Enforcement Codes

Service Area / Map: Unincorporated Pinellas County neighborhoods.

Below are the enforcement codes:

• Commercial Vehicles in Residential Areas
• Inoperative Cars and Trucks
• High Grass and Weeds - Lot Mowing
• Minimum Housing Standards
• Noise Control
• Trash & Debris
• Zoning Codes - general, signs, fence regulations,
  sheds and accessory structure

Commercial Vehicles in Residential Areas:

Commercial vehicles are not permitted to be parked within residential areas. The vehicle use is not the deciding factor when considering whether it is prohibited (or commercial). For example, lettering on the side of a vehicle does not designate a prohibited vehicle.

 

The type of vehicle determines if a vehicle is prohibited. Cars, motorcycles, RV's, passenger vans, work vans and pick-up trucks are exempt.

 

Vehicles that have been equipped with attachments such as racks or utility beds are limited to one per dwelling. The vehicle including racks, cargo and equipment cannot be more than 8 feet tall, 8 feet wide and 21 feet long and must not be parked on the lawn.

 

Vehicles may be parked in a garage or enclosed structure to avoid a violation.

Inoperative Vehicles:

Vehicles (cars, boats, motor homes, motorcycles, trailers, etc.) must be in a condition that would allow them to be legally operated on the roads of the state of Florida.

 

Vehicles in working order with a current tag that have cosmetic imperfections are not a violation.

 

Vehicles kept inside an enclosed garage do not constitute a violation regardless of condition.

High Grass and Weeds - Lot Mowing:

All developed properties whether vacant or occupied must be maintained.

 

Vacant lots that have never been cleared may be exempt depending upon the type of vegetation.

 

Grasses and weeds that grow to a height of 12 inches over the majority of the lot is a violation. If a violation is found, a placard is posted on the property and at the Pinellas County courthouse.

 

A Notice of Violation will be sent to the property owner. The owner or responsible party has 20 days to mow the property and remove debris. If action is not taken, Pinellas County will hire a contractor to mow the property. The owners will receive an invoice and incur an administrative fee. Failure to pay will result in a lien placed on the property.

Minimum Housing Standards:

The Housing Code applies to all structures and sets minimum standards for dwellings and accessory structures, such as sheds and pools.

 

The code addresses the structural and basic maintenance of a residence as well as the things that may negatively impact neighborhood property values, such as badly peeling paint or houses in a general state of disrepair.

Noise Control:

Pinellas County uses a decibel-based noise control program that places maximum limits on noise allowed on a property. In residential areas between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., a noise level of 72dBA (decibels) is allowed. After 11 p.m., the allowable level is reduced to 55dBA. As an example, normal conversation between two people standing five feet apart would measure about 55dBA.

 

Excessive noise from parties, people or vehicles is handled by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, (727) 582-6200. Normal maintenance and use of equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and flushing boat motors are all conventional to everyday life and are exempted when used reasonably.

Trash & Debris:

It is illegal to accumulate excess trash, debris, garbage, food waste, burned-out cars or other refuse on any property in unincorporated Pinellas County.

 

You cannot accumulate or collect these materials in your yard, or allow others to dump on property you own.

Zoning:

General Zoning- Zoning regulates the legal uses of a property. Residential zones are generally for homes and their accessory uses.

 

Commercial and manufacturing zones are typically for business and industrial enterprises.

 

Typical zoning violations may include excessive outside storage and structures placed within minimum setbacks. Note: some home business occupations may be allowed.

 

A zoning clearance may be required for uses and structures on a property even if a permit is not. A zoning clearance ensures that a proposed use or structure is allowed in that zone and that it meets all of the code requirements.

 

• Sheds and Accessory Structures - All structures must be placed on a lot so that they "set back" a specific distance from a property line. The parcel’s zoning, structure size and where the structure is proposed govern placement.
• Fences – The maximum height for a fence or wall on a residential property line is 6 feet. Any portion of the fence that extends beyond the front building setback cannot exceed 3 feet in height. Fencing is only allowed on private property. Fences are not permitted to enclose alleys or the right-of-way.
• Signs - This section of the zoning code addresses the size, height, location and numbers of signs on property in unincorporated Pinellas County. Allowable signage is based upon factors that include how a property is zoned, the length of road frontage, length of building frontage and the type of sign. Pinellas County Sign Code

 

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