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Noise
 Noise
Standards
Aviation Related Noise
Vehicle/
Traffic Noise
Animals
Disturbance of the Peace
Construction/Development
Air Conditioning/Handling Equipment (Cooling
Systems, Pumps, Compressors)
Competitive Motor Vehicle Events
Environmental Protection Commission’s Noise
Program
 Hillsborough County has experienced unprecedented growth since the 1980’s.
As the County becomes more and more populated, the chance 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 noise from
stationary sources 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, Channel, and
Central Business Districts 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.
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Hillsborough County Noise Standards
The noise standards are enforced by the type of land receiving the noise,
and are measured as an Leq over a 10 minute period of time. The decibel
limits indicated under each category below are the limits for that receiving
property during the time period indicated:
Residential:
60 Decibels on the A-Scale – 7 a.m.
thru 10 p.m.
55 Decibels on the A-Scale – 10 p.m. thru 7 a.m.
Commercial Areas:
65 Decibels on the A-Scale – At all times
Industrial Areas:
70 Decibels on the A-Scale - At all times
In addition to the above, the following individual octave band standards
apply to sources of sound that impact residential property:
|
Octave Band
|
Time
|
Sound Level Limit – dB
|
|
63 Hz
|
7
a.m.-11 p.m.
|
70
|
|
63 Hz
|
11
p.m.- 7 a.m.
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
125
Hz
|
7
a.m.-11 p.m.
|
64
|
|
125
Hz
|
11
p.m.- 7 a.m.
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
|
250
Hz
|
7
a.m.-11 p.m.
|
57
|
|
250
Hz
|
11
p.m.- 7 a.m.
|
53
|
Certain exemptions and source-specific standards apply. See
Chapter 1-10 Noise Rule for more information.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Air Conditioning/Air Handling Equipment,
Pumps and Compressors
The following standards apply to the equipment at any time of the day or
night:
55 decibels on the A-Scale as an Leq for a 10-minute period of time,
measured at a distance of at least 40 feet across a residential real
property line.
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Competitive Motor Vehicle Events
East Bay Raceway: Standard for
receiving residential property is 78 decibels on the A-Scale at all times.
Competitive
Motor Vehicle Events Form (MS Word)
Competitive
Motor Vehicle Events Form (.pdf)
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