How to Be Code Compliant

NoMi Code Compliance Homeowner's Guide

Code Compliance is a relatively new concept. It emerged in 1980, when the State of Florida passed a law (Chapter 162, Florida Statutes) that both introduced and outlined the Code Compliance process. The intent was to give an enhanced quality of life for residents and to transition enforcement of local ordinances to local governments. This process would be facilitated through “Certified Code Compliance Officers.” This same law also allows for the establishment of individual administrative processes by municipalities, such as the City of North Miami.

The City’s objective is to achieve voluntary compliance, by pro-actively working to enlighten residents who may inadvertently violate City ordinances, due to a lack of knowledge. For instance, many residents are unaware that it is prohibited to park vehicles on the lawn of a private property, or that parking inoperable or wrecked vehicles on private or public property violates our City’s code.

Property maintenance laws are designed to promote neighborhood integrity, increase property values, eliminate blight and preserve the quality of life. The purpose of the NoMi Code Compliance Homeowner’s Guide is to educate North Miami residents of our City’s Code Compliance process. It is intended only as a reference regarding North Miami’s most “common” Code violations. 

All ordinances are not covered in this document; therefore, it is not a substitute for the North Miami Code of Ordinances.

Access the complete list of the North Miami Codes and Ordinances online

North Miami’s neighborhoods and structures require proper maintenance to stay in good condition as they age. Maintaining good neighborhoods requires the cooperation of individual property owners and tenants. The North Miami City Council has adopted a Code of Ordinances, which establishes minimum standards for the betterment of our community. These standards protect property owners and tenants from substandard or hazardous living conditions.

Property Maintenance Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch. 5, Building Standards and Regulations Keep your property and all accessory structures substantially free of dirt, stains, rust, mold, mildew and visible damage. Accessory structures include fences, roofs, sheds, pools, etc. The roof of your property must be structurally sound, clean and maintained. All windows and doors must be weathertight and watertight.

Yard Maintenance Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch. 12, Nuisances Mow the lawn on your property and the surrounding public right-of-way to an aesthetically pleasing height. This height should not exceed 8 inches to avoid citations. The public right-of-way surrounding your property could include swale areas and alleyways. Ensure your property and the surrounding public right-of-way is free of trash, litter and debris. Property owners are responsible for trimming all overhanging trees and/or shrubs obstructing the public right-of-way.

Parking Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch. 29 Land Development Regulations Never park vehicles on the front lawn of any residential property. No more than two vehicles at a time are authorized to park in the public right-of-way outside of your property, provided that both vehicles are parked parallel to the flow of traffic. Residents are responsible for any damage to the sodding in the public right-of-way due to parking. At no time should any parked vehicle obstruct the sidewalk. Parking tow trucks, commercial trucks and buses in residential areas is prohibited.

Outdoor Storage Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch. 10, Junked, Wrecked, Stolen, Abandoned Property No outdoor storage of goods, materials, appliances, in-door furniture (other than patio furniture), etc. may be located in any yard. This also includes the front, side or rear of the lawn. Parking, storing or keeping an inoperable, wrecked or abandoned vehicle such as a car, boat, trailer, etc. on private or public property is prohibited.

Permits and Administrative Variances Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch. 5, Building Standards and Regulations; Ch. 29 Land Development Regulations parking of boats and RVS; Information about admin variance process: No construction project may be started in the City of North Miami without first obtaining a permit from the Building Department. This applies to new construction, along with interior and exterior renovations to existing properties. It is prohibited to cut down, destroy, damage, poison or remove any native or approved non-native tree growing within the City, without an approved tree removal permit issued by the City of North Miami’s Community Planning & Development Department (CP&D). Parking or storing any recreational vehicle, boat, trailer, etc., at a residential property, without first obtaining an Administrative Variance from CP&D is prohibited.

Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipts Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch.11, Licenses and Business Regulations. No business shall operate in the City without first obtaining a Certificate of Use from CP&D and a Business Tax Receipt from the Finance Department. All business owners must renew licenses annually.

Residential Trash Collection and Sanitation Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch. 9, Garbage and Trash Trash must be placed curbside WITHIN 24-HOURS of the scheduled pick-up. The City of North Miami’s trash collection schedule is available at the Sanitation Division. A bulk trash pile must NOT exceed 8-cubic yards in size to be picked-up. For an additional fee charged to the property owner, collection of bulk trash piles exceeding 8-cubic yards may be coordinated by calling the Code Compliance Department at 305-895-9832. Construction material and hazardous waste will NOT be picked-up. A few such items in this category include cement blocks, drywall, tires, etc.

Short Term/Vacation Rentals Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch. 5 Building Standards and Regulations; Ch. 29 Land Development Regulations Single-family homes must not be leased for less than 3 months at a time or more than 4 times in a year. Any advertisement of residential property for a period of less than 3 months is prohibited. Occupants of short-term and vacation rentals within the City of North Miami must adhere to all local ordinances, to include noise disturbances. Excessive noise is prohibited in the City between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.

Minimum Housing Standards Refer to the Code of Ordinances, Ch. 5 Building Standards and Regulations Single-family homes must not be divided into a multi-family property without obtaining proper permits through the City of North Miami’s Building Department. Multi-family buildings must be structurally sound. Plumbing and electricity should be operational and free of safety hazards.

Reporting Complaints

Code Compliance Officers pro-actively inspect the area for violations of City codes. Residents may also report potential violations, which then take priority. A Code Compliance Officer will investigate the complaint and take the appropriate compliance-related action.

Code Compliance Officers must determine whether a code violation exists. Public health and safety related complaints are our highest priority. If a violation exists, the resident may receive a Notice of Violation, requiring the issue be fixed by a specified date. Failure to comply with the notice could result in fines and liens against the property. A Civil Violation ticket of up to $1,000 may also be issued depending upon the nature of the violation.

Persons who desire to be notified of action taken on their complaint must include a phone number or email address in all correspondence. The complainant may also opt to remain anonymous. Please note that all communications sent and received via email or other means regarding City business become public record. In some cases, a legal obligation to release these records may emerge.

If you are in receipt of a Notice of Violation from the Code Compliance Department, carefully read the notice to understand how to correct the violation. If you have questions about the violation or need additional time to correct the issue, please call the City of North Miami’s Code Compliance Department at 305-895-9832.