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Code Enforcement

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1. What are the watering regulations for my address?

During Daylight Savings Time – irrigation is allowed two days a week from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November.
• Odd numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays and Saturdays
• Even numbered addresses may water on Thursdays and Sundays

During Eastern Standard Time – allowed one day per week from the first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March.
• Odd numbered addresses may water on Saturdays
• Even numbered addresses may water on Sundays

Watering should be only as needed and only before 10 AM or after 4 PM.

For more information, click here.

2. If I rent my residential property in Ponce Inlet, is a permit required?

Yes, the Town of Ponce Inlet requires those renting their home or condominium to first apply for and obtain a rental permit from the Town. The rental permit must be renewed annually as long as the property is being offered for rent.

For more information, click here.

3. What is the annual cost of a dwelling rental permit?

An application fee of $400 is required with the permit application for all rentals, along with $100 for the rental property maintenance inspection. An additional $50 fire inspection fee is required for short-term rentals. These fees are assessed annually.

For more information, click here.

4. Does the Town require any other items relating to obtaining a rental permit?

Yes, additional items required as part of the permitting process include –

• A valid and current Florida Department of Revenue (FDOR) sales tax identification number under F.S. Ch 212.

• A valid and current license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under Ch. 509, FL Statutes for short-term rentals and long-term rentals of six months or less. A current lease of six months or greater is exempt from lodging license requirements under Ch. 509.

• Prior to issuance of a Rental Permit, an annual maintenance inspection must be completed. Additionally, short-term rentals must complete an annual fire safety inspection conducted during the maintenance inspection.

• Each rental property owner is required to file with the Town an Annual Report of Tenants by February 1st of each year. This reporting form is included with the Rental Permit Application for your use.

For more information, click here and here.

5. What are the restrictions associated with renting my property?

The Town allows all residential properties to be rented for a minimum of 28 consecutive days (considered long-term rental). A limited number of properties are allowed to rent “short term,” for less than 28 consecutive days at a time. Note that short-term rentals are restricted to the following addresses:  

• South Point Condominium: 4453 S. Atlantic Ave.
• Towers 1-6: 4545, 4535, 4525, 4555, 4565, & 4575 S. Atlantic Ave.
• Lighthouse Shores Condominium: 4745 S. Atlantic Ave.
• Antigua Condominium: 4757 S. Atlantic Ave.
• Martinique Condominium: 4767 S. Atlantic Ave.

Please review the appropriate governing documents of your condominium to determine whether rentals are restricted in any manner. Issuance of a short-term rental permit by the Town does not in any manner replace or supersede the private covenants and restrictions of your condominium.

6. I think my neighbor’s house is being rented out short-term. (VRBO, Airbnb, etc.). Is this allowed?

The Town’s zoning code does not allow single-family homes to be rented short-term (anything less than 28 consecutive days); however, a limited number of condominiums are allowed to do so with proper rental permits. If you suspect someone is renting, advertising to rent, or planning to rent then please contact the Rental Housing Inspector to verify whether they are properly permitted. Rental permits are required for both short-term and long-term rentals. 

Report a Code Violation 

Report a Code Violation AFTER HOURS

7. What are the restrictions associated with working on motor vehicles?

All motor vehicles being repaired within residentially zoned areas of the town must be currently registered to the property owner or resident of the property, and any such repair must be performed in an enclosed garage or carport. All unlicensed or inoperable vehicles must be parked in an enclosed garage or carport at all times.

For more information, click here.

8. How long can I keep a recreational vehicle on my property?

Temporary parking of recreational vehicles, watercraft, and/or trailers is allowed in the driveway for a maximum period of 72 consecutive hours per consecutive seven-day period. Dead storage in the abutting public right-of-way shall not exceed 24 hours.

After that time has expired, the recreational vehicle, watercraft, or trailer must be either stored in a garage, in one of the side yards behind the front most part of the home, in the rear yard, or removed from the property.

