SPECIAL MASTER

The Code Enforcement Special Master hears code violations in which property owners admit that they are in violation. The Special Master may set time limits for compliance and/or impose fines.  Special Master hearings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in County Commission Chambers in the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West, in Bradenton. 

CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD

The Code Enforcement Board hears cases in which the property owner pleads that they are not in violation.  Code Enforcement meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m., in County Commission Chambers in the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West, in Bradenton. 

The Palmetto/North Manatee County Enterprise Zone Development Agency was established to provide for economic growth and development in an area in the jurisdictions of Manatee County and the City of Palmetto. Offering tax credits is one method of encouraging growth.  Enterprise Zone Agency meetings are held the first Monday of each even-numbered month at 12:30 p.m. at the Manatee Civic Center, located at 1 Haben Boulevard in Palmetto. 

The Historic Preservation Board hears requests for certain development in historic districts and historic vistas.  Historic districts are designated as Whitfield Estates, Cortez Fishing Area and Terra Ceia. Historic vistas are areas surrounding historic places such as Gamble Mansion.  Hearings are held, when necessary, on the first and third Mondays of the month at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., in County Commission Chambers in the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West. 

The Planning Commission hears requests for land use items and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. An example of a request heard by the Planning Commission would be a rezone of a parcel of land.  Hearings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m., in County Commission Chambers in the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West. 

The Unlicensed Construction Activities Panel hears charges against individuals and businesses that have been cited with performing or advertising work for which a license is required.  Hearings are held, when necessary, on the second Monday of the month at 2:00 p.m., in County Commission Chambers in the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West. 

The Value Adjustment Board and the Value Adjustment Board Special Master hear petitions regarding exemption, classifications and ad valorem tax values.  In August the Property Appraiser mails Truth in Millage notices known as TRIM notices. Property owners contesting the assessed valuation of property may file a petition and have a hearing before the Special Master. Based on the evidence and testimony presented by the property owner, the Special Master makes a recommendation to the Value Adjustment Board.  Hearings are held at various times during September, October and November.

The Hearing Officer hears requests for Special Permits based on requirements of the Land Development Code. Examples of requests are a church in a residential area or a school in certain zoning districts.  Hearings are held, when necessary, on the first Thursday and the third Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m., in County Commission Chambers in the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West. 

This Board was abolished by Ordinance 99-22.
The responsibilities were transferred to the Hearing Officer.

The Board of Zoning Appeals heard certain requests for variances. A variance requires a public hearing and can be granted when requirements of the Land Development Code render the land difficult to use because of some rare or unique attribute of the property itself. A variance can be granted for height, setbacks, for a minimum floor area per dwelling unit, and for lot coverage. 

The Construction Trades Board hears requests from individuals who wish to take examinations to become licensed contractors. Examples of examinations are: masonry, roofing, master plumber, and master electrician.  The Board also hears disciplinary cases against those contractors who have had a complaint filed against them.  Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 3:30 p.m., in County Commission Chambers in the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West. 

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners is composed of seven members. Five are elected from single districts and must live in the district which they represent. Two members represent the County at large and are elected by all the voters in Manatee County. Commissioners are elected for terms of four years.  Meetings are normally held on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the County Commission Chambers in the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West.  Examples of records are: Ordinances, Resolutions, contracts or anything submitted in a meeting. Audio tapes of work sessions are also available. Meetings are normally held on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West. 

The Nuisance Abatement Board hears cases in which two arrests within six months have been made at a property for prostitution, drugs or gang activity.  The Board has the authority to declare a place or premises to be a public nuisance and order the owner to abate such nuisance.  Hearings are not held on a regular schedule, but are held upon notice. 

The Port Authority is comprised of the seven County Commissioners.  Examples of records are: Resolutions, contracts or anything submitted in a meeting. Audio tapes of work sessions are also available.  Monthly Port Authority meetings are normally held at 9:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month at Port Manatee. 

The Civic Center Authority is comprised of the seven County Commissioners. The Authority is the governing body of the Civic Center, which is located at 1 Haben Boulevard in Palmetto.  Examples of records are: Resolutions, contracts or anything submitted in a meeting. Audio tapes of work sessions are also available. Meetings are held, as necessary, on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Avenue West. 

The Construction Code Board of Appeals hears cases in which individuals request a relief from a building code. An example of a request: Relief from the requirement for pretreatment for termites.  Hearings are not held on a regular schedule, but are held upon notice.