Accessibility Public Records News Calendar Human Resources

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.

Storm Recovery Permitting Update

Storm recovery permitting will resume on Wednesday, October 16. To prioritize recovery efforts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, all non-recovery building inspections will be temporarily suspended until further notice.

Eligibility

The storm recovery permitting services referred to here apply only to properties located in unincorporated Pinellas County and contracted communities where Pinellas County serves as the building official.

Expedite the Storm Recovery Permitting Process

  • In-Person Assistance
    Staff will guide you through the permitting process and, when possible, issue permits on the spot.
  • Extended Hours
    Starting Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Building Services office at 440 Court Street, Clearwater, will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday-Friday) and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to support storm damage repair permits.
  • Priority Given to Storm Recovery
    To focus on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, all non-recovery building inspections are temporarily suspended until further notice

Storm Recovery Permitting and Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement Forms

Permitting Guidelines

  • Fast Permit Issuance
    Our goal is to issue repair permits within a 1-3-day period. Staff are available to facilitate in-person permitting at our 440 Court St., Clearwater office. Licensed contractors are strongly encouraged to use the ACA permitting portal for efficiency.
  • 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, require a Building Services inspection before a permit can be issued. This inspection will occur the next day. Within two days, Building Services will collaborate 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.

What to Bring

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

Completed Forms

Central Permit Form

Notice of Commencement: Complete numbers 1-4. Form must be notarized and recorded at the Pinellas County Clerk’s office.

Subcontractor List: Complete only if scope of work includes more than one specialty

Application for Construction in a Floodplain

Floodplain Substantial Improvement Disclosure

Additional items for owners acting as contractors

Owner/Contractor Affidavit (verified in-office by BDRS staff)

Driver’s license or state-issued identification card

Additional items for licensed contractors

State contractor license number

Current Certificate of Insurance

Emergency Permitting Procedures for Temporary Housing

Permit applications for placing temporary shelter(s) on properties with homes damaged and deemed uninhabitable due to a natural disaster will be made available.

  • For permitting purposes, the following will be considered temporary structures:
    • Recreational Vehicles
    • Trailers
    • Similar structures such as modular home and tiny homes. These may require evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
  • A zoning clearance may be issued for temporary shelter, as described above, when no additional permits are required and only for the temporary placement of structures. No zoning fee will be assessed, and clearances may be expedited.
    • Temporary shelter must be owner-occupied, and an owner affidavit is required.
    • A building permit is needed for utilities (e.g., temporary power pole).
    • Emergency permits for temporary housing with utilities will receive expedited review, completed within five days.

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.

This process is pursuant to Florida Statute Section 1.125.023