The Code Enforcement Division is dedicated to improving the quality of life of our residents by enforcing the City Code. Code enforcement is an integral part of community policing, as it protects local property values and helps to build cleaner, safer communities.
The Code Enforcement Division 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.
Florida Law prohibits the City from investigating a potential violation of the City Code based upon an anonymous complaint. Florida Law further requires that anyone desiring to report a potential violation of City Code must provide his or her name and address to the City unless the City reasonably believes that the alleged violation presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources.
Effective July 1, 2021, you must submit your full name and address in verifiable form before any investigation occurs unless the City reasonably believes that the alleged violation presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources.
Submitting a Complaint
Our online service allows citizens access to Code Enforcement services after hours and on weekends. Registered users may login to submit a Code Enforcement complaint with up to three digital photos and quickly check the details of a specific complaint.
Submit a Complaint
Login to CitizenServe to file a Code Enforcement Complaint.
Code Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
No. To keep an unlicensed/inoperable vehicle on your property, it must be kept in a fully enclosed garage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes 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 the Planning and Development Services Historic Preservation Officer for more information at 407.688.5140.
Yes, no person shall engage in any occupation, business, or profession without first obtaining a City of Sanford Business Tax Receipt (BTR). A Seminole County Business Tax Receipt may also be required, but is not a substitute for a City of Sanford BTR. For more information on Business Tax Receipt requirements call 407.688.5150.
Residents are limited to 3 dogs and 3 cats per household. Chickens, pigs, (including pot bellied pigs) and other farm animals are generally not permitted within the City. Domestic animals are also regulated by Seminole County. For information regarding county animal regulations, call Seminole County Animal Control at 407.665.5110.
Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing
The Special Magistrate is a person whom the City Commission authorizes to conduct administrative hearings. Special Magistrates are members of the Florida Bar in good standing and have adequate experience or knowledge in the area of the matters over which they will preside. The Special Magistrate shall issue orders, including final orders, in accordance with the controlling code, ordinance or resolution. They have the authority to impose administrative fines and other non-criminal penalties where a pending or repeated violation of City Code continues to exist.
Meetings
- Special Magistrate Hearings are held every second Wednesday of the month at 9:00am in the City Commission Chambers.
To request a copy of meeting records prior to January 1st, 2019, please contact the city clerk at:
