| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| NOTE: The following is provided for general information. It is not intended to be a complete explanation of the code requirements applicable in a given situation. Please direct specific inquiries to Code Enforcement. |
How do I report a code violation? |
| You may contact us by calling our main number at (863) 834-6251 or click here (PDF file) to submit a violation report. |
Do I have to leave my name and number when I report a violation? |
| No, our complaints are taken anonymously unless the complainant wishes to leave their name and/or request to be contacted regarding the violation. |
What should I do if I receive a Violation Letter? |
| Correct the violation or contact the Code Enforcement Officer who sent you the notice with questions or to request additional time to attain compliance. The officer's name and phone number are located at the bottom of the notice. |
What is an inoperable/unlicensed vehicle? |
| Any vehicle that can not be legally driven on the street and/or does not have a current tag. |
Why can't I have a car that does not run or that does not have a tag on my property? |
| Ordinance 4134 Section 1 states that, "It shall be unlawful for any person to park, store, place or locate any disabled, dismantled, derelict, inoperative or discarded machinery, vehicles, boats, equipment or parts of any of the above...on any tract, lot, piece or parcel of land within the City of Lakeland." |
What is overgrowth? |
| Property is considered overgrown when grass and/or weeds reach a minimum of twelve (12) inches. |
What is open storage? |
| Open storage is an accumulation of items not stored in a legally constructed, fully enclosed structure. This also pertains to items used outside that are not intended for outside use. |
What is a setback? |
| A setback is a required amount of area between the property line and where items may be located, i.e. sheds, RVs, etc. Setbacks vary according to the particular zoning of the property. |
Does Code Enforcement enforce the sign regulations? |
| Yes. While the Building Inspection Division is responsible for permitting new and altered ground and wall-mounted signs, Code Enforcement enforces the provisions of the sign regulations dealing with prohibited signs, abandoned conforming and non-conforming signs, and signs placed within public rights-of-way. |
Are real estate signs permitted within the right-of-way? |
| No. One on-premise real estate sign is permitted per street frontage but must be placed on private property. |
What types of signs are prohibited? |
| Signage prohibited by the sign regulations include banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, and fluttering devices designed to attract attention, portable signs, temporary point of purchase signs, and signs on vehicles. These are only samples of the prohibited signage. Specific questions should be referred to Code Enforcement. |
