As Hillsborough County continues to become more populated, the chance for noise to negatively impact our lives increases. By being more aware of noise and how it impacts us, we can all reduce the potential for noise pollution.

informational guide.  You may also contact a member of the noise monitoring team at 813-627-2600.

Regulated Noise Sources

EPC regulates noise from industrial and commercial sources throughout the county through the EPC Ch. 1-10, Noise Pollution Rule, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.  However, each municipality also has their own noise rules separately enforced by law enforcement:

• Hillsborough County Noise Control Ordinance
• City of Tampa Noise Ordinance
• City of Temple Terrace Noise Rule
• City of Plant City Rule

We work cooperatively with the municipalities to address noise concerns within their jurisdictions.  However, EPC is not a first responder, so anyone seeking immediate relief from an active noise issue should contact their corresponding law enforcement office (based on where they reside within or outside of city limits).

THE DETAILS BELOW ARE SPECIFIC TO EPC’S NOISE RULE

 Exempted Noise Sources

Certain sources of noise are exempt from the requirements of the EPC’s Noise Pollution Rule and our noise nuisance regulations, such as:

• Noises originating from residential structures or property
• Mobile sources (airplanes, trains/railroads, cars/trucks, remote control devices, etc.)
• Unamplified sounds of human voices or animals
• Construction noise between 6:00am and 8:30pm (as long as reasonable precautions are taken to abate the noise)
• Emergency alert sounds
• Agricultural operations and agritourism events
• Gunfire and shooting ranges
• Religious activities
• Events directly related to all holidays recognized by local, state, or federal governments
• Competitive Sporting Events
• Transportation projects
• Commercial lawn care between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Activities conducted on public athletic facilities and public or private school grounds
• Generators (except non-emergency or non-critical commercial generators)

See Section 1-10.04 of EPC’s Noise Pollution Rule for full list of exemptions. If you have a noise concern or complaint that involves these sources, please see the appropriate government offices to contact below:

Noise Standards Summary

The noise standards are determined by the type of land receiving the noise and are generally stricter for residential properties. The decibel limits indicated for each receiving property type may vary by time of day and are based on an equivalent average sound pressure level (Leq) over a 10-minute period of time. Inconsistent or instantaneous noise levels may likely have a Leq well below the peak values. Standards are summarized in the charts below:

A-Scale Standards

*measured as an equivalent continuous noise level, Leq, over a 10-minute period of time

Octave Band Standards

In addition, the following individual octave band standards apply to sources of sound that impact residential property:

 *measured as an equivalent continuous noise level, Leq, over a 10-minute period of time

Competitive Motor Vehicle Events

An EPC authorization must be approved prior to proposed construction, alteration or expansion activities and require submission of a Competitive Motor Vehicle Events Form, a written demonstration of ability to meet the noise standards, and modeling by an acoustical expert.

Related Links

Please use links below if the source of noise you are experiencing is exempt from EPC’s Noise Rule, or contact a member of the noise monitoring team at 813-627-2600:

Disturbance of the Peace or Car Stereos/Specific Vehicle

• Hillsborough County Residents
• City of Tampa Residents
• Temple Terrace Residents
• Plant City Residents

Roadways

• Expressway and Toll Roads
• State Roads
• Hillsborough County Roads

Aviation

• Airports and Aircraft
• Flight Paths and Airport Improvements in Hillsborough County
• Military Aircraft

Animal Nuisance

• Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center

Railroad

• Railway and Train Noise

If you believe the source of noise you are experiencing is regulated by the EPC, please call a member of our noise monitoring team and be prepared to provide information regarding the source of noise. You may submit anonymous complaints due to safety concerns; however, this may limit EPC staff’s ability to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

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