Recreational vehicles, watercraft, or trailers may be stored in the front yard only on lots with extra room in the front yard, where the distance from the home to the front property line exceeds the minimum front setback. Storage in that location is only allowed if the recreational vehicle is screened behind a six-foot tall opaque hedge, wall, or fence.

For more information, click here.

9. What are the rules for having political/election signs in my yard?

One election sign for each candidate and/or issue may be displayed on each parcel within the Town. Lots with multiple street frontages, such as corner lots, may have one such sign for each frontage. The sign may either be freestanding or attached to the building. If the parcel is in a residential zone, the sign may not exceed four square feet in sign area and four feet in height. For non-residential parcels, the sign may not exceed 16 square feet in area and six feet in height. Election signs are not allowed in the right-of-way. The signs must also be removed within seven calendar days after the election has concluded. 

For more information, click here.

10. What are the restrictions on corner lot visibility?

On any corner lot, no structure or shrubbery shall obstruct sightlines at the street intersection. Structures and shrubbery shall be kept clear within a visual clearance triangle extending 25 feet back from the corner of the intersecting right-of-way lines.

For more information click here

11. Where can I put my yard debris for pickup?

Grass, leaves, twigs, branches, yard trimmings, etc., must be piled neatly on the pavement or next to the street line so that it may be easily picked up by the Town’s waste contractors. No such piling is allowed in the street or gutter, where water may wash it into other locations. Large tree branches or trunks must be cut into lengths no greater than four feet and with a maximum weight of 40 pounds, or else they will not be picked up. Yard debris piles shall not obstruct traffic on any road or sidewalk.

For more information, click here.

12. Where can I put my yard debris for pickup?

Grass, leaves, twigs, branches, yard trimmings, etc., must be piled neatly on the pavement or next to the street line so that it may be easily picked up by the Town’s waste contractors. No such piling is allowed in the street or gutter, where water may wash it into other locations. Large tree branches or trunks must be cut into lengths no greater than four feet and with a maximum weight of 40 pounds, or else they will not be picked up. Yard debris piles shall not obstruct traffic on any road or sidewalk.

For more information, click here.

13. How do I properly maintain the exterior of my house? (Wall, Fence, Driveway, Sidewalk Maintenance)

All exterior surfaces (including but not limited to, doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trims, balconies, decks, and fences) shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant wood, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated, and surfaces repainted. All siding and masonry joints, as well as those between building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, and skylights, shall be maintained weather resistant and watertight. All metal surfaces shall be coated to inhibit rust or corrosion, and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit further rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.

For more information, click here and go to Section 3.04 – Exterior Structure.

14. What are the safety requirements for pools?

Swimming pools shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and in good repair. Private swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, containing water more than 24 inches in depth shall be surrounded by a fence or barrier not less than 48 inches in height above the finish ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-closing and self-latching.

 

Where the self-latching device is less than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of 6 inches from the gate post. An existing pool enclosure shall not be removed, replaced, or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier.

For more information, click here.

15. Do I Need a Building Permit?

Per the Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code:

[A]105.1Required.

Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

For more information, click here

16. My landlord has not fixed my building issue for weeks and I’m afraid I’m in violation. What can I do?

Contact Code Enforcement staff to inspect the building. The Town cannot enforce the landlord/owner to bring the property into compliance until the building has been inspected first to verify and document what the violation is. If you suspect your home is in violation, you may formally request an inspection so that the Town can determine if actions need to be taken. If the property is in violation, the owner/landlord will be contacted to bring the property into compliance. If the violations continue, then the matter will be brought before the Code Enforcement Board. 

For more information, click here

17. How do I get a code enforcement lien against my property released?

There are a few ways to have a lien released. First and foremost, the property needs to come into compliance. Once it is in compliance, the fees and fines associated with the lien can be paid and a release of lien will be drawn up. You cannot have a release of lien until all outstanding charges have been paid in full. You may also make a request to the Town Council for a lien reduction. If the Council, in its discretion, votes to grant a reduction, the final amount due will need to be paid in full, after which a release of lien document will be prepared.

