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CODE VIOLATIONS

CAPE CORAL POLITICS FLORIDA PALM TREES Cape Coral, Florida, maintains a variety of municipal codes to ensure public health, safety, and property values.

While the full Code of Ordinances is extensive, the city highlights common violations that residents frequently encounter. Below is a detailed list based on official sources, organized by category. Residents are encouraged to verify current regulations, as codes can evolve.

Building & Property Maintenance

  • Obnoxious Growth: Grass, weeds, vines, palmetto scrub, and other unwanted vegetation must be maintained below 12 inches in height across the entire property, including areas along fences and poles.
  • Litter, Trash, and Debris: Accumulation of waste in yards is prohibited; this includes items like broken or junk vehicles, vehicle parts, appliances, building materials, tires, trash, paper, cardboard, plastics, plant trimmings, fallen limbs, palm fronds, and fruit. All must be properly disposed of.
  • Storage of Junk: Outdoor storage of junk items is not allowed; prohibited examples include household appliances, auto parts, indoor furniture, and excess building materials. Permitted items (if stored properly) include barbecue grills, lawn furniture, hoses, garden tools, and outdoor play equipment.
  • Nuisance Accumulations: Even valuable items cannot be stored outdoors year-round if they create a nuisance, devalue property, or pose risks to public health, safety, or welfare—especially considering Florida’s weather events.
  • International Property Maintenance Code: The city enforces the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code for general building and property standards.

Vehicle Parking & Storage

  • Prohibited Parking on Pervious Surfaces: In residential zones, vehicles cannot be parked on grass, sod, shell, rocks, dirt, stones, or other pervious surfaces. Parking is only allowed on approved impervious materials like concrete, asphalt, paver blocks, stone pavers, or rock pavers.
  • Prohibited Parking on Vacant Lots: No vehicles or watercraft can be parked or stored on unoccupied lots.
  • Inoperable Vehicles: Unregistered or inoperable motor vehicles, boats, and trailers must be stored in a fully enclosed structure. An inoperable vehicle includes those missing parts for safe/legal operation, with flat tires, or unable to move under their own power.
  • Commercial Vehicles: Parking or storage of commercial vehicles and trailers is restricted on vacant lots and in residential areas.
  • Boats & Boat Trailers: These must be parked or stored only in the rear yard behind the primary structure’s last wall. They are not permitted in front or side yards, on vacant residential lots, or in multi-family areas. Up to two boats on trailers (or one empty trailer) are allowed in the rear yard if in good repair and currently registered in Florida. This applies even to boats moored at docks, seawalls, or on lifts/davits.
  • Boat Parking Permits: Temporary permits (up to 72 hours) are required for loading/cleaning boats owned or leased by the property owner, with a 48-hour gap between permits. Apply online via the city’s EnerGov Customer Self-Service portal.
  • RV Parking Permits: Recreational vehicles must be garaged or in a carport. Temporary 10-day permits allow parking for visitor use, and 72-hour permits are available before/after trips. Pop-up campers can be stored closed in the rear yard. Apply via the same online portal.

Other Violations

  • Non-Domestic Animals: Keeping, raising, or pasturing livestock, exotic, or wild animals (e.g., cattle, chickens, goats, sheep, swine) is prohibited in all zoning districts except those designated Agricultural, whether the property is developed or not.

Additional common issues from broader enforcement include improper garbage collection, stagnant water, sidewalk maintenance, and dangerous structures, which can lead to civil fines starting at $150 and escalating up to $2,000 for repeat offenses within a year. Rental properties face specific requirements, such as annual registration fees ($50-$100) and penalties for non-compliance ($250-$1,000), effective since early 2026. Hurricane-related building codes emphasize impact-rated windows/doors, proper permits, and avoiding unpermitted modifications to protect against storms.

For the complete Code of Ordinances or to report issues, visit the official Cape Coral website or contact Code Compliance. Compliance helps maintain community standards and avoid penalties.

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