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Frequently Asked Questions for Enforcement Administration
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COMPLAINTS
What type of activities does EPD investigate?
EPD investigates violations of Chapter 27 of the Broward County Code, also known as the Natural Resource Protection Code. Generally, these are activities that could potentially impact the air, waters, soils, or other natural resources of the County. However, be advised that the regulations EPD enforces may be subject to specific exemptions, inclusions, or exclusions. If you have a question as to whether EPD investigates a specific activity, call the Environmental Response Line at 954-519-1499.
Examples of the type of complaints EPD investigates:
- abandoned drums
- domestic waste
- dust/particulate emissions
- hazardous material violations
- improper tree trimming
- mangrove alteration
- noise
- non-domestic waste
- odors
- outdoor air quality violations
- paint overspray
- pollution incidents
- smoking vehicles
- tree removal without a license
- water quality violations
- water body dredging or filling
- wetland impacts without a license
EPD does not investigate:
- Canal maintenance (contact your local drainage district)
- Food/restaurant safety and sanitation (contact Florida Department of Agriculture or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation)
- Freon releases or information (contact U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
- Indoor air pollution (contact Florida Department of Health)
- Insect infestation (contact Broward County Agricultural & Extension Education Division)
- Rodent infestation (contact Florida Department of Health)
- Septic systems ( contact Florida Department of Health)
- Wildlife (contact Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission)
How do I file a complaint?
You can electronically file a complaint by clicking here and following the appropriate steps or by calling the Environmental Response Line at 954-519-1499, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please be advised that complaint information is a public record and subject to sunshine laws. You may file a complaint anonymously.
How do I file a required notification?
You can file a notification of a pollution incident, sewage discharge or other environmental problem required by a license or Chapter 27 by calling the Environmental Response Line at 954-519-1499, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How do I search the status of a complaint or notification?
You can electronically search the status of a complaint by clicking here. A complaint can be found by entering the complaint number, address, or by subject of the complaint. You may also obtain information by calling the Environmental Response Line at 954-519-1499, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
How can I learn more about complaints?
You can click here
ENFORCEMENT
What types of enforcement actions does EPD issue?
Pursuant to Chapter 27 of the Broward County Code, EPD has several enforcement actions it can use to address violations the Code and compel compliance: Warning Notices, Citations, Notices of Violation, and Notices of Intent to File Suit.
Warning Notices allege a violation of the Code and give the Respondent a reasonable time to cure the violation without the department seeking action to have a penalty imposed by a Hearing Examiner. If the Warning Notice is complied with, the matter is closed without adjudication and without penalty.
Citations allege a violation of the Code and carry a maximum penalty of $500 per violation.
A Notice of Violation alleges a violation of the Code and carries a maximum penalty of $15,000 per violation.
A Notice of Intent to File Suit alleges a violation of the Code and seeks to resolve the violation before the County initiates judicial action in Circuit Court to recover penalties, damages, or compel corrective action. The maximum penalty for each violation is determined by penalty authorities found in Chapter 27 of the Broward County Code or Florida Statutes.
How do I search an enforcement action?
If you are interested in knowing if a facility or location has had enforcement action, you can electronically search the status of a Warning Notice, Citation, or Notice of Violation issued after October 1, 2001, by clicking here. If you would like to review enforcement files, call 954-519-1210 to set up an appointment to conduct a file review at our office. File reviews are scheduled between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday.
What’s if I have enforcement related questions?
You can contact Enforcement Administration by calling 954-519-1210 or by clicking here.
PERMITTING/LICENSING
What is an administrative review?
An administrative review is a dispute of or challenge to an EPD staff determination. The procedures for filing an administrative review can be found in sec. 27-14, Broward County Code. A person with a substantial interest may file a petition to request review of or to intervene in a review of a final administrative determination concerning, but not limited to, the following: the requirement that a facility or activity obtain a license or approval; interpretations of license or approval conditions or scope; the issuance, denial, suspension or revocation of a license; or similar final administrative determinations.
What’s if I have questions about the administrative review process?
Contact Enforcement Administration at 954-519-1210.
REGULATIONS
EPD’s regulations are found in Chapter 27, Broward County Code. Please follow the link below to municode which provides free access to local government regulations.
Click here for the link to municode.
What is a variance?
A variance is the authorization to conduct an activity that would be contrary to the requirements of Chapter 27 of the Broward County Code. Variances are granted by a hearing examiner based on criteria found in the Code and following a quasi-judicial public hearing. The procedures and criteria for applying for and receiving a variance can be found in sections 27-10 to 27-13 of the Broward County Code.
How do I apply for a variance?
Application for a variance may be made in the form of a narrative letter addressed to the Enforcement Administrator of EPD. A proper application, at a minimum, shall include a fee of $250 and address the requirements of sections 27-12 and 27-13, Broward County Code.
What's if I have questions about the variance process?
Contact Enforcement Administration at 954-519-1210.
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