Growth FAQ - Code Enforcement

What is Code Enforcement?

All cities have codes that set standards for the appearance of the community.  Such codes address issues like grass above a certain height, inoperable vehicles, trash/debris, building maintenance, tree removal without permits, bright or fast blinking digital signs, zoning, environmental, and stormwater violations. When it comes to code enforcement, Tallahassee works hard to partner with property owners to fix violations cooperatively, outside of the formal violation process. If that doesn't work, a notice of violation is issued on the property, which is reviewed in a hearing before the Code Board or a Magistrate.

Please keep in mind that code enforcement can involve a wide array of issues which are handled by two separate departments.  The Growth Management Department handles building without permits, environmental (i.e. flooding, tree removal, and stormwater violations), digital signs, and setback violations.  The Housing and Community Resilience Department handles inoperable vehicles, offensive growth, building address numbers, swimming pools, open storage, home maintenance, fences with prohibited materials, trash/debris and signs in the right-of-way.