Residential Permits

Residential building permits cover most work on one- and two-family dwellings and related structures. They help ensure your home improvements are safe, code-compliant and properly documented.

Common Residential Permit Types

• New single-family or two-family homes.
• Room additions, garages, enclosed porches, and interior remodels.
• Pools and spas, decks, sheds, carports and screen rooms.
• Trade permits for electrical, mechanical plumbing and gas work.
• Solar photovoltaic systems and other energy upgrades.

Before You Apply

Use the Permitting Guide and Building FAQs to confirm which permit type you need and what documents are required.

• Check if your project needs a building permit.
• Confirm zoning and setback requirements for pools, sheds, fences and other additions.
• Prepare digital copies of plans, surveys, product approvals and other required documents.
  • All structural work requires building plans digitally signed and sealed by an architect or engineer.
  • Trade plans (ex: plumbing, electric) must be signed by the contractor.
• Decide whether you will hire a licensed contractor or apply as an owner-builder where allowed. (Please review Florida Statute 489.103(7) for the Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement)
• Need help? Call 727-464-3888 (Option 2).

Construction in a Floodplain

If your property is located in a flood zone, special building regulations and Substantial Improvement rules will apply to your project. Review the County’s floodplain construction guidelines to ensure your permit application meets all elevation and safety requirements before you build.

Review Permit Times & Activity

Want to know how long your application might take? Check our real-time dashboard to see current review times, total permit activity and inspection statistics before you apply.

How to Apply Online

Residential permits are applied for and tracked through the Pinellas County Access Portal.

• Sign in to the Access Portal or create an account.
• Choose the residential record type that best matches your project (for example, Residential Addition, Residential Roof, Residential Electrical).
• Complete each section of the application and upload all required plans and documents.
• Pay application fees online.
• Monitor your record for review comments, requests for corrections and approval notices.
• Schedule inspections through the Access Portal once your permit is issued.

Below is a list of available residential permit types and subtypes. All applications must be submitted through the Pinellas County Access Portal.

Permit	Subtype
Addition	Addition to Building
Aluminum Structure	Canopy Carport Mobile Home Accessory Package Screen Room/Pool Enclosure
Building Other	Concrete Slab with Footers/Foundation Exterior Deck/Porch Foundation Stabilization/Sinkhole Other Building Shed Prefab Tie-down Only Shed Site Built
Demolition	Demolition
Electrical	Alarm System/Low Voltage Generator New Service-Panel Other Electrical Standalone Pedestal/Power Pole/Saw Pole
Fences and Walls (for fences under six feet, call 727-464-3888 (Option 3) or email DRS-help@pinellas.gov)	Fence Masonry Fence/Wall Retaining Wall Seawall
Gas	Gas Appliance Replacement Gas Systems, New or Extend Gas – New Liquified Petroleum Tank Other Gas Standalone
Mechanical	New A/C System New Minisplit with Electric Other Mechanical Standalone
Mobile Home	Setup On Lot
New Construction	Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Accessory Structure (shed more than 100 sq. ft.)
New: Single-Family; Duplex; Townhome	Duplex Single-Family House Townhome Individual Unit
Plumbing	Existing Water Service/Sewer Replacement Lawn Sprinkler (Connect to City/County) New Sewer/Water Service or Site Work Other Plumbing Standalone
Pools and Spas	Pool/Spa Above Ground Pool/Spa Inground
Remodel/Repair/Renovation	Exterior Renovation Interior Remodel Interior/Exterior Remodel Kitchen/Bathroom Remodel Standalone Repair
Solar	Domestic Water Heater Photovoltaic Pool/Spa Heater
Sun Room	Sun Room