Topics of Interest
(Alphabetical List of Issues and Services)
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Abandoned, Inoperable, or Wrecked Vehicles
Motor vehicles abandoned on private property should be reported to Code Enforcement at 642-2043. Motor vehicles abandoned on City right-of-way should be reported to the Palm Beach Sheriffs Office District 16 at 688-5210. Parking in the swale area is permitted, but prohibited if "no parking" signs are posted. Wrecked or inoperable vehicles are not permitted to be parked on residential property. Under the parking ordinance, a vehicle must be licensed and registered. A vehicle with a flat tire is classified as an inoperative vehicle. See Section 14-28 of the City Code of Ordinances for information on the parking of commercial vehicles, boats and trailers. (top)
Animal Bites
Palm Beach County’s Animal Care and Control Division must be notified in instances of animal bites. Unvaccinated animals will be required to be quarantined at the owner’s expense for rabies observation. Telephone 233-1200.(top)
To request a building inspection, call 642-2052 prior to 4:00 PM to schedule an inspection for the next day. See the City’s Scheduling / Cancelling Inspections webpage. Inspections can also be requested online.(top)
Building Permits
The Building Department is responsible for issuing building permits. Before having work performed on your property, call to inquire if a permit is needed. All permitted work is inspected by City personnel to assure compliance with adopted building standards.(top)
Business Inspections
Inspections are required when a new business opens, and are conducted jointly by the Building Department and the Fire Prevention Unit. The inspection is scheduled when a Business Tax Receipt is applied for.(top)
Business Registrations
The City requires a Business Tax Receipt for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession or occupation within its jurisdiction, pursuant to the classifications and rates as provided in the City Code. All businesses and professional offices in the City of Greenacres must also obtain a Business Tax Receipt from Palm Beach County. Call 642-2053 for further information.(top)
Inquiries or complaints regarding code enforcement issues should be directed to Code Enforcement at 642-2043. The inspectors respond to complaints of possible Code violations as well as initiate action on Code violations they observe. Complaints are responded to as quickly as possible, and life safety situations generally within 24 hours. Time for meeting compliance depends on the complexity of the violation.(top)
Code Enforcement Magistrate
If a property owner is found guilty of a violation, the Special Magistrate establishes a timeframe in which the violations must be corrected, and a penalty for failure to correct the violation. Florida Statute authorizes the Special Magistrate to impose a penalty of up to $250 per day per violation, and up to $500 per day per violation for repeat violations. In addition, the Magistrate may authorize the imposition of liens and foreclosure proceedings.(top)
Contractor Enrollment
Enrollment of contractor certification is done by the Permit/Licensing Technicians in the Building Department. Applicants must furnish proof of the following at registration:
- Certificate of Competency from the State of Florida or Palm Beach County.
- State Registration as defined in Florida Statute 489-117.
- Business Tax Receipt from the City where the business is permanently located, and the County.
- Original Copy of a certificate of insurance with minimum coverage as required by the State of Florida and the Palm Beach County Construction Licensing Board.(top)
Before you dig, Always Call 811. One Free, Easy call gets utility owned lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. (top)
The Zoning Administrator and Engineering Coordinator attend to compliance with environmental regulations. They jointly review all environmental permits. Call before you cut down a tree or clear a lot, because a permit may be required.(top)
Excavating
Before you dig, Always Call 811. One Free, Easy call gets utility owned lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. (top)
Mortgage lenders and insurance providers may require flood zone designation on your property. The Building Department is available to answer questions on Flood Zone and Base Flood Elevation determinations from the Flood Insurance Rate Map. Please feel free to stop in or call the Building Department at 561-642-2050 for help answering questions regarding your Flood Zone.(top)
A permit is not required to hold a garage or yard sale. However, it is illegal to place signs in medians and right-of-ways or to tack signs on utility poles or trees to advertise the sale. Signs are permitted on the property where the sale is occurring.(top)
Most hedge conflicts between properties must be resolved by the property owners. It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep hedges trimmed back from sidewalks and streets. Objections to hedges that have died or are growing out-of-control may be made to Code Enforcement, who will determine if a violation exists and will take the appropriate action. (top)
Home Improvements
Direct electrical wiring, water supply plumbing, hot water heater installations, air conditioning replacements, window and door replacements always require permits, regardless of cost. New fences, walls, driveways, patios and decks require a permit; repairs may not. Improvements and repairs to a single-family residence that cost less than $1,000 may not require a building permit. Call before starting any work on your home to determine if a permit is required.(top)
