Building Development FAQ
Q: What are permits and why do I need one?
A: Permits are the way the City of Pinellas Park regulates construction. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction.
The following list indicates when a permit is required:
Interior of Structures
- Appliance - Replace or install gas appliance
- Bathrooms - Remodeling or new if the value is greater than $500
- Ceramic Tile - Tub or shower area if the value is greater than $500
- Door - Size of rough opening altered
- Drywall - If repair is over 32 square feet
- Railings - Repair, replace or new if the value is greater than $500
- Remodeling - If the value is greater than $500
- Stairs - Repair, replace or new if the value is greater than $500
- Walls - Removal, extension of existing or new walls if the value is greater than $500
Plumbing and Water Supply
- Appliance - New location of sewer or water lines
- Faucets - Shower or tub replacement or new
- Fire Systems - Repair, replace or new
- Hose Bib - New location of water line
- Plumbing - Install new or remodeling including water, sewer and gas lines
- Sewer Line - Repair, replace or new
- Shower Pan - Repair, replace or new
- Sink - New location of sewer or water lines
- Spas - Install (not portable)
- Tub - Replace or new
- Water Filtration System - Replace or new
- Water Heater - Replace or new
- Water Lines - Repair, replace or new
- Water Softener - Replace or new
- Water Closet - New location of sewer or water lines
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
- A/C Heating - Install system
- A/C Heating - Install wall unit by cutting out or removing part of wall (not replacement)
- A/C Heating - Replace condenser, air handler or heating elements
- Duct - Alteration, replacement or new if value of work is greater than $500
- Equipment Hoods - Repair, replace or new if value of work is greater than $500
- Heating Unit - Repair or new if value of work is greater than $500
- Hot Water Heater Exchange Unit - Repair or new if value of work is greater than $500
- Ventilation - Repair, replace or new ducted with electric hook-up
Electrical
- Appliances/Equipment - New location where electric must be extended
- A/C Heat - Wiring repair, replace or new
- Ceiling Fan - New location (not replacement) where electric must be extended
- Electric Systems - Repair, replace or new , where electric wiing must be extended (any part of system, except replacement of fuses or breakers)
- Electric Service - Work on existing service or panel (including upgrade, except replacement of fuses or breakers)
- Light Fixture - New location where electric must be extended
- Low Voltage Wiring - Alarms, new construction and existing (direct wire only)
- Outdoor Lighting - New location where electric must be extended (not low voltage)
Exterior of Structures
- All New Construction - If the value is greater than $500
- Addition - Increase of floor area
- Antenna/Satellite Dish - Please See Section 18-1507
- Awnings - Commercial if the value is greater than $500
- Bearing Post - Replace or new
- Carports - Repair, replace, new or close in for additional habitable or storage space
- Covered Patio - Repair, replace, new or close in for additional habitable or storage space
- Door - Size of rough opening altered
- Fireplace - Repair, replace or new if the value is greater than $500
- Garage - Close in for additional habitable or storage space
- Hurricane Shutters - More than two-story structure and no electric
- Railings - Repair, replace or new if the value is greater than $500
- Remodeling - If the value is greater than $500
- Roof - New and re-roof
- Roof - Repair existing roof if the value is greater than $500
- Screen Room - Repair, replace or new. Repair does not include screen replacement (See Pool/Spa Enclosure)
- Screen Walls - Install vinyl or glass in existing screen walls
- Shed - Repair, replace or new if the value is greater than $500
- Siding - New or replace over 100 square feet
- Stairs - Repair, replace or new if the value is greater than $500
- Walls - Removal, replace or new if the value is greater than $500
- Window - Remove and fill in opening
- Window - Repair, replace or new if the value of work is greater than $500
Site/Landscaping
- Concrete Patio - Repair, replace or new if the value of work is greater than $500 (check zoning regulations)
- Concrete Sidewalk/Steps - Repair, replace or new if the value of work is greater than $500 (check zoning regulations)
- Drainage - Any change to existing flow of storm water
- Driveway - New, add to existing or replacement if the value of work is greater than $500
- Fence - New
- Fence - Repair or replace more than 25 feet of existing
- Filling in of Lot - More than 250 yards of fill
- Flag Poles - Commercial
- Grubbing/Digging - Removal of Florida native vegetation
- Parking Lots - Repair, replace, new, add to existing or restriping if the value of work is greater than $500
- Pool - Replace deck or new equipment if the value of work is greater than $500 (not relocating of deck)
- Pool/Spa Enclosure - Repair, replace or new if the value of work is greater than $500 (See Screen Room)
- Pool/Spa - Replace or new in ground or above ground pool/spa with a minimum depth of eighteen inches.
