For Ric Miles, a typical day starts behind the wheel, driving through the streets of northeast Cape Coral, checking properties for code violations. Miles, a Cape Coral code compliance officer, is one of 31 officers working to maintain the city’s standards. Each month, he handles an average of 75 to 80 cases, from minor property issues to more significant violations. The rules Miles enforces are part of a broader effort to keep Cape Coral’s neighborhoods neat, safe, and visually appealing. While most residents understand the importance of maintaining property values and quality of life, the road to compliance isn’t always straightforward.”There are over a thousand ordinances that the city has,” Miles explains. “It can be a lot to keep track of.”For residents like Lee Lewandowski, who lives in Cape Coral, the rules can feel frustrating. “You drive down a street and you see nice homes, and then all of a sudden you’ve got a house that’s a disaster,” Lewandowski says. He points out some of the quirks of the city’s rules, such as being unable to keep a boat in your driveway but being allowed to store it in the backyard, or the limitations on where you can park a utility trailer.Lewandowski points out that the efforts to clean up properties often feel short-lived. “They come out and clean up for a little bit, then it’s done. It’s back to a jungle,” he said.However, Miles said that most residents are quick to resolve issues once they are made aware of them.”The properties are staying clean — or at least cleaner,” he said. Though maintaining a perfect city may be a challenge, the improvements are noticeable, and residents are, by and large, responsive to the efforts of the Code Compliance team.Some violations require more urgent attention, particularly issues like parking on vacant lots. “If it was your property, it’s getting damaged,” Miles said.The efforts to keep the city clean are ongoing, and the city’s Code Compliance team plays a crucial role in preserving the character of its neighborhoods. “The next time you see one of these trucks driving by,” Miles said. “It’s not just code enforcement. It’s community care.”Cape Coral’s Code Compliance Division encourages residents to take an active role in keeping their neighborhoods clean. If you notice potential violations, the city provides easy ways to report them through the 311 app or website, making it simple to get involved and ensure the city continues to thrive.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
For Ric Miles, a typical day starts behind the wheel, driving through the streets of northeast Cape Coral, checking properties for code violations.
Miles, a Cape Coral code compliance officer, is one of 31 officers working to maintain the city’s standards. Each month, he handles an average of 75 to 80 cases, from minor property issues to more significant violations.
The rules Miles enforces are part of a broader effort to keep Cape Coral’s neighborhoods neat, safe, and visually appealing. While most residents understand the importance of maintaining property values and quality of life, the road to compliance isn’t always straightforward.
“There are over a thousand ordinances that the city has,” Miles explains. “It can be a lot to keep track of.”
For residents like Lee Lewandowski, who lives in Cape Coral, the rules can feel frustrating.
“You drive down a street and you see nice homes, and then all of a sudden you’ve got a house that’s a disaster,” Lewandowski says.
He points out some of the quirks of the city’s rules, such as being unable to keep a boat in your driveway but being allowed to store it in the backyard, or the limitations on where you can park a utility trailer.
Lewandowski points out that the efforts to clean up properties often feel short-lived.
“They come out and clean up for a little bit, then it’s done. It’s back to a jungle,” he said.
However, Miles said that most residents are quick to resolve issues once they are made aware of them.
“The properties are staying clean — or at least cleaner,” he said.
Though maintaining a perfect city may be a challenge, the improvements are noticeable, and residents are, by and large, responsive to the efforts of the Code Compliance team.
Some violations require more urgent attention, particularly issues like parking on vacant lots. “If it was your property, it’s getting damaged,” Miles said.
The efforts to keep the city clean are ongoing, and the city’s Code Compliance team plays a crucial role in preserving the character of its neighborhoods.
“The next time you see one of these trucks driving by,” Miles said. “It’s not just code enforcement. It’s community care.”
Cape Coral’s Code Compliance Division encourages residents to take an active role in keeping their neighborhoods clean. If you notice potential violations, the city provides easy ways to report them through the 311 app or website, making it simple to get involved and ensure the city continues to thrive.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.