Thank you for taking the time to “Report an Issue” via Doing Things for you! Code Enforcement has entered a complaint number CL17-01735 to investigate your concern; however due to the high volume of complaints it may take three to four weeks for the initial investigation, sooner if possible. If you have any questions you may contact Pinellas County Code Enforcement at 727-464-4761 or visit our website : http://www.pinellascounty.org/code-enforcement/

The information below is directly from Pinellas County's website:

"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."

The information below is directly from Pinellas County's website:

"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."

To Keep 33709 clean: Thank you for your comment however: I am unclear by your response as to whether or not I am going to have to continue to put up with the early lawn service or if they are required to wait until 7:00am to begin their work? Also as I stated this lawn service wakes us usually between the 6:00am - 6:40am hours of the morning, should the also decide that 5:00am would better suit their business needs to get more lawns cut in a day am I forced to endure that as well. I am not trying to be sarcastic but you indicate in your comment that lawn mowers and blowers are exempt from noise ordinance of 7:00am so where is the line drawn? I don't have any neighbors that cut or maintain their lawns at these hours of the morning and I would think that a business located within a residential neighborhood would be required to at least adhere to the latter time of 7:00am?? Am I being unreasonable in my request or does business trump residence. P.S. I moved into my home in the mid 90's the business was constructed in the mid 2000's prior to the business being there the land had a residential home. I am not looking for a battle with the business or the County I am just looking to be able to sleep as any homeowner to a reasonable hour of the morning. I have spoken to my neighbors in regards to this issue and they also agree that the have been woken up by this noise however they simply put up with the noise and choose not to complain. I have chosen another road and decided to speak up on my own behalf as well as for them. Also this particular lawn service prior to 3-4 weeks ago or so never came this early so I am uncertain if the property owner has contracted with a new service or if the same service has just decided to adjust the order of their lawn cutting the days that they cut this business's lawn. Looking forward to hear back from you on this as any advice or conversation only helps. Thanks again for your interest...

The information I supplied was directly from the county's website and it appears to be purposefully ambiguous to allow for flexibility. If it were me getting woken up at that time every week, I would call the non emergency sheriff (727)582-6200 and report the noise. Presumably, the sheriff would come out and talk to the lawn company to inform them that their noise is disturbing and unreasonable at that time of day. Hopefully the lawn company would adjust their schedule to mow that business to a later part of the day.

To Keep 33709 clean, Just wanted to update you. I received a phone call from Officer ? I did not write down her name this morning. She advised me that she was parked and waiting at the reported business location this morning when the lawn service pulled in approx. 6:15am She told me that she advised them of the 7:00am noise ordinance and she waited there until 7:00am to be sure that that did not begin work. She advised them of the fines involved if this were reported again. She also told me that while she was waiting an employee of the office at the property pulled into work and advised her that they had hired this company so that they would do the lawn and lot service before business hours and to accommodate the vehicles the lawn service has when the lot is empty. The county officer said she explained the codes to this employee as well and that they would have to make other arrangements. This officer in addition added that she would not close this case but would keep it open to ensure that they adhere to the codes. I am grateful to the county , this officer and the quickness in their response to my issue. I am even more pleased that I did not have to involve the Sheriff. Thought you would be interested in how this was resolved. Very happy home owner....

Initial action has been taken regarding your complaint. The responsible party is being notified of the code violation and we have asked for their cooperation in bringing the property into compliance. Code Enforcement will continue to monitor the property under complaint number CL17-01735 until compliance is achieved. Should you have any further questions or need additional information please contact Code Enforcement at 727-464-4761. We are striving to improve our services. Please visit www.pinellascounty.org/surveys/code to tell us how we are doing, Thank You!

Unfortunately as of 9-7-2017 none of the issues that I brought to the county's attention have been resolved. The grass has not been cut, but has grown higher since my original complaint. The BBQ pit roof is still flapping in the wind, the large tree branches are still where they were... Nothing has been done to bring the property up to code. I do not know if the owner is in a battle with the county over this or just ignoring it? Either way I do not wish for this to be considered closed or resolved. Please reopen this and when I see results I will be happy to consider this closed. P.S. With the coming of Hurricane Irma I will not be a happy homeowner if that BBQ pit roof ends up damaging my property with the high winds. My suggestion to the County Inspector is to reinspect the property & document that my observations are legitimate and lets see if we can expedite the cleanup. If for some reason the delay is due to technical issues ( having to appear in county court ) and that is the delay then my apologies to both the inspector & the County. However I am unaware of that as a delay and can only pass on my observations and as of September 7, 2017 1:30pm all is at it was at the time of my original complaint. with all that said I wish to also send my thanks to all at the County for their patience with me, I ( WE ) of the community want you to know that we really do appreciate the work that you all do, it is important and greatly appreciated by the residence of the county and we don't tell you often enough ( Thank You! ) your work is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to “Report an Issue” via Doing Things for you! Code Enforcement has entered a complaint number CL17-01735 to address the issues you have made us aware of. An officer has made contact with the lawn service and the business owner and will continue to monitor the property. If you have any questions you may contact Pinellas County Code Enforcement at 727-464-4761 or visit our website : http://www.pinellascounty.org/code-enforcement/

Initial action has been taken regarding your complaint. The responsible party is being notified of the code violation and we have asked for their cooperation in bringing the property into compliance. Code Enforcement will continue to monitor the property under complaint number CL17-01735 until compliance is achieved. Should you have any further questions or need additional information please contact Code Enforcement at 727-464-4761. We are striving to improve our services. Please visit www.pinellascounty.org/surveys/code to tell us how we are doing, Thank You!