Hialeah requires owners of vacant lots to maintain properties to community standards. Unmaintained vacant lots in Hialeah's dense urban environment create nuisance conditions, attract illegal dumping, and harbor pests. The city actively targets vacant lot violations through its Code Compliance division.
Vacant lot owners must keep vegetation trimmed, remove accumulated trash and debris, and prevent conditions that attract rodents and mosquitoes. In South Florida's tropical climate, vacant lots can become overgrown rapidly, requiring regular maintenance. Lots must be secured to prevent unauthorized dumping and access. Sidewalks and swales adjacent to vacant lots must be maintained. The city may mow and clear neglected lots and lien the property for costs. Standing water that breeds mosquitoes is a particular concern and may trigger health department involvement.
Vacant lot violations follow the same enforcement process as other property maintenance issues, with fines of $100-$500 per day after the compliance deadline. The city may abate nuisances and lien properties for cleanup costs. Mosquito breeding violations may trigger Miami-Dade County health department action.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah follows Miami-Dade Code §33-124.1 for commercial-vehicle parking in residential zones: Cat. 1 (taxis/marked vans under 8 ft): max 2 per home; Cat. 2 ...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah driveways follow county standards: 20 feet minimum for two-way, 14 feet for one-way. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or rights-of-way.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah allows chain link, concrete block, wood, and aluminum per Section 33-11. All must meet HVHZ wind standards. Concrete block most common in South Florida.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah requires building permits for retaining walls per the Florida Building Code. Walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans. All retaining wall...
Hialeah, FL
Dogs in Hialeah must be leashed off private property under Miami-Dade Section 5-20. Unsterilized: $150 fine. Sterilized: $50. Off-leash in designated parks o...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah enforces the Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and NFPA 72 for smoke alarms. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleepin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Hialeah's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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