Home Occupations
Any person conducting a home occupation must obtain a Business Tax Receipt. Home occupations must comply with specific operational standards as set forth in the City Code.(top)
Housing Code
The Greenacres Property Maintenance Code establishes minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance, and condition of residential housing, including rental housing, by addressing structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire, nuisances, and other hazards. When a property is in violation of this code, the owners are advised in writing of the violations and the corrective action required to comply with the code.(top)
See: Building Inspections, Business Inspections, Safety Inspections(top)
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Lawn sprinklers should be positioned so water does not go on sidewalks and streets. A permit is required for installation of a lawn sprinkler system, and a rain sensor must be installed so the sprinklers will not operate in the rain.(top)
Lot Clearing
See: Vacant Lots(top)
Zoning maps of the City and zoning information is available from the Zoning Administrator. Call 642-2046.(top)
- Dog Barking Complaints
Palm Beach Animal Care and Control will respond to complaints about excessive dog barking, provided they receive sworn affidavits of complaint from several property owners. Call 233-1200 for additional information.(top) - General Noise Problems
Loud music, parties and other "disturbances of the peace" should be reported to the Palm Beach Sheriffs Office District 16 non-emergency number, 688-5210. Construction noise is limited to the hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday-Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Sundays and Holidays.(top)
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See: Building Permits, Political Signs, Sign Criteria, Special Event Permits. (top)
Political Signs
A temporary sign permit is not required for the placing of political signs. A sign posted on City-owned property will be removed by City staff after the candidate is notified and given sufficient opportunity to remove the sign. Political signs are not permitted to be posted on utility poles or on State or County road right-of-ways.(top)
Property Records
See: Records – Property(top)
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Building permit records and other data on real property located in the City is generally available at the Building Department. Updated property ownership information is available from the County Property Appraiser' ; call 355-2866 or use the Palm Beach County PAPA (Property Appraiser Public Access System).(top)
Safety inspections of businesses are conducted by personnel from the Public Safety Fire Prevention Unit on a yearly basis.(top)
Sign Criteria
All signs are regulated by the City Code. All signs or sign structures to be erected, altered, displayed, or changed, (except exempt signs) are required to have a valid City sign permit. Information on acceptable sign design is available from the Zoning Administrator.(top)
Sign Permits
Sign permits can be applied for at the Building Permit Counter. See: Sign Criteria, Political Signs. (top)
Special Event Permits
Special Event Permits, also called Temporary Use Permits, are required for activities such as races, walk-a-thons, charitable sales or solicitations, art shows and festivals, erection of tents, block parties, road closings and any other situations which are outside the normal scope of permitted activities for a location, or which may have some impact on the community-at-large. For general information, call the Zoning Administrator.(top)
Swales
Swales are the areas between the pavement and the delineated right-of-way line. Property owners are required to maintain the swale area in front of their property by keeping the area mowed and free of obstructions. See: Parking – Swales(top)
- Generally
Disputes concerning trees that grow over property lines must be resolved between the property owners. It is the responsibility of the property owner to remove dead trees and to keep tree limbs trimmed back from the streets and sidewalks (See: Trees – Pruning). Please call before removing or pruning any tree, as a permit may be required. Tree and vegetation removal require a vegetation removal permit which can be submitted on the Permit Application.(top) - Pruning
Proper tree pruning is important for the health of the trees and essential to increase the resiliency of trees during the heavy winds of tropical storms or hurricanes. Large pruning projects should be done by qualified and insured professionals.(top)
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Vacant lots must be kept mowed and free of trash and debris. It is the responsibility of the owner of the vacant lot to maintain the property. Grass and weeds are not permitted to exceed 12 inches in height. Complaints should be made to Code Enforcement.(top)
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The Building Department in conjunction with the Planning and Engineering Department reviews all building permit applications for compliance with setbacks, height, and other regulations. Sign permit applications are reviewed for compliance with code, and business registration applications are reviewed for compliance with zoning regulations.(top)
Zoning Code
This code covers a broad range of topics, however, the sections on Zoning Districts and Uses are of primary concern to residential property owners. Common violations include illegal, unpermitted additions or conversions to existing homes, and running an unapproved business from a home.(top)
