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The Community Improvement Department is here to assist the citizens of Sanford in keeping their neighborhoods in compliance with
City codes. Keeping properties code compliant protects and enhances property values and makes the City a more attractive place
to live, work and shop.
The Community Improvement Department is primarily responsible for enforcement of most of the City's Code of Ordinances
and Land Development Codes.
The Community Improvement office takes in complaints from citizens and staff inspects and investigates those complaints
to see if a violation of City code exists, and then begins taking the appropriate steps to gain compliance. Those steps
can involve both an informal and/or formal process.
Cases that go unresolved end up before the City's Special Magistrate.
Community Improvement's regular work hours are from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. You may contact the office at
407.688.5160. Complaints can be called in directly to a staff member or you may leave a voice message after regular work
hours. E-mail may be addressed to the Code Enforcement Division here. You may
also contact us completing an Action Request.
Remember that Community Improvement is here to help. Working together will prevent blight in our neighborhoods and
further enhance the quality of life in our City.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is considered an unlicensed/ inoperable vehicle?
Any vehicle, including trailers, kept in residential areas of the City must have a current license tag assigned to it, and be
capable of being immediately and legally driven on the street.
- Is it acceptable to keep an unlicensed/inoperable vehicle under a car cover, in a carport or behind a fence?
No. To keep an unlicensed/inoperable vehicle on your property, it must be kept in a fully enclosed garage.
- What is considered high growth?
Wild growth more than 18 inches in height or grass more than 12 inches in height is considered high growth and against Code.
Homeowners are also responsible for maintaining the alley ways and rights of way that adjoin their property.
- What is considered junk, trash, debris and litter?
It is against code to allow the accumulation of junk, trash, debris and litter, including but not limited to cans, papers,
plastics, cardboard, furniture, auto parts, appliances, tires, building materials, or any kind of yard waste. This also
applies to any adjoining alley ways or right of ways.
- Is outdoor storage permitted?
No. Open, outdoor storage is prohibited in residential areas. This includes carports and screened porches that are visible
from the street. You may not store indoor furniture, household appliances, clothing, tools, equipment, building supplies or
any item that does not ordinarily belong outside.
- What is considered lack of maintenance to a structure?
Any wood, siding, shingles, roof covering, railings, fences, walls, ceilings, porches, doors, windows, screens, and other
parts of a structure must be kept in weather proof, weather tight, rodent proof condition and good repair. All doors and
windows must be kept secure.
- Can I post signs in my neighborhood?
Portable signs and banners cannot be placed on public rights of way or any public property. No signs may be placed or altered
on private property without a permit from the Building division. For information on sign permits call the Building Division at 407.688.5150.
- When do I need a construction permit?
No building or structure may be erected, altered, or enlarged without first obtaining the necessary building and zoning approval.
This includes fences and sheds. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical alterations also require permits. For building permit
information call 407.688.5150, for zoning information call 407.688.5140.
- Are there special rules in the Historic Residential District?
A Certificate of Appropriateness is required before doing any work to the outside of your residence. This includes painting,
remodeling, additions, fences and roof repairs. Contact Engineering and Planning for more information at 407.688.5140.
- Do I need a permit for a garage sale?
No, a resident is allowed to have two garage sales in a calendar year, limited to 3 consecutive days. Signs or other forms of
advertisement may be displayed only on the garage sale property.
- Does the City have regulations concerning animals?
Residents are limited to 3 dogs and 3 cats per household. Chickens, pigs, (including pot bellied pigs) and other farm
animals are not allowed in areas other than those zoned for agriculture. For specific information regarding animal
regulations, call Seminole County Animal Control at 407.665.5201.
- Can I park commercial equipment and vehicles at my home?
No, commercial equipment and vehicles in excess of 5,000 pounds may not be parked in any residential area. Commercial vehicles may deliver,
but not park for any period of time.
- Do I need an occupational license to do business in the City?
Yes, no person shall engage in any occupation, business, or profession without first obtaining a City of Sanford
Occupational License. A Seminole County Occupational License may also be required, but is not a substitute for a
City of Sanford License. For more information on Licensing call 407.688.5150.
- Can I park my car between the curb and sidewalk?
It is illegal to park on the area between the curb and sidewalk, or park on, or across any sidewalk. Driving over
a curb is illegal in the City of Sanford. Additionally, vehicles cannot be parked in the front or side yard unless
parking occurs in the area of a lot permitted for a driveway with any associated curb cut permit.
- What is considered a vehicle?
The City of Sanford defines vehicles as: trucks, automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, travel trailers,
mobile homes, farm equipment and non-motorized hauling trailers and pleasure craft that are normally kept or
displayed outside.
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