For more information, click here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Where can I find information regarding employment opportunities?

Find more information on our Job Openings Page.

2. How can I view the Ponce Inlet municipal code?

View the Ponce Inlet municipal code.

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Police Department

Show All Answers

1. What are the Police Station lobby hours?

While the town is patrolled 24/7 by our officers, our lobby and office is open M-F 8am-4:30 pm. 

2. In the event of a mandatory evacuation do I really have to leave?

Mandatory evacuation orders are given when the threat to our Town is significant. While you cannot be forced to evacuate, conditions may deteriorate to the point that units from the Police or Fire Departments may not be able to respond to your home.

3. What do I do about the raccoons that are getting in my garbage?

We have one Police Officer trained as an Animal Control Officer, however a recent state law requires that professional, state certified “animal removal services” be used in the case of wild animals. These can be found in the yellow pages of your telephone directories. If you have any questions about Animal Control you may contact Sergeant Rudd at the Police Department at 386-236-2160.

4. Is there much crime in the Town of Ponce Inlet?

We are a small Town without a great number of businesses. We have a full time, fully accredited Police Department. These factors help keep our crime statistics among the lowest in Central Florida.

5. Who do I contact in reference to property the Police Department may have?

If you have reason to believe the Ponce Inlet Police Department may have property that belongs to you that may have been taken in a theft, turned in for safe keeping, or you have lost an item that may have been turned onto the Police, you can contact Investigator Scott Gaston or Lt. Corey Mead at 386-236-2160 and arrangements can be made for you to recover your property.

6. Is there a waiting period before I can report someone missing?

This is a common misconception. The answer is no. The moment you are concerned about a person’s whereabouts is the time to call. You may make a missing person report any time you realize someone is missing.

7. What are my rights as a victim of a crime?

In the past, our legal system has emphasized the criminal rights while at the same time ignoring the rights of the victim. Working with the State Attorney’s Office the Ponce Inlet Police Department seeks to focus our attention on the rights of those who have been impacted by the criminal element. The Ponce Inlet Police Department has brochures that were created to better understand victim’s rights and the services that are available to all victims and witnesses of crime. All officers carry these brochures and will provide them to anyone. They also may be obtained at the Ponce Inlet Police Department lobby area.

8. Where do I pay a parking citation?

All parking citations are paid at:

Ponce Inlet Town Hall

4300 S. Atlantic Ave.

Ponce Inlet, FL 32127

 Parking citations can be paid with a credit card over the phone (386-236-2150) or we accept cash, checks or money orders. If you mail in the payment, please include a copy of the citation. 

 Should you wish to contest a parking citation you must send your request to contest the citation in writing to the Ponce Inlet Police Department within the required 10 days and arrangements will be made with the Clerk of the Court for a hearing date.

9. Where is your Department located?

The Ponce Inlet Police Department is located at:
4301 S Peninsula Drive
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127

Access may also be gained by entering the Town Hall complex and proceeding towards Peninsula Drive. Town hall is located at
4300 S Atlantic
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127

10. How can I get fingerprinted?

Fingerprinting is accomplished at the Police Department, we will be offering Finger Print Services to RESIDENTS ONLY , on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 3:30. An appointment and masks will be required.

11. How can I obtain a V.I.N. verification?

Please call the Volusia County Sheriffs Office dispatch at 386-248-1777. 

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

12. Can you explain the “Turtle Lighting” ordinance?

The purpose of the ordinance is to protect the threatened and endangered sea turtles which nest along the beaches of Volusia County, Florida, and to encourage sea turtle nesting on Volusia County beaches by minimizing the artificial light on the beaches.

