Frequently Asked Questions - Code Enforcement

The following is a list of questions and answers that are commonly asked. The answers pertain to the unincorporated area of Pinellas County. Should you live in one of the communities that are currently under contract with this department they might not apply.

• What makes my car an Inoperative Vehicle?
  If your vehicle cannot be legally operated on the road because of a cracked or missing windshield, broken lights, etc. it is considered inoperative. If the tag is expired and/or the tires are flat the vehicle is presumed to be inoperative. Inoperative vehicles must be stored inside a fully enclosed and permitted garage or removed from the property.
• Can I park my truck on my property, what do you mean by prohibited vehicle?
  Most family-use pick-up trucks, vans and cars may be parked on your driveway. 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.
• Do I need a permit to install a fence or a shed?
  Permits are no longer required for chain link, wood or vinyl fences but there are restrictions. Fences cannot be higher than six ft. in height. Within the front yard setback fences cannot exceed three ft. in height. Sheds for residences less than 100 sq. ft. and no taller than 10 ft. do not require a permit. However the shed must be placed a minimum of 2 ft. from the property lines, unless the property is surrounded by a 6 ft. tall opaque fence. Sheds larger than 100 sq. ft. require permits and must meet additional setback rules.
• We don't live in city limits we live in the County, so we can "do what we want", right?
  Wrong! That is an old misperception. The unincorporated areas of the County have been regulated by local ordinances and codes since 1963. Most of the city and County regulations are fairly similar and address many of the same types of issues.
• "This" has been here for years, how come you're enforcing it now?
  The fact that a violation may be in existence for many years simply means that it has not been "caught". Often a citizen complaint brings us to a property where we can document the violation once brought to our attention.
• How do I know what is allowed where I live?
  If you call us at (727) 464-3888 (option 2, 1, 1) and leave a brief message with your address, we can lookup your zoning category and we'll try and guide you.
• Can I run my business from my house?
  Some home occupations are allowed but in order to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods, home businesses are fairly restricted. In general no retail traffic or customers can come to the house and the business activity should be invisible to the neighborhood.

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