- Tents - Commercial use
- Tree - Removal or relocation of protected species
- Wood Deck/Steps/Balconies - Repair, replace or new if the value of work is greater than $500
Q: When don't I need a permit?
A: Most major projects will require permits of some kind. This is necessary to ensure that all buildings meet minimum standards which protect its occupants and neighbors in everyday living and in the case of emergencies or natural disasters.
Some minor projects are allowed without obtaining building permits. However the construction of such projects should be in conformance with all applicable codes.
The following list indicates when a permit is not required.
Interior of Structures
- Appliance - Replacement other than gas
- Cabinets Kitchen/Bath - Repair, replace or new
- Door - Replace assembly, including jambs
- Flooring - Carpet, vinyl, wood or ceramic tile
- Painting - Interior
- Walls - Portable or temporary without electric or plumbing
Exterior of Structures
- Awnings - Residential
- Burglar Bars - Replace or new - Burglar Bars on required emergency egress windows shall meet the requirements of section 1005.4.5 Security Devises of the 2001 Florida Building Code.
- Door - Replace assembly, including jambs
- Garage Door - Replacement
- Gutters
- Hurricane Shutters - One/two story structure and no electric
- Painting - Exterior
- Roof - Repair if the value of work is less than $500
- Screen Room - Replace screening only
- Siding - Repair small area less than 100 square feet
- Soffit or Fascia - Not including structural repairs
- Stucco
- Window Glass - Replacement
- Window - Repair or replace if the value of work is less than $500
Plumbing and Water Supplies
- Faucet - Reinstall sink faucet in same location (does not include tub or shower faucet)
- Hose Bib - Replace
- Ice Maker Line - Replace or new
- Sink - Reinstall in same location
- Water Closet - Reinstall in same location
- Water Heater - Repair, no replacing of pipes
- Wells - (SWFWMD permit may be required) - (electric permit may be required)
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- A/C/Heating - Install window unit in existing opening
- A/C/Heating - Repair if the value of work is less than $500
Electrical
- Alarms - Low voltage phone lines, computer lines, plug in alarm systems and lighting
- Ceiling Fans - Replacement of existing
- Light Fixture - Replacement of existing
- Outlet or Switch - Replacement of existing
Site/Landscaping
- Arbors/Trellises - New or replacement, but not allowed in building setbacks
- Driveway - Recoat/seal asphalt
- Fence - Repair or replace permitted fence less than 25 feet
- Filling in of Lot - Less than 250 yards of fill with no change in existing drainage
- Flag Poles - Residential
- Grubbing/digging - Removal of nuisance exotic vegetation (Building Development inspection required)
- Landscaping - Residential
- Laundry Poles
- Parking Lots - Recoat/seal and re-striping same as originally approved
- Playground Equipment - Kids play structures such as swings, play houses or basketball hoops
- Pool or Spa Equipment - Repair if the value of work is less than $500
- Spa - Portable with approved electric and fencing
- Sprinklers - Install landscaping sprinklers (cannot hook into public water supply; must have own well or reclaimed water)
- Tents - Residential
- Tree - Removal or relocation of non-protected species
These examples are only some of the exempted projects which are listed in various code books. Not all exempted projects have been included. Contact the Building Development Division for additional information.
