Landscaping Rules in Cape Coral, FL (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Cape Coral, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Cape Coral's Land Development Code lets the power company trim or remove any canopy tree branch or palm frond that grows within ten feet of an overhead transmission or distribution line under Section 5.5.7.A. The same section bars planting new canopy trees or palms closer to a line than the minimum separation distance listed for that species in Table 5.5.7.A or 5.5.7.B.
Cape Coral Tree Trimming Near Power Lines
Some RestrictionsCape Coral Code of Ordinances § 5.5.7
A.Overhead power lines. Canopy tree branches or palm tree fronds within ten feet of existing overhead transmission or distribution lines, measured radially from the line, shall be subject to trimming or removal by the power company as necessary to maintain public overhead utilities in accordance with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC). No canopy trees or palm trees shall be planted closer...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Cape Coral requires a Land Clearing and Fill permit before clearing trees and vegetation on a site, under Land Development Code Section 5.3.2. The permit applies whenever tree and vegetation removal isn't already covered by an approved Site Development Plan, Final Subdivision Plan, or building permit, and the Director can require a professional engineer to certify the work.
Cape Coral Tree Removal & Land Clearing Permit
Some RestrictionsCape Coral Code of Ordinances § 5.3.2
A.Proposed alterations to ground elevation or vegetative cover not associated with an approved Site Development Plan, Final Subdivision Plan, or building permit shall be submitted to the Director with an application for a permit for Land Clearing and Fill containing the required plans and documentation. The director may require certification by a registered professional engineer that site impro...
Weed Ordinances
Cape Coral bans letting weeds, grass, vines, palmetto scrub or other noxious vegetation grow past 12 inches on private property under City Code of Ordinances § 9-16. The Cape Coral Police Department and Code Compliance Division enforce it citywide, on occupied and vacant lots alike, with civil fines starting at $150.
Cape Coral Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsCape Coral Code of Ordinances § 9-16
(1)Obnoxious growths and refuse and litter. To allow, suffer or permit weeds, grass, vines, palmetto scrub or other noxious vegetable growths to grow or otherwise accumulate to a height of 12 inches or more; or to allow, suffer or permit litter such as trash and/or garbage ... to accumulate upon any premises or land within the city, regardless of whether the premises or land is occupied or unoc...
Water Restrictions
Cape Coral assigns every address a fixed two-day watering window based on the last digit of its street number, running year-round under § 19-90, and can tighten that further into a one-day Stage I or a total Stage II shutoff of reclaimed and canal water once the City Manager declares a water shortage under § 19-91.
Cape Coral Irrigation Watering Day Limits
Some RestrictionsCape Coral Code of Ordinances §§ 19-90, 19-91
(a)Limitations on watering of lawns and landscape. It shall be unlawful for any person to use water for irrigation except as described herein... Upon evaluation of the conditions set forth in § 19-91(b), if the city believes that conditions are so severe that it is in the best interest of the city to issue a declaration of a Stage II water shortage condition, it shall be prohibited for any pers...
Rainwater Harvesting
Cape Coral does not ban catching rainwater for the yard, but it does not treat it as unregulated either. Any irrigation system pulling from a rainwater collection or harvesting setup falls under the same water resources management article as a well or reclaimed-water hookup, with permits, design review and a 70 percent efficiency floor.
Cape Coral Rainwater Harvesting Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsCape Coral Code of Ordinances § 19-87
This article applies to all irrigation systems using water sources, including, but not limited to: reclaimed water, potable water, well water, surface water, stormwater, gray water, and rainwater collection or harvesting system. This article applies to irrigation systems installed in common areas and open space within residential and commercial developments, as well as individual landscaped are...
Artificial Turf
Cape Coral lets homeowners swap sod for permeable synthetic turf, but only up to 20% of the yard area that isn't already covered by structures or hardscape, and never in a front yard or the right-of-way. The same 20% cap applies to non-residential sites under a parallel section.
Cape Coral Artificial Turf Yard Limits
Some RestrictionsCape Coral Code of Ordinances § 5.5.12(E)(1)
The soil surface of the land area not covered by structures or hardscape features shall be covered with sod or planting beds containing canopy trees, accent trees, palm trees, shrubs, groundcover, or any combination thereof. When shrubs are used in planting beds, shall be planted not more than 48 inches apart. Permeable synthetic turf may be used in lieu of sod, so long as it is not used to cov...
Looking for Lee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cape Coral city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Lee County →