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1. What is considered a “nuisance”?

Weeds, grass or undergrowth that grow to a height of 12 inches or more above the ground. Accumulation of rubbish, trash, refuse, junk and other abandoned materials, metals, lumber or other things.

Any condition which provides harborage for rats, mice, snakes and other vermin.

2. Who maintains the area between the sidewalk and the street?

It is the responsibility of the owner, tenant, or agent for the maintenance of parkway and right-of-way areas outside the property line contiguous to the property.

3. My neighbor has an unlicensed car parked in the driveway. What can be done?

A vehicle without a license plate is classified as an inoperable vehicle and will be investigated. You can call (813-749-1129), email code enforcement officer, or use the Report a Code Violation Form to report this issue.

4. The neighbor’s dog is barking, what can I do?

Call the County’s Animal Services at 727-582-2600 to report the problem. After normal hours of operation you can call the Sheriff’s non-emergency number at 727-582-6200.

5. What is the leash law for my pet in the city?

Any pet running at large and not constrained by leash or full voice command is considered a public nuisance. Owners will be responsible for payment for impounding and subject to fines imposed by Animal Services. Owners are responsible for removing defecation while walking their animals.

6. Can I bring my dog to the beach or park?

Not unless there is a sign permitting animals at the park or beach.

7. How many cats and dogs can I have?

There is no limit to the number of domestic animals allowed at a residence. However, there can be no breeding or kenneling of animals for profit with first obtaining a Home Based business tax receipt which verifies that this business can be operated at your home location.

8. My neighbors are having a party and being extremely loud. Who do I call?

Loud music, parties and other “disturbances of the peace” should be reported to the Sheriff’s non-emergency number at 727-582-6200.

9. Can I store a boat or recreational vehicle at my house?

Boats, trailers, and recreational vehicles may be kept at residences provided they are in a side or rear yard. Some exemptions are allowed, with a filing of a hardship request on a Parking Exception form with the city. To obtain the Parking Exception form, contact Planning and Redevelopment at 813-749-1121.

RV Parking Exception application

10. Do I need a permit for a block party?

Yes. Temporary Use Permits are required for activities such as races, walkathons, charitable sales, art shows and festivals, erection of tents, block parties, road closings and any other situations which are outside the normal scope of permitted activities for a location, or which may have some impact on the community. Permits are also required for private activities at city facilities, such as races, concerts, weddings, private parties, and other similar gatherings not sponsored by the city. Call the Leisure Services Department at 813-749-1260 for events held in parks or other city facilities. For all other special events or general information, call the Planning and Redevelopment Department at 813-749-1121.

11. Why did i get a parking ticket from the city? I have always parked in that area and have not had any problems before.

A citation is issued if there are signs indicating a no parking area, restricted area, such as handicap parking or a fire lane, parking a vehicle with an expired tag on a street/right-of-way or over a sidewalk (not in the driveway area). The Code Enforcement division is enforcing these types of parking violations.

12. What areas of the city are subject to parking tickets?

All areas that are accessible to the general public.

13. How do I fight/contest a parking ticket?

If you intend to contest a parking ticket, call the Pinellas County Traffic Court information line at 727-464-4977 for instructions on this process.

14. Why can't I pay for my parking ticket at City Hall?

The citation is recorded through the Pinellas County Court system, which administrates the entire process once the ticket has been written.

15. I have a Handicap Placard, why did I get a parking ticket for illegally parking in a handicap spot?

The placard may not have been visible (or displayed) at the time the citation was issued. If a valid handicap placard is available for the vehicle/owner/passenger that was cited, contact the Pinellas County Traffic Court at 727-464-4977 for information on correcting or cancelling the citation.