Cape Coral is a beautiful city in which to live and work. Residents enjoy magnificent year-round weather, friendly neighbors and a low crime rate that is the envy of other cities.

One of the primary reasons for the Cape’s high quality of life is that property owners have adopted an attitude of a clean and safe environment. This is reflected in the number of beautifully kept homes and neighborhoods throughout the city. Residents are truly proud of their property and it shows. Splendidly maintained homes and neighborhoods are a source of pride for all residents.

Homeowners also support and obey the various city ordinances that are designed to keep Cape Coral looking beautiful in the years to come.

Cape Coral did not become a beautiful city by accident -- it became beautiful because its residents made it so. Working together, property owners, neighborhood associations and the police department can keep Cape Coral beautiful in the years to come -- a clean and safe environment for us, our children, and our children’s children.

Here are some of the more common subjects covered by the city’s codes:

ANIMALS

Animals are not allowed to roam at large. Owners of animals are responsible for removing any excreta deposited by their animals on private and public properties. Owners are also responsible for any annoying noises such as barking, squawking, squealing, etc.

AUTOMOBILE/WATERCRAFT REPAIR

Repairs may be made on residential premises by a paid mechanic or by the resident or resident’s family member if either an emergency exists or if performed on an occasional basis. But in all cases the work must be performed in such a manner as to not cause unsightliness, noise, or obnoxious odors.

BUILDING NUMBERS

All buildings are required to display the building numbers at least 4 feet from the pavement and visible from the street. Numbers affixed to both sides of the mailbox or to lawful free standing signs may be substituted for numbers affixed to buildings.

BOATS

Boats and boat trailers may be parked or stored in rear yards provided they are properly registered and operable. It is unlawful to park or store any boat or boat trailer in either the front or side yard of a single or multi family residence.

FENCES

In residential zones, fences may be no higher than 6 feet. In addition, no fence or wall may be erected within the front setback lines of a residential lot. A permit is required before any fence or wall is constructed; call 574-0546 for information on permits.

GARAGE SALES

Garage sales may be conducted for up to three days at a time, with no more than 3 sales per year and no more than 1 sale in any 30-day period. Permits are required; they are available for $2 in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall. Up to 4 on-site garage sale signs and directional signs are provided free when the permit is issued. Garage sale signs may not be placed in public medians, rights-of-way, or on utility poles or trees.

GARBAGE AND TRASH COLLECTION

Refuse collection service is provided by the city’s franchisee, Waste Management. Residential and commercial property owners are required to subscribe to the service. All refuse should be placed for pickup no earlier than 5PM the day before. Horticultural refuse may be placed out 4 days before pickup but must be bagged or tied in bundles not larger than 4 feet long by 4 inches in diameter. Refuse must be placed on the owner’s property and not on vacant lots. For more information about trash collection, call Waste Management at 334-4115.

HIGH GRASS AND WEEDS

Grass, weeds, vines, palmetto scrub, or other noxious growth must be kept less than 12 inches high. This applies to all portions of an owner’s property, including along fences and poles.

ILLEGAL DWELLING UNITS

Dwelling units that have been added to the interior or exterior of a structure without proper permits are illegal, regardless of how long the units have existed. Dwelling units that have been subdivided to create another living unit are also illegal.

INOPERATIVE MOTOR VEHICLES

Inoperative or unregistered motor vehicles and vessels must be stored in a fully enclosed structure, such as a garage. They are not allowed in driveways or elsewhere on your property. An inoperative vehicle is one that is not equipped with all the parts necessary to legally and safely operate it on public streets. Vehicles with one or more flat tires, that cannot be driven under their own power, are considered inoperable.

LITTER, JUNK, TRASH, DEBRIS

Litter, junk, trash, and debris cannot be left in the yard and must be disposed of properly. This includes junk vehicles, vehicle parts, appliances, building materials, tires, trash, paper, cardboard, plastics, plant trimmings, fallen limbs, palm fronds, and fruit.

OUTDOOR STORAGE

Outdoor storage of items designed for indoor use is not permitted. For example, indoor items that may not be kept outside include household appliances, auto parts, indoor furniture, and building materials. Examples of items that may be stored outside include barbecue grills, lawn furniture, hoses, garden tools, and outdoor play equipment.

PERMITS

All structural repairs or additions to residential or commercial property require a permit from the city. Repairs include new fencing, most plumbing and electrical work, driveway alterations, changes in swales, rights-of-way, and sheds. Converting a screened porch or lanai to a room is permissible but only after a building permit is obtained. Before beginning work, call 574-0546.

RIGHT-OF-WAY

All property owners are responsible for maintaining the city owned right-of-way lying between the property boundary and pavement. No modifications or alterations of any type are allowed to a city owned right-of-way or swale.

R.V. PERMITS

Recreational vehicles may not be kept or parked on residential property or on a vacant lot, except when parked entirely within the confines of a garage or carport. However, residents can obtain a temporary permit to park their R.V. on their property for 3 days before and 3 days after a trip. If you’re hosting visitors driving an R.V., a 10-day permit can be obtained for parking on your property. Permits are available from Code Compliance; call 574-0613.

TOOL SHEDS, ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

Tool sheds and other accessory structures are allowed on residential property that already contains a principal structure. A permit is required; call 574-0546.

QUESTIONS?

For more information about the above issues, or any code compliance matters, please call the Cape Coral Police Department Code Compliance Bureau at 574-0613.