Permitting Guide

How To Guide

Permit Submittal Intake Checklist

The following are potential requirements to accompany Residential and Commercial Permit applications. Requirements vary based on the type of permit.

• Habitat Permit Form: When exterior work or new construction is being proposed
• Right-of-Way Utilization Form: For projects proposed in the County Right of Way such as new/replacement driveways, sidewalks, sewer or water connections, temporary access, etc.
• Building Plans: Two complete sets of building plans; most projects will require these plans be signed and sealed.
• All plans must show existing conditions and proposed conditions.
• Current Boundary/Topographic Survey: Issued within last five years and plot plan/site plan for all projects. Outdated surveys will not be accepted for new construction.

• Recorded Notice of Commencement Form (NOC): For any project value over $2,500 for building trade and $15,000 for mechanical equal change outs.
• Completed Sub-Contractor Form: For any permits that require multiple trade work
• Owner Builders may start the application but must appear in person for affidavit verification with a valid State-issued ID. Owner Contractor Affidavit
• All other information that might be applicable to specific projects such as:
  • Signed energy forms & HVAC sizing calculations
  • Florida Product Approval List
  • Flood Zone Application (New Construction only- A&V Zones)
  • FEMA Cost Breakdown information
  • Copy of signed contract & Substantial Improvement Disclosure Form if FEMA 50% Rule is applicable
  • No objection letters from electric company (pools and signs)
  • For properties on septic, No objection letter/permit from the Florida Department of Health for proposed project
  • Equipment specifications
• Safety Act Letter – Required for pools.

Development Review Permit Submittal Intake Checklist

The following are minimum requirements to accompany all Development Review applications, such as Zoning Clearances for Short-Term Vacation Rentals, Driveways, Slabs, Paving, Resealing, Restriping, Patios, Sheds with foundation under 100 square feet, Fill of all types, and Fences.

• Habitat Permit Form
• Right of Way Utilization Form: For projects proposed in the County Right of Way such as new/replacement driveways, sidewalks, sewer or water connections, temporary access, etc.
• Drawings: Detailing entire work scope.
• Site Plan/Survey
• All other information that might be applicable to specific projects.
• Please note certain documents may or may not be required, subject to review and scope of work.

Contractors

• Please note: You must have a valid license associated with your Pinellas County Access Portal account in order to add your license to Permit applications. Permitting contractors will need to create an account through the Pinellas County Access Portal (instructions). A current state-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a state identification card, must be uploaded to your Pinellas County Access Portal account for Pinellas County Building Services to verify a license holder, a process that may take up to 24 business hours.
• Only licensed contractors can add a license to their Pinellas County Access Portal and contractor must be identified as the Account Owner. Authorized agents must be added as delegates by the contractor on the contractor account to act on their behalf once permissions have been granted.

PCCLB registered contractors

When registering with Pinellas County Access Portal, your contractor license must be in Active status. Please note if your contractor license does not appear when adding your license to the Pinellas County Access Portal account, your license may be expired, or may not be active in the PCCLB database. You will need to contact the PCCLB directly to rectify any issues with the status of your license. The Pinellas County Building and Development Review Services Department will not be able to update any license information. Permits will not be processed for inactive contractors.

All contractors not regulated by PCCLB

For contractors not regulated by PCCLB registration must be submitted to Building@pinellas.gov. Please include the following items:

• Copy of State-issued contractor license
• Liability and workers compensation insurance certificates
• Copy of State-issued identification (driver’s license, etc.); address must match contractor license

All permits applied for in error are NON-REFUNDABLE.

• Express Permits are standalone and cannot be combined together for a larger project. There are three main types of building permits: Express, Residential, and Commercial. Visit the Digital Plan Room to view all permit types, including Development Review Services permits.
  Questions? Contact us by email or at (727) 464-3888
  • For private provider permits and protected address permits, please contact us.

Scheduling Inspections:

(727) 453-4000, IVR user IDs and pins are no longer required. Cut off for next day inspections is 3:30 p.m.

Follow the system prompts for the corresponding permit type.

Inspection Phone Line Codes