City attorney Andrea Zelman briefed Tampa City Council on limits the state’s Senate Bill 180 places on local land‑development regulations and how that affects efforts to regulate residential pickleball courts.

Zelman said the statute (Senate Bill 180) “prevents us from adopting land development regulations that are more burdensome or restrictive than what is currently on the books,” and noted other jurisdictions are reacting differently — for example, Hillsborough County was reported to be seeking an advisory opinion from the Florida Attorney General while weighing its options.

Zelman and Abby Feeley (planning staff) told council the city’s current land‑development code does not use the word “pickleball.” Feeley explained how the city treats structures and accessory uses: a pole or post over 36 inches in height is treated as a structure and would generally require applicable setbacks (she said a structure over 36 inches would need to be set back three feet from the property line). Feeley also said paving over 150 square feet requires a permit and that permits trigger stormwater review.

For enforcement of noise impacts, Feeley quoted the municipal ordinance (Sec. 14‑154) describing prohibitively excessive noise: "any sound which, because of its volume, level, or duration, jars, injures, or endangers the health, safety, welfare, or well‑being of a reasonable individual of ordinary sensibilities." She advised residents to call the Tampa Police Department non‑emergency number at (813) 231‑6130 to report excessive noise.

Zelman recommended the council not adopt new land‑development regulations specific to pickleball at this time, suggesting the city wait to see (1) the Hillsborough County attorney‑general request result, (2) outcomes of litigation around SB 180 in other jurisdictions, or (3) legislative fixes such as a “glitch bill.” She said the city is coordinating with the Florida League of Cities and the city’s lobbyists on the matter.

Council members expressed interest in protecting neighbors from late‑night noise and in clearer public guidance. Multiple council members urged residents to contact state legislators if they want the statute changed.

Provenance (selected evidence from the meeting transcript)

- Topic intro: transcript block starting at 2626.345 — evidence excerpt: "Andrea Zelman, city attorney. And I have with me Abby Feeley... this is obviously the discussion about pickleball... right now, we still have the issue in this state. Senate bill 180..."

- Topic finish: transcript block starting at 3728.87 — evidence excerpt: "...we are actively looking for ways to get this resolved... monitoring litigation and legislative activity."