CITY OF SARASOTA Guide (excerpts) to Code Compliance
See sections below for:
- The Ordinances: these say what is allowed, what is not, what resident responsibilities are
- Who Handles What Issues
- How to Report a Violation or Place a Service Request
- The Ordinances: these say what is allowed, what is not, what resident responsibilities are
- Who Handles What Issues
- How to Report a Violation or Place a Service Request
Frequently Reported Code Violations: The Ordinances
Abandoned or Foreclosed Properties: Code Compliance maintains a list of properties and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with ordinances and other maintenance requirements. For more information on registering and maintenance and other contact information see Foreclosed or Abandoned Properties on City website.
Inoperable or Unlicensed: All vehicles must be operable (i.e., vehicle must run and have inflated tires) and properly licensed unless they are kept in a garage. (Section 16-50) [Meaning: no, you cannot keep junk cars in your front yard.]
Abandoned Refrigerators / Freezers: Inoperable large appliances must be recycled or disposed of at a designated facility and should not be left on property or roadsides. (Section 21-126) [In reality, local scrappers often haul these away.]
Building Permit: Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who proposes to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, repair, remove, convert or replace any required impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit. (Florida Building Code 2020 Edition 105.1)
Business Operating without a tax receipt: Businesses and licensed professionals operating within the City limits of Sarasota must pay a Local Business Tax. This includes anyone doing business out of their home if the home is located within the City limits. For more information call (941)263-6469, or email [email protected]
Commercial Vehicles and Commercial Trailers: Commercial vehicles and tractor trailers should not be parked in residential areas except as required in the performance of services. (Section VII-214)
Graffiti: Graffiti should immediately be removed / painted over. (Section 21-45) If the graffiti is on public property report using a Service Request .
Junk / Rubbish / Trash and Abandoned Articles: It is a violation to accumulate or store any junk, rubbish, trash or abandoned articles on any property within the city. Palm fronds, tree limbs and other debris either from trimming or storms should be cleared and prepared for collection. Yard or garden waste fully enclosed within a compost container and items designed for or commonly used are permitted. (Section 16-47)
Lot Overgrowth: It is a violation to allow excessive growth of weeds, grass, underbrush or other vegetation on any property which might be a fire hazard or serve as a breeding place for insects, rodents, snakes or other pests or vermin. This type of nuisance is detrimental to the general health, safety and welfare of the city and its inhabitants. Overgrown means it exceeds 10” high if there is a structure on the site or exceeds 12” high if it is a vacant lot. An owner is responsible to maintain trees, shrubs or other plantings on their property that extend into a public easement area in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and keep them from reaching a height or width which interferes with the movement of people or vehicles along any public right-of-way, including interference with visibility. (Section 16-49)
Placement of Trash / Recycling Containers: Trash and recycling containers shall not be placed at the curb or
roadside any earlier than 5:00 p.m. of the day prior to regularly scheduled collection. All emptied containers shall be returned to proper storage on the premises of the owner no later than 8:00 a.m. on the day following the day of regularly scheduled collection. Trash and recycling containers shall be stored between collection days in side or rear yards and not front yards. Front yard shall mean the yard area extending from the front facade of any building on the zoning lot to the street, or a minimum distance of twenty (20) feet from the street, whichever is greater. (Section 16-34)
Posting on buildings, poles, trees, etc.: Posting any announcements, flyers or other advertising matter upon any permanent or temporary structure or building, pole or tree located in any street, park or other public way or place within the city is prohibited. (Section 21-179)
Recycling / Yard Waste: Residential users are required to accumulate recyclable materials in containers approved by the City and place them curbside on the day of the week designated for collection. Commercial users and multi-family dwellings must have a developed and approved plan for recycling for the property which is best suited to the site, building design and the residents. Commercial users must contract with a private hauler for the service. (Section 16-17) (Section 16-19) Residential users shall place segregated yard waste or yard trash in cans, bags, boxes, bundles or stacks and place same at the curb in front of the residential user's premises on the same day of the week designated for collection of recyclable materials. Commercial users must segregate yard waste or yard trash from any other matter. The segregated yard waste or yard trash shall be accumulated in a container approved by the city manager as adequate considering the anticipated volume of yard waste or yard trash to be accumulated. (Section 16-19)
Recreational Vehicle and Boat Parking: No recreational vehicle, motor home or accessory recreational vehicle shall be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes. A recreational vehicle, motor home or accessory recreational vehicle may be parked or stored in a rear or side yard but not in a front yard, provided that such equipment may be parked anywhere on residential premises for no more than 24 hours during loading and unloading. (Section VI-102)
Signs: The following signs are prohibited in all zone districts: Obscenities; signs in rights-of-way; signs on public property; revolving signs; wind signs; signs on utility poles or trees, shrubs or plants; signs in setback areas; roof signs; buildings which constitute signs; and off-site signs. (Section VII-109)
Tree Protection: During the development of property, any person owning a legal interest in the real property under construction, the contractor who has been issued a tree removal permit and the contractor who has been issued a building permit shall be equally responsible for the erection of any and all barriers or protective guards necessary to protect any existing or installed trees from damage during construction in accordance with the tree protective barrier requirements and specifications. (Section VII-312)
Tree Removal: Removing or causing to be removed any tree or trees protected by this division located upon private or public property is prohibited unless a tree removal permit has been obtained from the director of neighborhood and development services. (Section VII-316)
Watering Violations - The City of Sarasota has adopted the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) water restrictions. Water restrictions frequently change depending on drought condition. (Section 37-107)
Abandoned or Foreclosed Properties: Code Compliance maintains a list of properties and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with ordinances and other maintenance requirements. For more information on registering and maintenance and other contact information see Foreclosed or Abandoned Properties on City website.
Inoperable or Unlicensed: All vehicles must be operable (i.e., vehicle must run and have inflated tires) and properly licensed unless they are kept in a garage. (Section 16-50) [Meaning: no, you cannot keep junk cars in your front yard.]
Abandoned Refrigerators / Freezers: Inoperable large appliances must be recycled or disposed of at a designated facility and should not be left on property or roadsides. (Section 21-126) [In reality, local scrappers often haul these away.]
Building Permit: Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who proposes to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, repair, remove, convert or replace any required impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit. (Florida Building Code 2020 Edition 105.1)
Business Operating without a tax receipt: Businesses and licensed professionals operating within the City limits of Sarasota must pay a Local Business Tax. This includes anyone doing business out of their home if the home is located within the City limits. For more information call (941)263-6469, or email [email protected]
Commercial Vehicles and Commercial Trailers: Commercial vehicles and tractor trailers should not be parked in residential areas except as required in the performance of services. (Section VII-214)
Graffiti: Graffiti should immediately be removed / painted over. (Section 21-45) If the graffiti is on public property report using a Service Request .
Junk / Rubbish / Trash and Abandoned Articles: It is a violation to accumulate or store any junk, rubbish, trash or abandoned articles on any property within the city. Palm fronds, tree limbs and other debris either from trimming or storms should be cleared and prepared for collection. Yard or garden waste fully enclosed within a compost container and items designed for or commonly used are permitted. (Section 16-47)
Lot Overgrowth: It is a violation to allow excessive growth of weeds, grass, underbrush or other vegetation on any property which might be a fire hazard or serve as a breeding place for insects, rodents, snakes or other pests or vermin. This type of nuisance is detrimental to the general health, safety and welfare of the city and its inhabitants. Overgrown means it exceeds 10” high if there is a structure on the site or exceeds 12” high if it is a vacant lot. An owner is responsible to maintain trees, shrubs or other plantings on their property that extend into a public easement area in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and keep them from reaching a height or width which interferes with the movement of people or vehicles along any public right-of-way, including interference with visibility. (Section 16-49)
Placement of Trash / Recycling Containers: Trash and recycling containers shall not be placed at the curb or
roadside any earlier than 5:00 p.m. of the day prior to regularly scheduled collection. All emptied containers shall be returned to proper storage on the premises of the owner no later than 8:00 a.m. on the day following the day of regularly scheduled collection. Trash and recycling containers shall be stored between collection days in side or rear yards and not front yards. Front yard shall mean the yard area extending from the front facade of any building on the zoning lot to the street, or a minimum distance of twenty (20) feet from the street, whichever is greater. (Section 16-34)
Posting on buildings, poles, trees, etc.: Posting any announcements, flyers or other advertising matter upon any permanent or temporary structure or building, pole or tree located in any street, park or other public way or place within the city is prohibited. (Section 21-179)
Recycling / Yard Waste: Residential users are required to accumulate recyclable materials in containers approved by the City and place them curbside on the day of the week designated for collection. Commercial users and multi-family dwellings must have a developed and approved plan for recycling for the property which is best suited to the site, building design and the residents. Commercial users must contract with a private hauler for the service. (Section 16-17) (Section 16-19) Residential users shall place segregated yard waste or yard trash in cans, bags, boxes, bundles or stacks and place same at the curb in front of the residential user's premises on the same day of the week designated for collection of recyclable materials. Commercial users must segregate yard waste or yard trash from any other matter. The segregated yard waste or yard trash shall be accumulated in a container approved by the city manager as adequate considering the anticipated volume of yard waste or yard trash to be accumulated. (Section 16-19)
Recreational Vehicle and Boat Parking: No recreational vehicle, motor home or accessory recreational vehicle shall be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes. A recreational vehicle, motor home or accessory recreational vehicle may be parked or stored in a rear or side yard but not in a front yard, provided that such equipment may be parked anywhere on residential premises for no more than 24 hours during loading and unloading. (Section VI-102)
Signs: The following signs are prohibited in all zone districts: Obscenities; signs in rights-of-way; signs on public property; revolving signs; wind signs; signs on utility poles or trees, shrubs or plants; signs in setback areas; roof signs; buildings which constitute signs; and off-site signs. (Section VII-109)
