The following information is provided as a homeowner's guide to Code Enforcement in Unincorporated Palm Beach County.

For most people, a home is the largest single investment they will ever make. One of the functions of the Code Enforcement Division 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:

Building without a permit:

A permit must be obtained for structures including pre-fabricated structures such as sheds, gazebos, fences, satellite dishes, reroofing, room additions, pouring concrete slabs, and any other structures including gas, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems. Permits are also needed to move, remove or demolish any structures.

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 Zoning Division office for specifics.

Overgrown lots:

County ordinance prohibits accumulations of waste, yard trash, or rubble and debris, uncultivated vegetation greater than 7 inches in height, and/or Brazilian Pepper, within 25 foot of adjacent, developed property.  Complaints must be in writing, and the complainant must be adjacent to the property being complained about.

Operating a business in a residential zone:

Only certain home business are permitted and many require special licensing with set guidelines and restrictions (ULDC Article 4).

Inoperative vehicles:

Inoperative vehicles may not be stored on residential property. Additionally, all vehicles on residential property must be properly licensed, with an exception for one such unlicensed vehicle, so long as it is stored in the side or rear yard, screened from view. Code Enforcement has the authority to tag inoperative vehicles on private property and have them towed from the premises.

Recreational and commercial vehicles:

Boats, trailers campers and other such vehicles cannot be stored between the street and the housing structure.  They may be stored behind the front roofline of the residence, in the side or rear yard areas, provided they are screened from adjacent property (ULDC Article 6). One commercial vehicle may be parked on residential property provided it does not exceed the following requirements:  vehicle is registered and licensed; used by a resident of the premises; gross weight, including load, does not exceed 12,500 pounds; height does not exceed 9 feet, including any load, bed or box; and total vehicle length does not exceed 26 feet (ULDC Article 6).

Sanitary facilities:

The Property Maintenance Code addresses the requirements for the interior and exterior of housing structures, including lighting, ventilation, hot and cold water supply, electrical outlets and safety requirements. It also addresses damage to structures, including broken windows, torn screens, minimum dwelling space requirements and unsafe structures.

Trash, debris and other materials:

Residential property may not be used for open storage of inoperative motor vehicles, vehicle parts, appliances, building materials, garbage, waste, trash and debris.  It is the responsibility of the owner or occupant to keep the premises free from all such materials (Property Maintenance Code).

Garbage can regulations: 

County ordinance prohibits placement of household garbage or garbage receptacles for pick-up before 3:00 pm the day prior to regularly scheduled pick-ups.  Further, garbage receptacles must be removed from the front of the property no later than 6:00 pm the day of pick-up.  These restrictions do not apply to yard waste resulting from the maintenance of residential properties.

Farm Animals:

Farm animals are prohibited in all residential zone districts. Those districts zoned as agricultural permit horses, chickens, pigs, goats and other such animals.

Signs:

Signs in rights-of-way or on trees or telephone poles are prohibited. All signs require permits, unless exempted by Code. Banners, gas or air-filled balloons are permitted under specific guidelines and regulations set forth in the ULDC and require permits (ULDC Article 8).

Filing Complaints

If you wish to file a complaint, you may do so by phone or in person any week day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Code Enforcement Division offices are located at 2300 N. Jog Road, 2nd floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33411. The phone number is 561-233-5500. Complete code sections are available from the Publications desk on the first floor.

Complaints Not Handled by Code Enforcement

Problems with air pollution, wells, pools, rodents, vermin, bugs should be addressed to the Health Department at 355-3018.

Loose domestic animals should be reported to the Animal Care and Control Division at 233-1200.

For garbage or trash in the right-of-way, call Solid Waste Authority at 640-4000, or Road and Bridge section of Engineering at 233-3950.

Vagrants, loud music and drug dealing should be reported to the Sheriff's office at 688-3000, or 911 (emergencies only).

Illegal dumping activities should be called to the the attention of the Sheriff's office at 688-3000.

For other circumstances, call the Citizens' Service Center for assistance at 355-4314.

This is a general overview of Code Enforcement, and is intended to be used as a guide to help you, the members of the public. Call the office for interpretation of your specific circumstances. Staff will be glad to assist you. Complying with the codes and ordinances outlined will protect your housing investment and help make Palm Beach County a better, cleaner and safer place to live.