Hillsborough County Code states that trucksor trailers with the capacity of more than oneton and made by the manufacturer to be usedfor commercial use are not allowed to beparked on a residential-zoned property.

#5: Fence ViolationsOtherwise known as: When your property lookslike a fortress because of the barricade around it.

Hillsborough County Code states that fencesmay not exceed four feet in the "required"front yard, or six feet on the side and rearyard. It must be constructed of materials thatare consistent with the neighborhood and ofcommonly-used materials (no scrap metal orother offensive material). Barbed wire orother material which may inflict pain or injuryare not allowed in residential zones.

#6: Window ViolationsOtherwise known as: Just because the neighbor'skid broke the window, doesn't mean you don'thave to fix it.

Labor & Employment

In 2006, the Hillsborough County CodeEnforcement Department issued 13,041violations in unincorporated HillsboroughCounty, citing a variety of communitystandards, public health and public safetyissues. These violations can lead to finesand, in extreme cases, foreclosure on yourhome. They also affect the appearance andsafety of our community. So, it is importantthat you know about the Codes andOrdinances that affect your property.

To help you learn more about these issues,we have put together a list of the mostcommon violations that were cited last yearand an explanation of the Code or Ordi-nance that they relate to.

#1: Junk, Trash & DebrisOtherwise known as: All the stuff that belongsin the dump, but never seems to make it there.

Hillsborough County Code states that it isa public nuisance for any owner or occu-pant to allow the accumulation, abandon-ment or storage of trash, rubbish or junkon private or public property. Theseconditions affect public health and result indangerous and unsanitary conditions.

#2: Inoperable VehiclesOtherwise known as: Uncle Larry's "classic"truck (motor not included).

Hillsborough County Code states thatinoperable vehicles may not be kept in any

residential-zoned area. It refers to anyvehicle that is in an abandoned, wrecked,dismantled, scrapped, junked or partially-dismantled condition which includes havinguninflated tires, no wheels, or lacking otherparts necessary for the normal operation ofthe vehicle. Additionally, thiss includes anyvehicle that, because of mechanical defects, awrecked or partially wrecked frame ordismantled parts, cannot be operated in anormal and safe manner.

#3: Overgrown ConditionsOtherwise known as: When you cannot see UncleLarry's "classic" truck because the grass is tootall. *Refer to violation #2.

Hillsborough County Code states that grassand weeds higher than 10 inches in heightwithin 200 feet of any building, recreationalarea or street right-of-way is not allowed.

#4: Improper Use: CommercialVehiclesOtherwise known as: When your front yardbecomes an all-night truck stop.

#7: Vehicles: Improper Storageof PartsOtherwise known as: Parts that belong on uncleLarry's "classic" truck laying all around the yard.*Refer to violation #2.

Hillsborough County Code states that auto-mobile, truck, boat or aircraft parts which arestored outside, exposed to the elements, andnot otherwise under a roof, are not allowedon a residential-zoned property.

#8: Lack of or Improper Use ofGround Fault Circuit Interrupter(GFCI) OutletsRemember, unless you want a "permanent"permanent, always use GFCI's.

Hillsborough County Code states that electri-cal outlets need ground fault circuit interrupter

Hillsborough County’s Top Code Enforcement ViolationsHillsborough County Code states that everyhabitable room of a dwelling must have atleast one window, skylight or glass doorfacing directly outdoors. Windows must openand close freely and be in good repair andweather-tight.

More Information AboutMore Information AboutMore Information AboutMore Information AboutMore Information Aboutthe Code Enforcementthe Code Enforcementthe Code Enforcementthe Code Enforcementthe Code EnforcementDepartmentDepartmentDepartmentDepartmentDepartment

Call us at (813) 274-6600

Visit us at 10119 Windhorst Rd., Tampa, Florida 33619

Check out our website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ hcce.

The Hillsborough County Code Enforce-ment Department enforces the County'sMinimum Housing Code, which coverssafety and livability requirements in hous-ing. They also oversee the condemnationand demolition of dangerous structures.The department investigates communitystandard complaints on issues such asinoperable vehicles, rat infestation, trashon lots, and high grass on vacant lots. Inaddition, they enforce several ordinancesand regulations, such as the GraffitiOrdinance and Security Alarm Ordinance.Code Enforcement also oversees theHome Rehabilitation Program, whichgives deferred or low interest loans toeligible homeowners to make improve-ments to their properties, when the prop-erties do not meet the Minimum HousingCode.

(GFCI) protection when they are located inbathrooms; by kitchen counters; by wet barsinks within six feet of the outside edge of thewet bar sink; when located within twenty feetof the inside wall of an indoor or outdoorpool or fountain; and on the outside of abuilding or structure.

#9: Improper Outside/OpenStorageOtherwise known as: It's time to build a shed ifyou're going to store that much stuff. *Somerestrictions may apply.

Hillsborough County Code states that thestorage of materials, supplies, merchandise,equipment and commercial vehicles outsideof a building is not allowed in residential-zoned areas.

#10: Improper Use of ZoneOtherwise known as: A home is not a home whenyou are operating a business out of it. *Somerestrictions may apply.

Zoning regulations define the type andlocation of businesses and housing throughoutthe county. The major categories of land uses

are: commercial, residential, agricultural andmixed-use. Hillsborough County Code doesnot allow a use on a property other than whatis permitted by its zoning.

#11: Interior Wall ViolationsOtherwise known as: Feeling the outside breezesinside your living room, when the window isclosed.

Hillsborough County Code requires that wallsmust be protected from elements by paintingor sealing, and must be in good repair andweather-tight.

#12: Lack of Smoke DetectorsOtherwise known as: Relying on your dog or catto wake you if there is a fire in your house (not agood idea).

Hillsborough County Code states that opera-tional smoke detectors are required outsideall bedroom doors within a reasonabledistance, and be mounted in accordance withmanufacturer's instructions.

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