Cape Coral generally allows lawn ornaments, statues, flamingos, garden gnomes, and similar decorative items without a permit. Cape Coral Code Section 5.5.13 (Landscaping - Allowable Decorations and Other Similar Decorative Dwelling Decor) provides standards for residential decorative items in landscape areas. Items must remain on the homeowner's property, not block sight triangles, and not constitute a sign or a nuisance. HOAs and deed restrictions often impose tighter quantity, size, and placement rules.
Cape Coral LDC Article 5, Chapter 5, Section 5.5.13 specifically addresses allowable decorations and similar decorative dwelling items in residential landscape areas. The provision permits decorative ornaments as accessory to the residential use but limits their location, size, and number to prevent the front yard from becoming a de facto storage area or commercial display. Items that include advertising or business messaging are regulated as signs under LDC Article 7. Lawn ornaments cannot be placed in the public right-of-way (typically the strip between sidewalk and street) and cannot obstruct the corner sight triangle at intersections (LDC Article 5). Items must be maintained in good condition; faded, broken, or accumulated decor can be cited under the city's property maintenance and nuisance provisions in Chapter 12. Lights or motion components on lawn ornaments must comply with the same nuisance and electrical standards as other holiday lighting.
Items in the public right-of-way may be removed by city staff without notice. Lawn ornaments creating sight obstructions are subject to Code Compliance orders and daily fines under Chapter 162, Florida Statutes (up to $250/$500 per day). Excessive, damaged, or unmaintained decor may be cited as a property maintenance violation. Signs disguised as ornaments are enforced under LDC Article 7. HOA violations are enforced privately by the association.
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral §12-22 (Noise Control Ordinance, amended Dec 2019) prohibits noise plainly audible at 50 feet between 11 PM and 7 AM from any radio, TV, musical i...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral Land Development Code Section 5.2.7 limits residential fences in the front setback, allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and requires open ...
Cape Coral, FL
Dogs in Cape Coral must be under direct control on a leash not exceeding 8 feet in length under Lee County Animal Control Ordinance. Cape Coral Code Chapter ...
Cape Coral, FL
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Cape Coral require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits from the city's Building Division and must comply with the 2...
Cape Coral, FL
Residential smokers (offset, pellet, kamado, and electric) in Cape Coral are regulated under the same Florida Fire Prevention Code and NFPA 1 framework as gr...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral enforces the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC) and NFPA 1 chapter 10 for residential grills and propane tanks. One- and two-family detached home...
See how Cape Coral's lawn ornament rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.