Code Enforcement FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I report a Code Violation?
If you would like to report a Code Violation, you may contact the Code Enforcement Department by phone or email. You may also fill out a written Code Observation Form at Town Hall.
Category: Code Enforcement
Can I have a Garage Sale?
Yes, each residence is allowed two (2) garage sales per year. Each residence is also allowed two (2) additional garage sales in a year--one on each Daylight Savings Time change weekend.
Category: Code Enforcement
Do I need a permit for a Garage Sale?
Yes, you must fill out the Garage Sale Permit Form at the Town Hall prior to each garage sale.
Category: Code Enforcement
Can I put signs out advertising a Garage Sale?
Yes, you are allowed two (2) signs ON YOUR PROPERTY ONLY advertising your Garage Sale. No signs are permitted on the Road Right-of-Way(s).
Category: Code Enforcement
Do I need to have a permit to put up a sign?
Yes, all signs require a Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Permit. You must fill out the required Sign Permit Application at the Town Hall and it must be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board with all required paperwork for approval prior to the installation of the sign. All requirements must be met in order for a Sign Permit to be approved.
Category: Code Enforcement
Do I need a permit if I want to change an existing sign?
Yes, you must fill out the required Sign Permit Application and it must be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board for approval prior to any changes being made to any current or existing signs.
Category: Code Enforcement
Do I need a Permit to change or replace Windows and Doors?
Yes, you must fill out all required Window or Door Permit Application and submit all required paperwork to the Town Hall for processing and approval, prior to any windows or doors being changed or replaced.
Category: Code Enforcement
Can I begin work on anything without first obtaining a permit?
No, all work being done must have been issued a permit first, prior to any work being done.
Category: Code Enforcement
What will happen if I begin work without first obtaining a Permit?
You will be charged a fee double the amount that the original Permit would have normally been.
Category: Code Enforcement
Can I display a vehicle, boat, camper, trailer or RV for Sale?
No. Vehicles, boats, campers, trailers and RV’S may not be displayed For Sale in Town limits by displaying a For Sale sign or by writing on the vehicle, boat, camper, trailer or RV itself, including the windows.
Category: Code Enforcement
Can I do automotive repair work on my vehicle while parked at my residence?
No. Automotive repair work is strictly prohibited in Town limits, however, in certain emergency situations, it may be deemed necessary, such as changing a tire.
Category: Code Enforcement
Can I cut a Tree down without a permit?
No. ALL TREES require a Town of Howey-in-the-Hills Tree Removal Permit and presented to the Planning and Zoning Board for approval.
The only trees that may be cut down without a Permit are those trees which are included on the Undesirable Tree List, available at Town Hall.
Palm Trees and those trees which are deemed dead or dying by a Licensed Arborist in writing or by the Director of Public Works, PRIOR TO THE REMOVAL OF ANY TREE.
Category: Code Enforcement
What is Excessive or untended Growth of Vegetation?
Existence of excessive growth of weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation upon a parcel of property which may endanger the public’s health, safety and welfare and adversely affects and impairs the value of adjacent properties.
Weeds, undergrowth and other vegetation shall be considered excessive and untended if their height exceeds 18 inches or if the property is infested or inhabited or may become infested or inhabited with rodents, vermin and other wild animals or creates a breeding place for mosquitoes.
Category: Code Enforcement
What is an Accumulation of Refuse?
Refuse is a collection of any solid wastes, including but not limited to garbage, rubbish, ashes, street cleanings, dead animals, abandoned automobiles, junk and solid market and industrial wastes.
Accumulation of any refuse upon a parcel of land in Town limits is prohibited, as it may endanger the health, safety and welfare of the public and adversely affect and impair adjacent properties, in addition to it being unsightly.
Category: Code Enforcement
Is Canvassing and Soliciting allowed in Town?
In order to Solicit / Canvass in Town limits, each Solicitor / Canvasser MUST do the following:
Apply for a certificate of registration with the Town. This form, available at Town Hall must be filled out in its entirety, and all responses must be truthful. Each person must submit to fingerprinting by the Police Department of the Town, as well as a background check at a cost of $20.00 per person.
Each person must not have been convicted of a felony within the five years immediately preceding the date of application.
Each person has not violated any of the provisions of this chapter.
Each person has not had a previous certificate of registration revoked after being issued pursuant to this chapter.
Each person is not listed with the National Crime Information Center, not the Florida Crime Information Center, as a person who has been convicted of a Felony within the five years immediately preceding the date of the application.
Each Certificate shall be valid for the time period requested on the application, or for 30 days, whichever is less.
Category: Code Enforcement
What if I would like to have a Business in my Home?
In order to have a home-based business, you must fill out a Business Tax Receipt Application. Your Application must be submitted to Town Hall, together with any required fees and your request for a home-based business must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board.
There is also an annual Business Tax Receipt which is due and payable annually to the Town, once you have received approval to have your home-based business.
Category: Code Enforcement
