Town Times Newsletter Town Times Jan-Mar 2019 | Page 4

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VOL 26 NO 1 • JAN - MAR 2019
Ask the Expert: Code Compliance
We recently sat down with Dean Fowler, the Supervisor in the Town’s Code Compliance Division, to discuss
what she and her team have been up to around Jupiter. The Code Compliance team works in partnership with
residents and businesses to promote and maintain a safe and desirable environment within the Town, as well
as to provide information and educational programs intended to improve the standards of the community and
enhance property values.
What do you experience as a common
misunderstanding of your team?
Why does this matter to the Town?
We are not out to get you! More often than not when we
encounter a Code violation, it stems from residents simply
being unaware that they are in violation. That’s why our first
priority as Code Compliance Officers is to educate residents
rather than to write up a violation.
Is there anything that your team has noticed
recently that seems to be trending as a violation?
Yes, there seems to be an uptick in violations related
to businesses being operated out of homes these days.
Apparently Jupiter has a wealth of entrepreneurs!
Is having a home business a Code violation ?
No, home-based businesses that have been properly
registered with the Town are completely fine. When you
register your home-based business, you sign an agreement
that details what is a permitted activity for a home business,
which is very different from a traditional office or storefront.
What kinds of things are not permitted at a home-
based business that would be permitted at a
regular storefront?
Storing materials and equipment on the property is not
allowed, nor is customer foot traffic. Many times we will see
large trucks or piles of construction material being kept on
the property, which is not permitted. Another issue we’ve
encountered is when home-based businesses bring back
debris and waste materials from whatever line of work
they are in, the debris and materials end up in large piles
in the swale for routine trash pick-up. It’s just not what the
neighborhoods are meant for.
There are a couple reasons the Town has a vested
interest in making sure the Code is being followed
as it relates to home-based businesses. First of all,
it’s a zoning issue. Neighborhoods are zoned as
residential areas, not as retail areas. When you bring
in elements that are meant to be kept in areas that
are zoned for retail, it negates the purpose of having
a residential zone. It’s also a quality of life issue. We
receive complaints from residents who are disrupted
by loud trucks and equipment early in the morning,
or reports of customers streaming in and out of
houses all day long. There’s also a health and safety
issue, since storing piles of materials inevitably
creates a breeding ground for pests like rats and
mosquitos. And finally, it affects the property
values of a neighborhood. When people make an
investment in a house in Jupiter, it’s an investment
in the way of life that accompanies our sleepy
little seaside Town. When home-based businesses
become more akin to traditional storefronts,
it detracts from the welcoming, residential
environment we are trying to preserve in Jupiter.
On December 6, 2018, the Jupiter Police Department
and Recreation and Neighborhood Services hosted
its annual Shop with a Cop event at the Jupiter
Community Center.
Twenty local children enjoyed pizza with Santa
Claus followed by a ride in a police car to Walmart
for a shopping spree with members of the Jupiter
Police Department. These deserving kids had the
opportunity to buy gifts for themselves and their
loved ones to celebrate the holiday season.
This year’s event was sponsored by Little Smiles of
Florida and the Jupiter Police Foundation.
Town of Jupiter Code Compliance Team
If you have questions about Code Compliance, please contact the Code Compliance office at 561-741- 5477. If you have
questions related to home-based businesses, please contact the Business Tax Receipts Office at 561-741-2318.
2019 Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
Don't miss your opportunity to partner with the Town in 2019!
The 2019 sponsorship booklet features a wide range of opportunities for everyone and every budget.
Check out the booklet today at www.jupiter.fl.us/sponsorships. Two signature events, Jupiter Jubilee
and Touch-A-Truck, are right around the corner, so make sure to sign up and get your business in front
of the more than 5,000 attendees at each event!
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Kate Pokorny at 561-741-2365.
TOW N C A L E N DA R
D a te s a n d t i m e s a re s u b j e c t to c h a n g e a n d ca n b e co n f i r m e d t h r o u g h p r ov i d e d co n ta c t i n f o r m a t i o n .
Use the Let Us Know and Notify Me features
to connect with the Town on matters that are
important to you!
Share your voice with the Let Us Know button.
TOWN HALL PUBLIC MEETINGS
Council Chambers • 7:00 pm • 561-746-5134
www.jupiter.fl.us/agendas
Get updates and information through Notify Me.
Regular Town Council Meeting
Jan. 15 • Feb. 5 & 19 • Mar. 5 & 19
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Jan. 17 • Feb. 12 • Mar. 12
Community Redevelopment Agency Commission Meeting
Jan. 9 • Feb. 13 • Mar. 13
MAJOR TOWN EVENTS & CLOSINGS
Jupiter Jubilee
Saturday, Feb. 2
Touch-a-Truck
Saturday, Mar. 30
New Years Day
Closed • Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr Day
Closed • Jan. 21
You can share your suggestions, requests, and
comments by using the Let Us Know button on the Town
of Jupiter homepage. Go to www.jupiter.fl.us, and click
the Let Us Know icon located in the green menu bar.
Sign up to receive emails about things like Town events,
Council meetings, live stream notifications, meeting
summaries and more! Click the Notify Me icon in the
green menu bar of the homepage.
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President's Day
Closed • Feb. 18
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@TownofJupiterandPolice
• Visit www.jupiter.fl.us/town_calendar for a listing of events and happenings in the Jupiter area.
• Visit www.jupiter.fl.us/Live to view live meetings for Town Council, Community Redevelopment Agency Commission, and
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Page 4  Jupiter Town Times | www.jupiter.fl.us | 210 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458 | 561.746.5134
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