Show All Answers

1. What codes does the City enforce?

The City enforces all ordinances, regulations and codes officially adopted by the City. The City does not enforce deed restrictions or homeowners association regulations; these are enforced privately through civil action.

2. What do I do if I have a complaint?

Call the Code Enforcement Officer at 727-724-1555 to discuss your complaint. If the complaint appears to be a possible violation of City regulations, the Code Enforcement Officer will conduct an investigation of the complaint.

3. Does the City accept anonymous complaints?

Per Florida State Statute 162.06(1b), effective July 1st, 2021, any person making a code complaint must provide their name and address. Any personal information you provide will become part of the case and a public record. Any written or electronic communication material received or generated by the City of Safety Harbor is a public record per Florida Public Records Law. Florida Public Records Law requires these records to be made available for inspection by anyone who requests it.   

Florida State Statute 162.06(1b) does not allow for the reporting of an alleged code violation to be made anonymously unless the agency has reason to believe that the alleged violation presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources. If you believe that this is the case, you must contact Safety Harbor Code Compliance at (727) 724-1555 ext.1705 or use the City Action Line.

4. What if the complaint is valid?

If the complaint is valid the Code Enforcement Officer will send the property owner of record a letter explaining the nature of the violation, what is necessary to correct the violation, and the amount of time given to correct the violation; normally 10 days.

5. What if the violation is not corrected?

In that case, the Code Enforcement Officer will issue an official Notice of Violation to the property owner requiring that the violation be corrected giving a date certain to come into compliance. If the violation persists, a hearing will be scheduled before the Code Enforcement Board.

6. What is the Code Enforcement Board?

The Code Enforcement Board is a group of citizens appointed by the City Commission. This Board has the authority make an official finding that the violation exists, order corrective actions, and to issue fines if the violation persists. The fines can constitute a lien on the violator’s property. The liens do accrue interest and include administrative costs as well as the fine. Code Enforcement Board Webpage

7. Will the City abate violations?

The City may abate violations only in the case of extremely unsafe or hazardous situations, and where property is overgrown the City may hire a company to cut the grass. Any abatement costs are also recorded as a lien on the violator’s property.

8. What constitutes high grass?

Weed or plant growth in excess of 12 inches in height that is within 75 feet of any improved property or 25 feet of any street can be declared a public nuisance.

9. What is an inoperative vehicle?

An inoperative vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is not in working condition or a vehicle that is unlicensed or unregistered. Only 1 such vehicle is permitted, provided it is stored in a carport or garage, or is fully covered with a car cover and neatly maintained.

10. Who do I contact about animal issues?

For pickup of stray animals - Humane Society of North Pinellas - 797-7722

For pickup of dead animals on City right-of-ways – Public Works – 724-1550

For nuisance alligators – Nuisance Alligator Hotline (a division of Florida Fish & Wildlife) – 866-392-4286
(Please note: This agency is the only one in the State of Florida that captures alligators. Alligators must be at least 4 feet in length or more for them to respond.)

11. What are my watering days and times?

Customers should monitor Pinellas County Utilities’ water restrictions website at http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/water-restrict.htm for up-to-date information, as restrictions can change at any time. As of August 2, 2017, the current authorized irrigation schedule using potable, well, lake or pond sources for Utilities customers is as follows:

•Addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Thursday and/or Sunday
•Addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Wednesday and/or Saturday
•Addresses with mixed or no addresses, such as common areas associated with residential subdivisions: Tuesday and/or Friday
•Lawn irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Handwatering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day at any time, if needed.

New lawns have a 60-day establishment period. On days 1-30, they may be watered any day of the week. During days 31-60, they may be watered three days per week. Even-numbered addresses may water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered only on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Customers using reclaimed water provided by Pinellas County Utilities should be following the reclaimed water restrictions found at http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/reclaim-irrigation.htm.