Deltona's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Deltona, Florida, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Cutting, moving, removing, or destroying any tree in Deltona requires a tree removal development permit; violators must replace protected trees or face code enforcement under the city's tree ordinance.

Key details: Permit required: Before cutting or removing any tree. Owner-occupied exemption: Single/two-family owner-occupied lots. Specimen tree rule: 50-80% must be preserved per acre. Redemption window: 90 days to replace violation tree.

Removing a protected tree without a permit violates § 98-27; the violator must replace it with equivalent stock within 90 days under § 98-33's right of redemption, on top of standard code enforcement penalties.

This is one of the stricter rules in Deltona's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Artificial Turf

Deltona's rental property code lists artificial turf and sod as acceptable yard landscaping, while banning gravel, broken concrete, and asphalt as ground cover.

Key details: Allowed: Artificial turf or sod. Also allowed: Decorative rock or bark. Not allowed: Gravel, broken concrete, asphalt. Applies to: Rental and vacation rental yards.

Maintaining a rental yard with prohibited surfaces like gravel or broken concrete instead of the listed acceptable materials violates Sec. 22-239(d) and can draw a code citation.

Deltona is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.

Weed Ordinances

Deltona requires yards to be maintained so that grass and weeds do not exceed 12 inches in height. High weeds and grass are among the most common code violations. Code Compliance actively enforces lawn maintenance standards throughout the city.

Key details: Maximum Height: 12 inches. Common Violation: High weeds and grass. Enforcement: Code Compliance Division. Contact: (386) 878-8650.

Water Restrictions

Deltona follows St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) watering restrictions. Irrigation is limited to designated days based on house number and time of year. Watering is never allowed between 10 AM and 4 PM. Maximum one hour per zone on scheduled days.

Key details: Authority: St. Johns River WMD. Prohibited Time: 10 AM – 4 PM always. Max Duration: 1 hour per zone. Drought Limit: 1 day/week during shortages.

The Bottom Line

Deltona's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Deltona is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Deltona can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.