Chickens

No more than four chickens may be kept per property within the residential districts zoned Residential Single Family, Residential Estate 2 and 3 and Residential Combination. Roosters are prohibited.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Section 76(b) (external)

Pets

Pets are prohibited from making objectionable noises for any length of time. Dogs and cats must remain within the owner’s property, either fenced in or on a leash.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Chapter 14, Article II (external)

For more information, please see Sarasota County Animal Control (external).

• North County: 941-861-5800
• South County: 941-861-1701

Building/Building Use Permits

Before the start of any construction or repair, a permit may be required to meet the minimum requirements of the Florida Building Code (current edition) for the health, safety and welfare of the public in private and public structures.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Chapter 22 (external)

Other Resources

• When Do I Need a Permit?

For more information, please visit scgov.net/building or contact the Building Division at building@scgov.net.

Contracting/Licensed Contractors

Any new structure or improvements to an existing structure must be performed by a State of Florida or locally-registered Sarasota County contractor. Owner-builders can perform work with the applicable permit.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Section 22-126 (external)

Other Resources

• Do I Need a Contractors License?
• Danger of Unlicensed Contractors

For more information, please visit scgov.net, keyword: licensing or contact the Building Division at ula@scgov.net (unlicensed contracting/working without a permit) or licensing@scgov.net (complaints against certified, registered and locally licensed contractors for violations that have occurred within unincorporated Sarasota County; this does not include contractual disputes, fee and price disputes or quality of workmanship issues).

To report suspected unlicensed contracting or activity, please call 941-861-5000 or Crime Stoppers at 941-366 TIPS (8477); you may only remain anonymous if there is reason to believe the suspected activity presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources.

Demolitions and Unfit/Unsafe Structures

Any structure found in violation of Sarasota County Code, Section 22-34 (3) due to fire, abandonment and/or dilapidation and has become unfit/unsafe needs to be rehabilitated or demolished.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Section 22-34 (external)

For more information, please visit the Licensing and Enforcement webpage or contact the Building Division at ula@scgov.net.

Rights of Way

Any work in a county right of way requires a permit. The following activities within the county right of way or any public street are prohibited:

• Placing or erecting general signs, subdivision entry signs or special event signs.
• Trimming, removal or planting of trees and other vegetation without special authorization.
• Culverts
• Commercial use of the right of way, including parking vehicles for long-term storage and co-opting public parking spaces.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Section 48 (external)

For more information, please visit the Land Use webpage or contact the Land Development team at landdev@scgov.net.

 Business Use Permits

The Business Use Permit is the last step for new commercial construction and allows for the business occupying the building or tenant space to open to the public and conduct business. It is also required for any business moving into an existing commercial space, adding additional space to an existing business or when there is a change of use or ownership.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Section 51(b) (external)

For more information, contact the Zoning team at zoning@scgov.net.

Home Occupations and Home-Based Businesses

The activities of the home-based business shall be secondary to the property's use as a residential dwelling. All business activities and uses shall comply with the standards of the Sarasota County Code of Ordinances and with the standards of permitted principal and limited uses and structures for the zoning district in which the home-based business exists. External modifications made to a residential dwelling to accommodate a home-based business must conform to the residential character and architectural aesthetics of the neighborhood. Parking or storage of heavy equipment at the home-based business shall not be visible from the street or neighboring property. Additionally,

• Employees of the business who work at the residential dwelling must also reside in the residential dwelling, except that up to a total of two employees or independent contractors who do not reside at the residential dwelling may work at the business. The business may have additional remote employees that do not work at the residential dwelling; and
• A home occupation or home-based business shall be subject to all applicable county occupational license and other business taxes.

 Reference: Sarasota County Code, Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Section 73(c)(5) (external)

For more information, contact the Zoning team at zoning@scgov.net.

Wetlands, Preservation Areas and Environment

Many of Sarasota County’s natural resources are protected by local ordinances. This includes native habitats such as wetlands. Activities involving filling, excavation, disturbance of native vegetation or storage of materials are prohibited within these areas. Subdivisions and neighborhoods may also have preservation/conservation areas that prohibit these activities. The following are prohibited without special authorization:

• Dredging, construction of docks, seawalls or rock revetments and other coastal construction
• Certain activities within the Myakka River Protection Zone
• Tree removal and mangrove trimming or removal (certain exemptions apply)
• Earthmoving (such as stockpiling or excavating ponds)
• Impact to protected species such as:
  • Manatees
  • Sea turtles
  • Florida scrub-jays
  • Gopher tortoises

Reference: Sarasota County Codes , Chapter 124, Unified Development Code, Chapter 54, Article XII, Article XVIII, Article XX, Article XXII, Article XXIII, Article XXXI, Article XXXIII, Article XXXV (external)

For more information, please visit the Air and Water Quality webpage or contact the Environmental Protection Division at environmental@scgov.net.

To report a wildlife violation, contact Florida Wildlife Conservation at 888-404-3922.