It is the policy of the county to minimize artificial light illuminating the entire coastal beach of the county, and said lighting for new development shall be regulated as provided in this section. To meet this intent, building and electrical plans and the construction of single-story or multi-story buildings or structures, signs, commercial or other structures, including electrical plans associated with parking lots, dune walkovers or other artificial lighting for real property within the incorporated and unincorporated regulated boundaries shall be in compliance.

Additional info may be found on the Volusia County website.

13. How do I obtain a Beach Pass?

Passes may be purchased at the entrance to either the beach approach or entrance to Lighthouse Point Park. Passes are, also, available at the Volusia County Annex, which is located at:
250 N Beach Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

14. Who’s jurisdiction are the parks located in the town?

All parks within the Town of Ponce Inlet are the responsibility of the Town of Ponce Inlet with the exception of Lighthouse Point Park and Winter Haven Park. If should be noted that the Ponce Inlet Police Department handles the majority of calls for services and enforcement of applicable Town ordinances and state statutes within all the parks in Town.

15. Can I report drunk drivers on my cell phone?

Yes. Calls to 911 on a cell phone are free, but unlike regular phones we can't tell where you are calling from. Be prepared to give your location, direction of travel and a description of both cars. Your safety is of utmost importance to us. Do not pursue the drunk driver or in any way place yourself in danger.

16. Can the police open my car if I lock the keys inside?

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the Police Department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith is your best alternative. However, if a child has locked himself/herself in a vehicle this is a true emergency due to the severe heat possible in Florida. The Police Department and/or Fire Department will respond and open the vehicle any way possible, even by breaking out the window if necessary.

17. What should I do if I think that there may be a warrant for my arrest?

You should contact your local law enforcement agency.

18. How do I report suspicious activity?

The Police Department depends on citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity. If it is an emergency, dial 911. For nonemergencies, call 386-248-1777. The dispatcher who takes your call will ask questions about the activity to determine it's nature and ask for descriptions of the people involved. You might be asked if an officer or detective may contact you.

19. How do I get a concealed weapons permit?

The concealed weapons permit or firearm program is administered through the Department of Agriculture. 

division of licensing website.

20. Who is required to wear a bicycle helmet?

Florida law requires that a bicycle rider or passenger under age 16 must wear a helmet that meets the nationally recognized standards for bicycle helmets. It is also unlawful to rent a bicycle to a person under age 16 unless the person has an approved helmet or one is provided with the bicycle. Violations of the law relating to bicycle helmets subject the violator to issuance of a traffic citation which may effect when they can be issued a drivers license. The Center for Disease Control and National Bicycle Safety Network maintain a very informative website.

21. Bias Based Profiling

It is the policy of the Ponce Inlet Police Department that bias based profiling is prohibited in conducting traffic and/or field contacts, asset seizure and forfeiture efforts pursuant to FSS 166.0493.

It is the responsibility of the Ponce Inlet Police department to conduct patrol operations in a proactive manner, to aggressively investigate suspicious persons and circumstances, and to actively enforce the motor vehicle laws of the State of Florida, while insisting that citizens will only be stopped or detained when there exists reasonable suspicion to believe they have committed, are committing, or are about to commit, an infraction or violation of the law.

It is the policy of this department to provide citizens with the highest degree of law enforcement services, regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, age, income status, sexual orientation, and religious or political affiliation.

A fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States to all who live in this nation is the right to equal protection under the law. Along with this right is the fundamental right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agencies. Citizens are free to walk and drive our streets, highways, and other public places without police interference so long as they obey the law. They are also entitled to be free from crime, and from the depredations of criminals, and to remain safe from the actions of reckless and careless drivers.

The Ponce Inlet Police Department is charged with protecting these rights, for all, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, physical handicap, or other belief system.

This policy is intended to assist the officers of the Ponce Inlet Police Department in accomplishing this mission in a way that respects the dignity of all persons, and yet sends a strong deterrent message to actual and potential violators that, if a law is violated, a police encounter will follow.