Noise Standards

Aviation Related Noise

Vehicle/ Traffic Noise

Animals

Disturbance of the Peace

Construction/Development

Air Conditioning/Air Handling Equipment, Cooling Systems, Pumps and Compressors

Environmental Protection Commission’s Noise Program

The Greater Hillsborough County metropolitan area has experienced unprecedented growth since the 1980’s. As Hillsborough County becomes more and more populated the chances for noise to adversely impact our lives continues to increase. By being more aware of noise and how it impacts us, we can all reduce the potential for noise pollution. The Environmental Protection Commission regulates many types of noise throughout the county, including the municipalities of Plant City and Temple Terrace.  While the City of Tampa has it own noise ordinances (see Sec. 3-29.1 for the Ybor District and Sec. 5-301.2 for construction activities), the EPC works cooperatively with the City to address noise within the City limits.

Click here if you would like more information regarding EPC’s Chapter 1-10 Noise Rule or any of the EPC’s Enabling Acts/Rules, or to visit the main EPC website for more information.

Hillsborough County Noise Standards

The noise standards are enforced by receiving land use for residential, commercial, and industrial property. The decibels indicated under each category are the limits for that category and that time period:

 

Residential and Public Space:

60 Decibels – 7 a.m. thru 10 p.m.

 55 Decibels – 10 p.m. thru 7 a.m.

 Commercial Areas:

 65 Decibels – 7 a.m. thru 10 p.m.

 60 Decibels – 10 p.m. thru 7 a.m.

 Industrial Areas:

 75 Decibels - At all times

Certain exceptions and source-specific standards apply.  See Chapter 1-10 Noise Rule for more information

Aviation Related Noise

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the authority to enforce and regulate airports and aircraft. Call FAA toll-free 24 hours a day at 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322).

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority is the local agency which addresses citizen concerns with aircraft flight paths and airport improvements within Hillsborough County and may be contacted at (813) 870-8700. For questions regarding noise from military planes, call MacDill AFB at (813) 828-2215.

Vehicle/Traffic Noise

On-road traffic noise is specifically exempt from EPC’s jurisdiction. Noise problems from a specific vehicle, including car stereos, should be directed to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8000, the Tampa Police Department at (813) 276-3704, the Temple Terrace Police Department at (813) 989-7110 or the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200.

Citizen concerns regarding expressways and toll roads are handled by the Expressway Authority at (813) 272-6740.

The Florida Department of Transportation responds to concerns regarding state roads. They may be contacted at (813) 975-6000.

Noise issues regarding Hillsborough County roads are addressed by the Traffic Engineering Department at 813-272-5912.

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Animals
 

Although noise from animals are exempt from EPC’s noise regulations, Hillsborough County Department of Animal Services conducts investigations into animal cruelty and nuisance. For more information contact Animal services at (813) 744-5660. 

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Disturbance of the Peace

Noise which can be categorized as disturbance of the peace may be reported to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8000, the Tampa Police Department at (813) 276-3704, the Temple Terrace Police Department at (813) 989-7110 or the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200.

Construction/Development

As the progression of construction/development activities continue to occur in Hillsborough County, existing land-uses become impacted by the noise generated at these sites.  The EPC noise rule addresses such concerns by requiring that reasonable precautions be taken during certain hours of operation.  At all other times, compliance with established noise standards is required. For additional information see Chapter 1-10 Noise Rule.

Air Conditioning/Air Handling Equipment,  Cooling Systems, Pumps and Compressors 

The following standards apply to the equipment at any time of the day or night:

At neighboring property line: 

60 dBA 

At center of neighboring patio: 

55 dBA 

At neighboring living area window: 

55 dBA