Code Violation Examples

Sidewalk with trees and bushes

City Codes are established to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors of Marco Island. The Code Compliance Division of the Marco Island Police Department is responsible for enforcing the City’s Code of Ordinances. Code Compliance officers recognize the importance of maintaining the quality of life that Marco Island residents and property owners deserve and enjoy.

If a property owner is found to be in violation of a City Code and does not take corrective action, a citation is issued and/or the case is referred to the Code Enforcement Magistrate. A property owner can be fined up to $250 for each day a violation exists on their property along with any costs involved. The following are some examples of code violations.

Right-Of-Way Obstructions and the Responsibilities of the Property Owner

The public right-of-way includes the sidewalk, swale and street in front of private property.

Property owners are required to maintain the sidewalk and swale on both developed and undeveloped properties. Common violations of sidewalk or street obstructions are listed below. Do not:

  • Park vehicles across the sidewalk.
  • Place devices, such as basketball nets, on the right-of-way.
  • Allow landscaping to grow so that it encroaches over the sidewalk. Branches from trees must be no lower than 7 1/2 feet from the sidewalk.
  • Allow the swale to be overgrown with weeds/grass.
  • Install landscape (planting flowers, trees or shrubs) or irrigation systems in the right-of-way without a permit from the Public Works Department.
  • Park overnight in the right-of-way.  (No parking on the swale between 2:00am and 6:00am)
  • Obstruct the right-of-way so motorists and pedestrians do not have a clear view at an intersection.
  • Fail to maintain the sidewalk to by not making proper repairs to limit all tripping hazards.  

Trash Receptacle Guidelines

Trash and recyclables will be picked-up anytime between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday and Thursday.

Containers cannot be placed on the curb before 6:00 pm the evening before regularly scheduled pick-up.
Trash will not be collected from vacant properties.

  • Containers must be removed from the right-of-way no later than 7:00 pm the day of trash collection.
  • Call Collier County at 403-2380 in advance for bulk item (appliances, furniture, etc) pick up on Thursdays.
  • Trash containers must be stored in the garage or on the side of the house.
  • Call Collier County at 252-2380 in advance for bulk item (appliances, furniture, etc) pick up on Thursdays
  • Bulk items will not be placed at the curb before 6:00 pm on Wednesdays.

Landscape Debris Guidelines

Yard waste/landscape debris is collected on Thursday, the same day as trash, recycled and bulk items. Place on the curb any time after 6 p.m. the evening before pick up.

  • Place debris in paper bags or personal containers no larger than 35 gallon maximum capacity, weighing no more than 50 pounds. Do not use plastic bags.
  • Branches shall be no thicker than 4 inches in diameter and no longer than 4 feet in length and must be bundled.
  • Limit yard debris to 10 bundles or containers.
  • Do not place yard waste on nearby vacant properties. It will not be picked up.

Irrigation

Landscape irrigation is permitted under the following restrictions:

LANDSCAPING IRRIGATION – ESTABLISHED  
Odd-numbered addresses 3 days each week; Monday, Wednesday, Saturday; 12:01 am to 8:00 am for irrigation systems
Even numbered addresses 3 days each week; Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday; 12:01 am to 8:00 am for irrigation systems
LANDSCAPING IRRIGATION – NEW (IN PLACE LESS THAN 90 DAYS)
All addresses 5 days each week; Monday through Friday, 12:01 am to 8:00 am for irrigation systems

Additional watering restrictions are as follows:

 

  • No watering anytime on Friday except new sod (see above).
  • Hand watering is permitted any time.
  • Irrigation System Maintenance - May operate for ten (10) minutes per zone per week; person must be present in zone and working on the system during each such operation.

 

Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

Owners are required to maintain the lawn and landscaped areas on their properties. Grass and weeds cannot exceed 15 inches in height on 51% of a vacant lot or around an existing property.

Real Estate Signs

Real estate signs may be posted at single family residences in accordance with the following rules:

  • Signs can be no larger than 1.5 square feet and must be less than 3 feet high.
  • Set back of the sign is to be 2 feet from a sidewalk or a minimum of 10 feet from a public street.
  • Owners of properties located on a canal, golf course or corner lot may place one additional sign (per frontage).
  • No sign may be placed in the City’s right-of-way, except directional open house signs. Signs may be placed at the nearest arterial street corner during an open house. Open house signs are limited to 4 square feet.

Boats, Trailers, and RVs

Storage of boats, jet skis, RVs and all trailers associated with such vehicles are prohibited in residential districts (including vacant property), with the following exceptions:

  • Storage in a garage or in an area not visible from the street or adjacent properties.
  • Temporary parking for RVs in driveways is permitted for up to 24 hours for loading, unloading or cleaning. This is permitted as long as they are not parked across the sidewalk.
  • Temporary parking permits for RVs may be obtained for up to 7 days.
  • Boats may be parked on a temporary basis, not to exceed eight (8) hours for the purpose of loading, unloading, and cleaning.

Sheds

Utility sheds are permitted on residential properties as follows:

  • Sheds must be physically attached to, and architecturally integrated onto the home within required setbacks. No freestanding sheds of any type or material are permitted.
  • All sheds must be permitted by the Building Services Department.

Address Numbers

Numbers that are easily legible are essential for rapid response of emergency personnel. New and existing buildings must display address numbers as follows:

  • The numbers should be displayed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road in front of the property.
  • The numbers should contrast with their background.
  • Address numbers should be Arabic numerals 6 inches high. Unit numbers are required to be 4 inches high.
  • Boat dock facilities are required to have address numbers at least 4 inches in height with a contrasting background color, and installed facing the water at the outermost ends of the boat docking facility.

Parking of Vehicles

  • Vehicles must be parked on an approved hard surface.
  • Parking on an unimproved lot is prohibited.
  • All vehicles must have a current license plate and be insured.
  • Vehicles must be stored in the garage for restoration projects or if not immediately operable.
  • Vehicles may not be parked over sidewalks at any time.
  • Vehicles may not be parked in the swales between 2:00 am and 6:00 am.

Home Occupations

City code provides specific standards and permits for home occupations. Home occupations are permitted as accessory uses to any dwelling unit provided that such occupations comply with the code which are established to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood and dwelling.  A bed and breakfast facility is not permitted.  For more information regarding home occupations, please call 389-5006.

Garage Sales

A permit is required for garage sales, yard sales and similar private home sales. A two (2) day permit may be issued every twelve (12) months. The permit applicant must be a resident at the location of the sale. The permit allows for one temporary sign on the property and one on the right-of-way. For more information regarding garage sale permits, please call 389-5006.

Vacant Lots

Vacant lots are privately owned property. Entering a vacant lot without permission of the owner is considered a trespassing violation.   Temporary Use Permits must be obtained to use a vacant lot through the Building Services Department.

Prohibited uses include:

  • Dumping debris or trash
  • Storage of construction equipment or materials
  • Parking of vehicles, boats or RVs

Display of Vehicle for Sale

Displaying a vehicle for sale is prohibited except as follows:

  • Obtain the proper permit
  • Must have a valid license plate
  • One sign permitted affixed to the window
  • Permits only issued to the title holder
  • Cannot be displayed on a vacant lot or a public right of way

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

Code Violation Graphic
Code Violation Graphic
Code Violation Graphic
Code Violation Graphic
Code Violation Graphic
Code Violation Graphic
Code Violation Graphic
Code Violation Graphic