Frequently Asked Questions

What is code compliance?

Thousands of residents, business owners and community leaders have helped make Palmetto Bay one of the best looking cities in Miami-Dade County by taking pride in their property. The Palmetto Bay Code Compliance System was established in July 2004 to help maintain the City’s park-like look, enhance property values and preserve the high quality of Palmetto Bay neighborhoods and business districts.

What are some common complaints?

Common residential complaints include:

• poorly maintained house paint, trim, garage doors, siding and mailboxes
• lack of landscaping maintenance, including routine mowing, edging, watering, hedge height and tree trimming
• debris or trash visible from the street
• inoperable vehicles on property
• boats, trailers and RV’s improperly stored
• missing house address numbers

Common business property complaints include:

• poorly maintained exterior facades
• lack of landscape maintenance
• illegal temporary signs such as banners and window signs
• outside storage of goods, materials and equipment where prohibited
• lack of parking area maintenance
• graffiti

How can I report a violation?

Palmetto Bay residents or business owners can report concerns to the Code Compliance Division by calling (305) 259-1261 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents may also file a complaint on-line at codecomp@palmettobay-fl.gov. It is suggested that neighbors first try to resolve any issue by talking it out between them—it often works!

What will happen if I make a complaint?

Problems are addressed in a confidential, helpful and understanding way. On receiving a complaint, a code compliance officer will contact the property owner to explain the problem and suggest solutions. The property owner is then given time to take care of the violation, whether it be moving an inoperable vehicle to the garage, trimming back hedges, repairing a fence, removing debris, or obtaining a building permit.

While most property owners comply after the first notice, those who do not receive a second notice with a date certain for compliance and notice that a citation will be issued. Property owners may appeal their citation to the Village Special Master. The Village will schedule a hearing before the Special Master who determines whether the owner is in compliance or is in violation of Village codes and whether a fine must be paid.

How can I keep my Palmetto Bay home or business in top shape?

Most of Palmetto Bay’s properties owners maintain their homes and businesses well and have no trouble avoiding code violations. You can keep your property in top shape by:

• regularly mowing/edging lawns and keeping hedges and trees properly trimmed
• placing trash receptacles at the curb after sundown the night before your scheduled collection day, then removing them by midnight on collection day
• placing dumpsters within a screened enclosure
• regularly resurfacing and striping parking areas
• removing inoperable vehicles
• properly storing boats, trailers and RV’s behind the front building line and within setbacks
• keeping an eye on exterior paint, trim, garage doors, siding- making sure to paint or stain when needed
• repairing broken or falling fences, walls and screen enclosures
• removing oil stains from the driveway with kitty litter or detergent
• adding personal touches, such as flowers and decorative pavers
• removing graffiti as soon as it may appear
• keeping vacant lots mowed and free of debris
• adding personal touches, such as flowers and decorative paving

What should I know about Palmetto Bay code compliance?

The Village of Palmetto Bay prides itself on having clean, well-maintained neighborhoods and commercial districts. Not only are such areas aesthetically pleasing, higher property values are a result as well. You can help Palmetto Bay remain the premier city in this County by calling our Code Compliance at (305)259-1261 if you observe any of the following code violations:

Property Violations:

• Lawns, trees, shrubs and hedges not being properly maintained and trimmed
• Planting improper trees underneath power lines
• Minimum landscaping required not being maintained as submitted on building permit
• Poorly maintained house paint, trim, garage doors, siding and house address numbers
• Storing more than one boat or RV larger than 30 ft. in length in front of the house
• Storing construction materials on the driveway without a building permit
• Performing major auto repairs in public view
• Dumpsters not contained in an enclosure
• Hurricane shutters not removed within a reasonable timeframe after the passing of a storm
• Parking surface and striping not being maintained
• Pools, pool enclosures and pool barriers not being maintained
• Fences and walls in need of repair or painting
• Work being performed without a permit
• Placing temporary signs in the right-of-way
• Hosting a garage sale without a permit
• Creating excessive noise above 65 dBA
• Overgrown vacant lots
• Illegal dumping on vacant lots
• Parking on unapproved surfaces
• Outdoor restaurant seating without a permit
• Operating a business without a license

For Permits:

Please contact the Building Division at (305) 259-1250 for building permits for home & business improvements including new roofs or roof repairs, new construction, additions, interior remodeling, patios, block walls, fences, pool enclosures, irrigation systems and driveways.

Please contact the Department of Planning, Zoning and Building at (305) 259-1260 for permits for residential garage sales and restaurant sidewalk cafes.

Parking Regulations:

• Vehicles may only be parked in a garage or on the driveway. No portion of a vehicle may be parked on a lawn, block a sidewalk, park on an unapproved driveway or park on the driveway parallel to the street.
• One boat less than 30 ft. in length may be parked behind the front building line. On corner lots, it shall be screened from view.
• One RV less than 30 ft. in length may be parked behind the front building line and setback from the rear property line at least 10 ft. for up to 14 days.

Helpful Tips

You can report graffiti by calling the County Graffiti Hot Line at (305) 468-5900.

For disposal of washers, dryers, water heaters, or other large items, call (305) 594-1500.

Be courteous to your neighbor and keep loud noises down. To request a sound level meter check, call (305) 259-1261.

Staff and Contact Information

Luis Carcamo, Code Compliance Officer for Zone 1
Allen White, Code Compliance Officer for Zone 2
Vanessa Bencomo, Administrative Assistant

Phone: 305-259-1261
Fax: 305-259-1290
E-mail: codecomp@palmettobay-fl.gov