Environmental Sciences staff
who work in this section conduct inspections of development
sites to insure compliance with environmental regulations and
permit conditions. Compliance and enforcement staff's primary duties
include enforcement of tree protection regulations, sea turtle
protection regulations, zoning conditions, protected species
management plans & monitoring reports and development order
requirements. If projects or properties are not in compliance,
enforcement action may be necessary.
Enforcement action includes the issuance of a stop work,
citation, and/or a notice of violation. Abatement conditions of a
notice of violation typically include compliance with approved permits and/or restoration of
the site.
If a violation is not abated within the time frame given,
it is scheduled before the Hearing Examiner.
The Hearing Examiner can impose a fine in the form of a
lien on a property of up to $250.00 per day and the cost of
prosecution for the violation case.
Environmental violations include the unpermitted clearing of
trees or other vegetation, improper tree pruning, and noncompliance with development approval requirements
and protected species issues. Environmental violations
should be reported to the Environmental Sciences Enforcement staff member.
Noise complaints may be made directly to the Sheriff's office
by calling 239-332-3456.
Complaints regarding illegal dumping and trash pick-up may be
made by calling the Lee County Department of Solid Waste at
239-533-8580.
