proceed with one or more of the
proposed options to address Code Enforcement and Parking concerns?
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners authorize staff to move forward with
one or more of the proposed options to enhance Code Enforcement and Parking compliance.
Attachments:
None
Financial Impacts:
There is no financial impact to the City of Ocoee at this time.
Type of Item: Regular