Code Compliance concerns to be discussed May 7 at City Commission workshop

Some Lake Worth Beach business owners and residents have complained about overzealous and selective enforcement

LAKE WORTH BEACH’S Code Compliance department, a source of concern for many business owners and residents, will be the topic of a City Commission workshop on May 7.

Although public comment is not allowed at workshops, a special commission meeting will be scheduled at a later date to get input from business owners and residents about their experiences with code compliance.

The May 7 workshop, announced April 24 by Interim City Manager Troy Perry, is a one step toward addressing the commission’s goal for code officers to take a more business-friendly approach to enforcement.

The city manager’s office recently issued a “directive” for code compliance officers to scale back enforcement in an effort “to slow down the complaints so we can get a grip on it until we sit down and talk to the commission about how they wanted to proceed,’’ Perry said at a pre-agenda work session.

Commissioners told Perry to make sure “life safety” codes are still enforced.

Perry also said he had met recently with code officers.

“We talked about various issues they face…out in the field and some of the things they can do to make a more business friendly approach,’’ he said.

The workshop starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

On April 30, the city posted on its website background information about the workshop.

“Code compliance staff will provide an overview of procedures, commonly issued violations, and recommended adjustments to codes and policies aimed at reducing punitive measures while fostering a more business friendly approach,’’ a memo said.

“The code compliance process is often complex and at times does not produce the anticipated or desired outcomes. Public understanding of the process can be limited, with expectations occasionally exceeding the legal authority established under Florida Statutes 162 and the City’s Code of Ordinances.’’

Commissioners also plan to hold a special meeting this year about future uses of the historic City Hall Annex, which has been closed for repairs since February 2024.

This story was updated at 2 p.m. April 30, 2026, to include new information released by the city.