City of Largo Announces Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty ProgramThe City of Largo recently announced that the Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program would begin on October 1. The program allows eligible properties with outstanding code enforcement liens to apply in order to have the fine amount owed to the City reduced by up to 80%. Applications for the program will be accepted through the City of Largo Building Division through March 31, 2011. Property owners seeking a lien reduction must be in compliance with City codes and have no outstanding code violations. If all conditions of the Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program are met, the amount of the lien will be reduced by 80%, subject to a minimum payment of $250 plus administrative costs. There is a $25 application fee, which can be credited towards the lien amount if the application is approved. The reduced lien amount must be paid with 90 days of the date the application is approved. Code Enforcement liens result from fines imposed by the Largo Code Enforcement Board for properties found to be in violation of the City's codes. If the violation is not corrected, a fine is recorded in the form of a lien against all property owned by that property owner in Pinellas County. The fines accrue until such time as the property comes into compliance. The Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program is intended to encourage the payment of outstanding fines and to allow property owners to clear their property titles. The purpose of Code Enforcement is to address issues that pose a threat to the health, safety, well-being and quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors in the City of Largo. Most Code Enforcement actions result in voluntary compliance with City codes and do not result in fines. More information is available on the City's website at www.largo.com/department/division.php?fDD=1782 or by calling (727) 586-7488, extension 7218.
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