The following information is provided as a homeowner’s guide to Code Enforcement in unincorporated Monroe County.
For most people, a home is the largest single investment they will ever make.
One of the functions of the Code Enforcement Department is to protect this investment. By enforcing building standards and zoning codes, property values
are protected, neighborhood appearances are maintained, and the safety of our citizens is assured.
The following list of common code violations is not meant to be all inclusive, but an overview:
NOTE: MCC referrs to Monroe County Code.
· Building without a permit: MCC 6-17(a) MCC 9.5-111(1)
A permit must be obtained for most structures such as fences, room additions, concrete slabs and any other structure or installation including new gas, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems and new construction or improvements to structures within the floodplain. Permits are also needed to move, remove or demolish any structure.
Before beginning any home improvement project, it is wise to contact the Monroe County Building Department to determine whether permits are required.
Plantation Key Building Department (305) 852-7100
Marathon Building Department (305) 289-2501
Key West Building Department (305) 295-3390
· Building too close to property lines:
The Zoning Code requires minimum setbacks from property lines for all buildings according to the zoning of the property in question. Call the Planning Department for setback requirements.
Plantation Key Planning Department (305) 852-7100
Marathon Planning Department (305) 289-2500
· Overgrown lots: MCC 8-16 MCC 8-17
County ordinance prohibits weeds or grass in excess of 8” in height in addition to the prohibition of the accumulation of waste, yard trash or debris.
· Trash, debris and other materials: MCC 8-16, MCC 8-17, MCC 8-18
· Abandoned and/or inoperative vehicles: MCC 19-95
Inoperative vehicles may not be parked, kept or stored on residential property or on the public right-of-way. Also all vehicles on residential property must be properly licensed and in operable condition. The keeping of unregistered and/or unlicensed vehicles on residential property is prohibited. Any vehicle that does not operate must be in an enclosed structure, such as a garage.
· Abandoned vessels and/or watercraft: MCC 19-96
Within all land use districts except I Districts, all watercraft which are inoperative and/or unlicensed for a period of thirty (30) days and appear to be in a state of decay and/or abandonment shall be prohibited on any waterway, shore, private or public property unless contained in a completely enclosed building.
· Recreational and commercial vehicles: MCC 19-129
County regulations do not allow the parking or storage of vehicles in excess of one ton carrying capacity in a residential areas; on side streets or private property including the county right-of-way
· Home Occupation licenses: MCC 9.5-259
Only certain home businesses are permitted any many required special Home Occupational licensing with set guidelines and restrictions.
· Prohibited Signs: MCC 9.5-403
Portable signs, off premise signs, sign vehicles, signs in rights-of-way, signs on trees or utility poles are prohibited.
· Farm Animals:
No livestock, such as cows, goats, sheep or pigs, barnyard animals such as chickens, ducks, or geese, shall be kept either penned or loose in any zone where not otherwise permitted in Monroe County.
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