§ 7-1. Organization generally.

(a)

Created. There is hereby created a code enforcement and nuisance abatement board of Osceola County, Florida, which may exercise the powers as prescribed herein and pursuant to F.S. ch. 162. The board shall also have jurisdiction over matters of nuisance abatement and may exercise the powers as prescribed herein and pursuant to F.S. ch. 893. The board may be abolished by ordinance.

(b)

Number, residency and composition. The board shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be residents of the county and who shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners on the basis of experience or interest in the subject matter jurisdiction of the board. The membership of the board shall, whenever possible, include:

(1)

An architect;

(2)

A businessperson;

(3)

An engineer;

(4)

A general contractor;

(5)

A subcontractor; and

(6)

A licensed real estate broker or licensed real estate salesperson.

Subject to the preceding requirements for inclusion of certain specialties on the board, each district shall be represented by at least one (1) member. The board of county commissioners may appoint up to two (2) alternate members to serve on the board in the absence of regular members.

(c)

Term of office. All appointments to the board shall be made for a term of three (3) years.

(d)

Reappointment. Any member may be reappointed upon approval of the board of county commissioners.

(e)

Appointments to fill vacancies. Appointments to fill any vacancy on the board shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term of office.

(f)

Vacancies upon failure to attend. When any member fails to attend two (2) of three (3) successive meetings without cause and without prior approval of the chairperson, the board shall declare the member's office vacant, and the board of county commissioners shall promptly fill such vacancy. The board secretary may accept member excuses for failure to attend prior to the meeting and report such excuses to the board for the chairperson's approval.

(g)

Removal. The members shall serve in accordance with the ordinances of the county and may be suspended and removed for cause upon motion of the board of county commissioners carried by not less than a majority of the total membership of the board of county commissioners.

(h)

Officers. The board members shall elect a chairperson. The chairperson shall be a voting member from among the members of the board.

(i)

Quorums. The presence of four (4) or more members shall constitute a quorum of the board.

(j)

Compensation. Members shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for such travel, mileage and per diem expenses as may be authorized by the board of county commissioners or as are otherwise provided by law.

(k)

Legal representation. The county attorney shall represent the county. The board of county commissioners shall appoint legal counsel to represent the board.

(Ord. No. 85-12, § 1; Ord. No. 86-1, § 1; Ord. No. 99-15, § 1, 5-17-99; Ord. No. 2016-54, § 3, 7-18-16)

State law reference

Authority to create board, F.S. § 162.03; organization of board, F.S. § 162.05, Chapter 893.