Storm Recovery Permitting

Goal

Our goal is to help residents stay in their homes and businesses reopen as quickly as possible by streamlining the permitting process for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Permitting Guidelines

• Prioritized Permit Issuance
  Storm repair permits will be expedited from intake to issuance unless a detailed substantial damage assessment is required.  If this is the case, the permit will be intaked and a detailed substantial damage assessment will be performed.  The results of this assessment will determine if the permit can proceed under substantial improvement permitting processes. Staff are available to assist residents and contractors through the permit process.
• Express Permits
  Express permits require additional staff review for substantial improvement compliance.  If the structure is determined to be outside a regulated flood hazard area, the permit will be processed.
• In-Person Assistance
  For homeowners pursuing an owner-builder permit, property owners must personally appear to sign the Owner/Contractor affidavit. Homeowners should refer to the “What to Bring” section below to facilitate a permit being issued. Staff are available to explain the provisions of an owner-builder permit, including the risks associated with the permit option.
• Substantial Damage Inspections
  Certain homes identified as Pre-FIRM, such as those built before flood maps were in place in the late 1970s, and properties that were categorized as having “major” damage associated with the County’s Damage Assessment efforts require a substantial damage inspection before a permit can be issued. This inspection will be prioritized and will occur within 1-2 days. Building Services will then expedite collaboration with floodplain specialists to determine if the structure is substantially damaged. This assessment will guide the appropriate recovery and permitting path.
• Fee Waivers
  All permit fees for storm recovery repair permits will be waived, except for repairs related to outside amenities such as patios, driveways, and swimming pools.
• Inspections and Safety
  Our building staff is currently conducting substantial damage inspections in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County, as well as in the following communities where the County serves as the Building Official: Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor. Habitability reviews are being carried out to ensure that homes are safe to live in. Inspectors will also have the ability to issue permits on the spot for minor repairs.
• Limited Demolition in Advance of Permit
  Limited demolition, such as removing damaged drywall, is allowed before obtaining a building permit.

For Substantially Damaged Properties

If your home or business is determined to be substantially damaged by a flood, you may be required to meet building requirements in your community to reduce future flood damage before you repair or rebuild. To help cover some of the costs of those requirements, the National Flood Insurance Program offers Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. You must file your ICC claim within 60 days of receiving your Substantial Damage determination letter, and the mitigation project must be completed within six years.

What to Bring

Residents and contractors should bring the following items to expedite the permitting process.

Additional Resources

Information such as your property Base Flood Elevation (BFE) can be found at  https://floodmaps.pinellas.gov/

 What is Substantial Improvement? pinellas.gov/substantial-damage-substantial-improvement/

You may apply online or in person at 440 Court St. Clearwater, FL 33756.

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This process is pursuant to Florida Statute Section 1.125.023