CODES (Plain English)
The Enforcement Division's responsibility addresses such items as inoperative
cars and trucks, trash and debris, high grass and weeds, commercial vehicles in residential areas, noise control, minimum housing standards and
the zoning code, including sign regulations.
ZONING
General Zoning - Zoning regulates the 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.
Some of the more typical zoning violations include businesses in a residential zone (however, some home occupations may be allowed), excessive
outside storage of items, and structures placed within minimum setbacks. 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.
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 what a property
is zoned, the length of road frontage, length of building frontage and the type of sign.
Sheds and Accessory Structures - All structures must be placed on
a lot so that they "set back" a specific distance from any property line. The zoning of the parcel, the size of the structure and where
on the lot it is proposed, all govern placement of buildings.
Fences - The maximum height for a fence or wall on a residential property
line is 6 feet. However, any portion of the fence that extends beyond the front building setback cannot exceed 3 feet in height.
DRS - Development Review Services - The technicians in this department
work closely with the Department of Environmental Management. DRS staff reviews proposed uses and issues permits and zoning clearances.
TRASH & DEBRIS
It is illegal to accumulate or allow to be accumulated any excess trash,
debris, garbage, junk, or refuse on any property in the unincorporated county. Each of these categories describes different types of items, including
everything from food waste to burned out cars. Basically you cannot accumulate or collect these materials in your yard, or allow others to dump
on property you own.
INOPERATIVE VEHICLES
The code requires that if you own a motor vehicle in Pinellas County it must
be in a condition that would allow it to be legally operated on the roads of the state. The car may be old, rusty and look terrible, but if it
runs and has a current tag, it is not a violation. If the vehicle is kept inside of a completely enclosed garage its condition is irrelevant and
does not constitute a violation.
LOT MOWING
All developed properties (vacant or occupied) must be maintained. Properties
that are deemed to be "virgin" growth due
to the nature of the vegetation, or if the lot has
never been cleared, may be considered exempt. Property
with 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 Courthouse. A Notice of Violation
is sent to the owners of the property. The owners or
party responsible for the lot will have twenty days
to mow the property and remove all debris. If that
is not done the County contractor will mow the property
and remove any trash and debris on site. If the County
mows the property, the owners are billed for the charges
and incur a $200.00 Administrative Fee. Failure to
pay the invoice results in a lien being placed on the
property for all the charges incurred.
PROHIBITED VEHICLES
Prohibited vehicles
are not permitted to be parked within
residential areas. How the vehicle is
used is not the deciding factor as to
whether or not it is considered prohibited
(or commercial). For example, lettering
on the side of a vehicle does not make
it a prohibited vehicle. Pinellas County
uses the type of vehicle to categorize
a vehicle as prohibited. Cars, motorcycles,
RV's, passenger vans, work vans and pick-up
trucks are exempt. However, if the vehicle
has been equipped with attachments such
as racks or utility beds the Code allows
only one such pick-up truck, van or trailer
per dwelling. The vehicle including its
racks, cargo and equipment cannot be
more than 8 ft. tall, 8 ft. wide and
21 ft. long and must not be parked on
the lawn. If you have a fully enclosed
and permitted garage a prohibited vehicle
may be parked within it and not be a
violation.
MINIMUM HOUSING
The Housing Code applies to structures on residential
properties. It sets minimum standards for dwellings and accessory structures, like sheds and pools. The Code addresses the structural and/or electrical
safety 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
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 am and 11
pm, a noise level of 72dBA (decibels)
is allowed. After 11 pm, 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 law
enforcement agencies. Normal maintenance
and use of equipment such as lawn mowers,
chainsaws, leaf blowers, and flushing
boat motors are all customary to everyday
life and are exempted when used legitimately.
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