Davie Sign Complaints & Removal Orders FAQ
Davie, Florida residents and property managers sometimes encounter obscene or misleading signs that may violate local sign regulations. This guide explains how to report obscene or false signs in Davie, what removal orders involve, who enforces the rules, and how appeals or permits work. It summarizes official sources and concrete steps to get signs inspected and, if necessary, removed.
Penalties & Enforcement
The Town of Davie enforces sign regulations through its municipal code and code enforcement officers. Specific monetary fines and escalation procedures are set by ordinance or administrative rule; where exact amounts or schedules are not shown on the cited ordinance page, this is noted below.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences - not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, abatement, and possible court action are authorized by the municipal code.[1]
- Enforcer and inspection: the Town of Davie Code Enforcement division investigates complaints and issues removal orders; complaints are submitted to the town enforcement office for inspection.[2]
- Appeals and review: municipal procedures allow appeal of enforcement orders to the applicable board or via court; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Defences and discretion: authorized variances, permits, or a demonstrated reasonable excuse may be considered, but availability and standards are set by ordinance or permitting rules.
Applications & Forms
The town uses permits or sign applications for lawful signage through Building or Planning departments; where a specific form number, fee, or deadline is not published on the cited pages, it is noted below.
- Sign permit or application: name/number not specified on the cited page; apply through the Town of Davie Building or Planning division as instructed on the municipal website.[2]
- Fees: not specified on the cited pages.
- Submission: typically online or at the Building Services office; check the town permit portal or contact Code Enforcement for current process.[2]
How removal orders work
When an inspector finds a sign that appears obscene, false, or otherwise noncompliant, the town may issue a notice or removal order requiring the owner or responsible party to remove or correct the sign within a stated period. Failure to comply can lead to abatement by the town and billing of costs, or citation to municipal court.
Common violations
- Unpermitted temporary commercial signs placed in public rights-of-way.
- Signs with obscene images or explicit language visible from public areas.
- False or misleading signs that create hazards or false claims (e.g., false official notices).
FAQ
- How do I report an obscene or false sign in Davie?
- Gather photos, the exact address or nearest intersection, and the date/time, then submit a complaint to Town of Davie Code Enforcement online or by phone; see official contact links below.[2]
- Will the town remove the sign immediately?
- Removal timing depends on inspection results and notice periods in the enforcement order; emergency hazardous signs may be abated faster, while other removals follow standard notice timelines.
- Can I appeal a removal order?
- Yes, orders typically allow appeal to the designated board or to the courts; specific appeal deadlines or steps are set by ordinance or procedure and may not be fully specified on the cited page.[1]
How-To
- Document the sign with clear photos showing content and location.
- Find the nearest street address or intersection and note property details.
- Submit a complaint to Town of Davie Code Enforcement via the official complaint form or phone line listed in Resources below.[2]
- Allow time for inspection; follow any removal notice instructions and meet deadlines stated in the order.
- If you receive a removal order and disagree, file an appeal within the time limit stated on the order or consult the municipal appeal process.
Key Takeaways
- Report obscene or false signs promptly with photos and location details.
- Code Enforcement enforces removal orders and handles inspections.
Help and Support / Resources
- Town of Davie official website - departments and contacts
- Town of Davie Code of Ordinances (Municode)
- Town of Davie Code Enforcement and Building Services pages