Circle to see stricter code enforcement

When the economy tanked in Sarasota, St. Armands Circle leaders asked that the city give a little leeway when it came to code enforcement.

They wanted to allow businesses to display a few more signs, place sales racks outside or have some dining tables encroaching slightly on the sidewalk.

But now that crowds have returned to the Circle, stricter code enforcement is once again being sought.
At the May 10 Business Improvement District meeting, the city offered to hire a part-time code enforcement official if the BID would help fund that new position.

“It’s not in our budget,” said Marty Rappaport, BID chairman. “But that’s not an excuse not to enforce. The city needs to do its job.”

The major complaints are restaurants putting tables outside that block the sidewalks, excessive signs in windows, sandwich-board signs and sales racks being placed outside front doors.

Circle leaders fear that business owners are getting used to a lack of enforcement.

“We need to corral everyone back in,” said Diana Corrigan, St. Armands Association executive director.
The BID asked that the city conduct code-enforcement activities once a month on the Circle.

Tim Litchet, the city’s neighborhood services and development director, agreed to allocate one of his three enforcement officers to visit the Circle for one full day each month to seek out violations and issue fines for repeat offenders.

The new enforcement will begin this month.

“We may start with more than once a month at the beginning, so people see we’re out there,” said Litchet.

BID members were pleased, because they believe there is a risk if code enforcement remains lax.

“Sixty-four percent of the people who come to Sarasota visit St. Armands,” said Rappaport. “If it starts to become shabby, it won’t be as big a draw.”

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].