Common Violations

Property Maintenance Concerns

Overgrown grass, weeds or vegetation

Only grass and weeds over 10 inches high are considered a code violation. Grass and weeds over 10 inches and within 200 feet of any structure or roads must be mowed and maintained. Section 30-62

Vegetation hanging over the property line

Vegetation hanging over property lines is not a code violation.  Residents have the right to trim tree branches up to their property line. Residents may not trespass onto neighboring property. Please contact your neighbor as a courtesy before pruning overhanging branches

Home Maintenance Concerns

Home is in disrepair 

All buildings and accessory structures must be maintained, structurally sound and in good repair. Section 78-900
 
Garbage, Refuse and Rubbish or discarded contents of home in yard 

The outside of the property must be maintained and free of litter and other debris. Section 30-107

Temporary and Campaign Signs

Temporary Signs on Right-of-Way 
Temporary signs shall not be located within the public right-of-way (which includes most of the linear grassy area adjacent to the roadway), publicly-owned land, or easement for the use of the public or public utility service providers. Note: As a guide, utility poles are typically located within the public right-of-way, and where there are sidewalks, the sidewalk and everything between the sidewalk and the street is within the right-of-way. 

Temporary Signs on Private Property 
Temporary signs may only be placed on private property – and only with the owner’s permission. 

Obstructions 
Signage shall not obstruct or impair access to public property or right-of-way, traffic control signs, bus stops, or fire hydrants. 

Method of Posting 
Signage and/or banners are not allowed to be tacked, nailed, posted or affixed in any manner on trees, utility poles, fences, rocks, or other such supporting structures. 

Proximity to Right-of-Way and Property Lines 
No part of any sign shall be located within 5’ of any property line or right-of-way. 

Length of Posting 
Temporary signs may be posted for up to 90 days, at which time the sign must be removed or replaced. 

Procedure for collection of temporary signs by the Code Enforcement Department: 

Inspectors will only collect those temporary signs which are located on or project over public rights-of-way, publicly-owned land, or easement for the use of the public or public utility service providers. Such prohibited signs shall include, but not be limited to, handbills, posters, advertisements, or notices that are attached in any way to or upon lampposts, telephone poles, utility poles, bridges, sidewalks or other public property or improvements. 

Individuals who violate the City's temporary sign ordinance may be fined up to $250 a day for a first offense. 

Mold

Mold growth itself is not a code violation.  However, the presence of mold is sometimes related to building problems that are code violations. Plant City Code Enforcement Inspectors do not investigate complaints of mold inside buildings, unless contributing factors are present such as a leaking roof or leaking plumbing.  If you suspect you have mold growth, attempt to identify the cause of the mold.  If you are renting or leasing your residence, inform your landlord before contacting code enforcement.  If your landlord is not properly responding or fails to address the cause of the mold in a timely manner, code enforcement may be able to intervene on your behalf.  Please note, inspectors will not issue notices of violation for mold growth - only the property maintenance issue causing the mold, if visible.  For more information on indoor mold and landlord-tenant disputes arising from mold, contact the Hillsborough County Health Department.