Tree Protection: During the development of property, any person owning a legal interest in the real property under construction, the contractor who has been issued a tree removal permit and the contractor who has been issued a building permit shall be equally responsible for the erection of any and all barriers or protective guards necessary to protect any existing or installed trees from damage during construction in accordance with the tree protective barrier requirements and specifications. (Section VII-312)
Tree Removal: Removing or causing to be removed any tree or trees protected by this division located upon private or public property is prohibited unless a tree removal permit has been obtained from the director of neighborhood and development services. (Section VII-316)
Watering Violations - The City of Sarasota has adopted the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) water restrictions. Water restrictions frequently change depending on drought condition. (Section 37-107)
Code Violations: Who Handles Which Issues
Code Compliance Division: Typically assigned to and handled by a code compliance officer:
Business operating without a tax receipt
Junk / trash rubbish, abandoned refrigerators / freezers, trash cans, construction materials
RVs / boats / campers / abandoned or inoperative vehicles
Illegal signs, lot overgrowth, graffiti, tree protection, obstruction or planting in right of way
Housing code exterior, wall and fence maintenance, exterior storage, driveways
Housing code interior, construction without a building permit
Vacation Rentals
Commercial activities and landscape maintenance in residential areas outside of permitted hours
Other miscellaneous activity against ordinances, usually building and zoning
Service Requests: Requests are routed to the Division that best handles them.
Homeless Concerns
Parking Lots
City Parks and Land, Landscaping, Mowing and Tree Maintenance
Potholes, Sidewalk and Street Repair
Traffic Signals, Crosswalks and Street Lights
Solid Waste Collection, Recycling, Yard Waste and Hazardous Waste
Hurricane and Storm Damage
Special Events
Sewer and Water Concerns
Police
Loud or Continuous Noise
Street Flooding
Large Gatherings, Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, Public Urination, Illegal use of fireworks
Parking Division
Street parking, rights of way, driveway blockage
Other
Animal Services (wildlife and domestic animals) – Sarasota County (941) 861-9500
Birds, Fish and other endangered wildlife – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (888) 404-3922
Sea Turtles – Sarasota County (941) 861-9500 or Mote’s 24-hour hotline (888) 345-2335
Seabirds – Save our Seabirds (941) 388-3010
Code Compliance Division: Typically assigned to and handled by a code compliance officer:
Business operating without a tax receipt
Junk / trash rubbish, abandoned refrigerators / freezers, trash cans, construction materials
RVs / boats / campers / abandoned or inoperative vehicles
Illegal signs, lot overgrowth, graffiti, tree protection, obstruction or planting in right of way
Housing code exterior, wall and fence maintenance, exterior storage, driveways
Housing code interior, construction without a building permit
Vacation Rentals
Commercial activities and landscape maintenance in residential areas outside of permitted hours
Other miscellaneous activity against ordinances, usually building and zoning
Service Requests: Requests are routed to the Division that best handles them.
Homeless Concerns
Parking Lots
City Parks and Land, Landscaping, Mowing and Tree Maintenance
Potholes, Sidewalk and Street Repair
Traffic Signals, Crosswalks and Street Lights
Solid Waste Collection, Recycling, Yard Waste and Hazardous Waste
Hurricane and Storm Damage
Special Events
Sewer and Water Concerns
Police
Loud or Continuous Noise
Street Flooding
Large Gatherings, Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, Public Urination, Illegal use of fireworks
Parking Division
Street parking, rights of way, driveway blockage
Other
Animal Services (wildlife and domestic animals) – Sarasota County (941) 861-9500
Birds, Fish and other endangered wildlife – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (888) 404-3922
Sea Turtles – Sarasota County (941) 861-9500 or Mote’s 24-hour hotline (888) 345-2335
Seabirds – Save our Seabirds (941) 388-3010
How to Report a possible Violation (3 ways) No, you cannot remain anonymous if you report a complaint.
Citizen Connect Portal may be used to report a suspected code violation. [you can also search here for past or existing compliance orders]. The City’s website can also be used to report Service Requests to deal with issues related to utilities and other city services.
Contact (941) 263-6417 or email [email protected]
Click-2-Fix mobile app to quickly snap a picture, identify your location and report issues with code compliance, parking, trash and recycling, water and sewers, signs, streets, streetlights, trees, parks and city landscape and safety hazards. See details
Citizen Connect Portal may be used to report a suspected code violation. [you can also search here for past or existing compliance orders]. The City’s website can also be used to report Service Requests to deal with issues related to utilities and other city services.
Contact (941) 263-6417 or email [email protected]
Click-2-Fix mobile app to quickly snap a picture, identify your location and report issues with code compliance, parking, trash and recycling, water and sewers, signs, streets, streetlights, trees, parks and city landscape and safety hazards. See details
