Common Code Violations
The applicable regulations for the following and other violations may be found in the City Ordinances. Additionally, substandard housing codes are located in the International Property Maintenance Code (PDF).
Fences
Fences must be constructed of approved materials and must be kept in good repair. Use of materials such as barbed wire, razor wire and electrified fencing are prohibited within residentially zoned areas.
Derelict/Inoperable Vehicles
A derelict/inoperable vehicle is one that does not display a current license tag and/or is not equipped with all parts required to legally and safely operate on public streets and/or cannot be driven under its own power. Derelict/inoperable vehicles cannot be stored except in a fully enclosed, legally constructed building.
Open Storage
Open storage is prohibited. Generally, any equipment, materials or furnishings that would ordinarily not be used outdoors may not be stored outdoors. For example, you may not keep indoor furniture, household appliances, auto parts or building materials outside.
Minimum Housing Standards
All wood, siding, shingles, roof covering, railings, walls, ceilings, porches, doors, windows, screens and any other exterior parts of residential structures must be maintained in weather-tight, rodent proof, sound condition and in good repair. Interior walls, ceilings, floors, doors and hardware must be in sound condition and in good repair. Electrical, heating and plumbing fixtures shall be installed in accordance with local codes and maintained in good and safe repair.
Swimming Pools
All swimming pools shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Residential pools must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing or self-latching devices on gates or doors.
Yard Maintenance Standards
Yard maintenance pertains to any untended growth in excess of 12 inches in height .
Junk, Trash & Debris
Junk, trash and debris are prohibited from being left in the yard and must be disposed of properly. This includes, but is not limited to, junk, auto parts, appliances, furniture, building materials, tires, trash such as discarded paper, cardboard, plastics, etc., and debris such as tree trimmings and fallen limbs.
Building Numbers
All new and existing buildings must have approved address numbers placed in a position so as to be plainly visible from the street or road fronting the property. For residential buildings the numbers shall be at least three inches tall and one-half inch wide. For commercial buildings, the numbers must be at least six inches tall. This requirement is primarily made for your safety; if an emergency vehicle cannot identify the correct property it could delay their response.
Sign Placement Along Roadways
Signs are not allowed in the right of way or medians within the City of Tallahassee, according to City Ordinance, LDC Chapter 7, Article III, Division 2, Section 7-81 (12).
The right of way extends from the street to the sidewalk, utility pole or fire hydrant (whichever is further away from the street).
Did You Know?
- Complainants can now report a violation via our Code Enforcement Hotline at 891-CODE (2633), or use our City-Wide Trouble Reporting System on the City's website at talgov.com.
- The most common violations are abandoned/inoperable vehicles, overgrowth, trash and debris, and open storage.
- The City can clean and clear vacant lots after the required legal notification is made to the owner. The City will assess the actual cost/expense plus an administrative fee against the property imposing a special assessment lien.
- The City can address unsafe residential buildings through demolition under the Land Development Code. Structures, which are open and unprotected as a result of the omission or disrepair of windows, doors, walls or other enclosures, are required to be secured or boarded. Structures may be boarded (to City specifications) for up to one year or as ordered by the Municipal Code Enforcement Board.
- Code Enforcement Officers routinely attend neighborhood association meetings to review and explain code requirements. If you would like an officer to attend one of your meetings, please contact Code Enforcement at 891-6500.
- Electronic items such as computers, cell phones, and televisions as well as hazardous materials, such as paint, oil and chemicals require special handling. These items should not be placed in the garbage or recycle receptacles, nor left by the curb. These items must be taken to the Leon County Landfill, located at 7550 Apalachee Parkway. You may contact Solid Waste Services at 891-4YOU (4968) or the Leon County Landfill at 487-2890 for more information.
- Building, roofing, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical repairs/alterations require a permit. Contact the Building Inspection/Permitting Division at 891-7010 for more information.
- A setback is a required amount of area between the property line and where items may be located; i.e. sheds, RVs, boats, etc. Setbacks vary according to the particular zoning and location of the property. Contact Zoning at 891-7100 for more information.
- Any business located within the city limits requires a City occupational license (also known as a City business tax certificate). Contact the Occupational License Division at 891-6488 for more information.