Beginning Oct. 1, the city of Milton will step up enforcement of codes regarding proper storage of derelict, abandoned and inoperable vehicles.
The city will also address other common violations such as tall grass and non-permitted signs.
According to a Sept. 8 news release announcing the changes, they are part of a broader initiative to improve neighborhood safety, reduce parking concerns and enhance community appearance.
“Derelict vehicles are among Milton’s most frequent code violations.” Planning Director Tim Milstead said. “This is not about money, this is about voluntary compliance.”
By ordinance, an inoperable vehicle is defined as one without a current tag or not equipped to be legally driven on public streets. Such vehicles must be stored out of public view — either inside an enclosed structure or behind a 6-foot barrier (or permitted fence) that is at least 50% opaque.
Residents can report derelict vehicles online through the City’s Code Enforcement page at https://www.miltonfl.org/461/Code-Enforcement.
“We need to remove these vehicles for several reasons,” Milstead said. “They can leak toxic fluids, breed pests, attract crime, block rights-of-way, and contribute to community neglect. This initiative builds on other efforts, like City’s Neighborhood Cleanup Days, which give residents free options for disposing of bulky items.”
What Milton residents should know derelict vehicle enforcement
Residents are encouraged to contact the Planning Department at 850-983-5440 if they receive a notice.
“If they receive a courtesy notice. Many local companies will tow vehicles for free, and some even pay cash. The worst thing anyone can do is ignore a notice. We want to help before there’s imposed fines or a case reaches the courts.”
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Milton cracking down on derelict vehicles and code violations
Reporting by Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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