Asbestos

Asbestos has not been banned and is contained in many building materials. Find out whether asbestos-containing materials are present before you remodel your condo, mobile home or commercial property. Projects involving demolition or renovation must follow federal, state and local asbestos regulations to prevent putting citizens at risk. An asbestos survey may be required.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Chapter 54, Article V, Section 54-119 (external)

Other Resources

• Asbestos Guide

For more information, please visit the Air and Water Quality webpage or contact the Air and Water Quality team at asbestos@scgov.net.

Fertilizer

Using fertilizer that contains nitrogen or phosphorus is prohibited from June 1 to September 30. Helpful tips:

• Use at least 50 percent slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for the rest of the year
• Prevent nutrients from leaching into the stormwater system and water bodies by keeping grass clippings and vegetative debris out of the roads
• Hire a trained and certified lawn maintenance company (they will be identified by a decal)

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Chapter 54, Article XXXII (external)

For more information, please visit the Air and Water Quality webpage.

Open Burning

A permit issued by the Florida Forest Service is required for broadcast burning, agricultural burning and burning of land-clearing debris for development. The burning of yard waste, household or commercial trash is prohibited. Only two types of open burns are allowed without a permit:

• Recreational fires safely contained in a fire pit or bowl, chimenea, fireplace, or similar structure with approved fuel (see list below)
• Cooking fires for the sole purpose of cooking food for human consumption using approved fuel

Approved fuels include clean wood, charcoal, commercially-available fire starter logs or briquettes, liquified petroleum gas, natural gas and butane.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Chapter 54, Article V (external)

For more information, please visit the Air and Water Quality webpage To report an illegal burn, contact the nearest Fire Department as well as the County Contact Center at 941‑861‑5000.

Grass and Weeds

Grass and weeds may not exceed 12 inches in height.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Section 54-473 (external)

Sound

Generated sounds that constitute a public nuisance and exceed set sound measurements are regulated by Sarasota County.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Chapter 54, Article V and Article VI (external)

For disturbance of the peace issues, please contact the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office (external).

Short Term Rentals

Homes throughout the County may be rented as a whole and for periods of greater than 30 days. Only properties zoned RMF (Residential Multi-Family) on the barrier islands may be rented out short term (less than 30 days). All other dwelling units within Sarasota County must comply with the requirements of UDC Section 124-131.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Section 131 (external)

Other Resources

• Rental of Dwelling Units Guide

Boats

A boat may be stored on a residential property and must belong to the property owner or tenant. Trailers must have current license tags. Parking or storing of recreational vehicles or boats on a public right of way or vacant property is prohibited. Boats moored at docks or stored at marinas are subject to other regulations.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Section 120(d) (external)

Motor Homes and Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

Two (2) recreational vehicles may be stored outside of a completely enclosed building under the following conditions:

• They are operable and have a current license tag
• They are not used for living, sleeping, housekeeping or business
• They are not connected to any utilities

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Section 120(d) (external)

Overweight Vehicles

The parking, servicing, repair and storage of trucks, buses, vans and tractor trailers more than 6,000 pounds (empty vehicle weight) is prohibited in residential and certain open-use districts.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Unified Development Code, Chapter 124, Sec. 120(c) (external)

Unlicensed, Inoperative Vehicles

Vehicles or trailers that are not operable or do not have current license tags must be stored in a completely enclosed building. No more than four vehicles may be located in the street yard. In any residential district, the storage or overnight parking of semi-truck or trailer, dump truck, wreckers, bucket truck, construction equipment, tractor, box trucks, vehicles converted for sale of food, and any commercial vehicle that exceeds 6,000 pounds empty vehicle weight is prohibited. A trailer’s empty weight shall not exceed 2,500 pounds as listed on the trailer registration form.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Section 54-473 (external)

Appliances

Residents may call Waste Management at 941-493-4100 to schedule a pick-up for an appliance or electronic item at no additional cost (item limits may apply). A request for pick-up must be made 48 hours prior to your regular collection day. Refrigerator and freezer doors must be removed before placing at the curb.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Chapter 106, Section 106-47 (external)

Other Resources

• Community Cleanup Schedule

For more information, please visit the Solid Waste webpage. 

Household Garbage and Yard Waste

Items for regular curbside collection must be in trash cans, plastic bags or tied bundles, weighing less than 40 pounds. Waste containers may be set at the curb no earlier than 5 p.m. the day prior to pick-up, and removed from the curb no later than 10 a.m. the day after pick-up. Additionally,

• Waste containers must be stored in the side or rear yard (no front yard storage) and
• Yard waste must be separated from solid waste.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Chapter 106, Section 106-47 (external)

For more information, please visit the Solid Waste webpage. Solid Waste staff are also available to advise regarding special collection or disposal of hazardous waste, appliances and electronics.

Junk, Trash and Debris

Junk, trash and debris cannot be left in the yard and must be disposed of properly. This includes, but is not limited to wood, tires, automobile parts, hazardous waste, abandoned property, unusable or discarded household items, inoperative or discarded machinery or equipment, construction or demolition materials.

Reference: Sarasota County Code, Section 54-473 (external)

Other Resources

• Community Cleanup Schedule

For more information,please visit the Solid Waste webpage. Solid Waste staff are also available to advise regarding special collection or disposal of hazardous waste, appliances and electronics.