Q: What happens if I build without a permit?
A: If you begin construction without the required permit(s), a "Stop Work Order" will immediately be issued by an Inspector. You will be required to apply for the permit(s) and pay additional fees (twice the amount of the original fee). After the permit has been properly issued, you will then be required to uncover any work which has been covered so that it may be inspected prior to the release of the "Stop Work Order", or the building official may allow an engineer or architect to inspect and take responsibility for the work. He would then have to write a letter to the building department accepting responsibility for the work and assuring the work complies with the code. In some cases, regulations or codes may not permit the type of construction that has been done. In this case, you may be required to replace or restore the area to its original condition prior to your construction.
Q: How and where do I get a permit?
A: You may obtain a permit application in our Online Permit section or at the Building Development Division. Permits are issued by the Building Development Division at the permit counter which is located in the Public Works/ Technical Services Building, 6051- 78th Avenue, Pinellas Park. The permit counter is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. You can contact us by calling (727) 541-0752.
On some simple jobs, a permit may be obtained during the first visit. However, in most circumstances, more time will be needed to review the plans in detail prior to issuing any permits.
A minimum of three complete sets of building plans and 5 sets of site plans are required to obtain permits for most projects. Staff at the Permit Counter can assist you with the requirements for your specific project. In general, however, a complete set includes.
- Plot Plan - showing the position of the proposed project in relation to existing buildings, property lines and any easements.
- Foundation Plan - indicating the type, size and location of new foundations or footings.
- Floor Plan - detailing the location of walls, supports, size and location of doors, windows, electrical outlets, heaters, plumbing fixtures, smoke detectors and the square footage of the project. Again, as with the plot plan, what is existing and what is proposed to be built should be clearly noted.
- Roof Framing - clearly indicating the size and methods of assembly of roof rafters and ceiling joists. Typically, roof slope and roofing materials are called out on this plan.
- Floor Framing - clearly indicating the size and methods of assembly of all floor framing members. Floor joists, girders and sub floor size along with foundation connections should be shown on this plan.
- Cross Sections - clearly indicating ceiling heights, wall construction and R-value of any insulation to be used.
- Exterior Elevations - clearly showing how the exterior of the building will look upon completion. Doors, windows, exterior material, etc. should be shown.
- Energy Calculations - any time conditioned (heated or cooled) space is added to a building you are required to show compliance with the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction.
- Structural Calculations - structural calculations may be required if your project is of large size, unusual shape and/or more than two stories in height. These calculations allow the Building Development Division to verify that structural elements are adequately sized and connected. This portion of the project must be prepared by a licensed engineer or architect.
Q: What other information do I need to supply in order to apply for a permit?
A: When applying for a permit, the following information is required to complete the permit submittal:
- Description of the work
- Location of the project (address)
- Legal owner's name, address and phone number
- Valuation of the proposed work (what it would cost to hire a contractor to do the work)
- Square footage of the area being effected
Q: Can I draw up my own plans?
A: Plans, drawings and specifications may be prepared by anyone for the following projects:
- Above the ground pools and spas
- Driveways
- Fence - new/repair
- Patios/sidewalks
Q: Who can obtain a permit?
A: Permits may be issued to:
- Property owners (for work on owner occupied single family residences.
- Licensed Contractors.
- Certified Agents with a Letter of Authorization signed by the owner or contractor and notarized.
When a permit is issued, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A Florida Drivers License, State of Florida Identification Card or other positive identification will meet this requirement.
Contractors are required to have a current State certified Contractor's License and a current Pinellas County Construction License Board (PCCLB) card or a competency card from the Pinellas County Construction License Board. Permit Fee Schedule
| Total Valuation |
Fee |
| $1,000 and less |
$25.00 minimum fee shall be charged. |
| $1,000 to $50,000 |
$25.00 for first $1,000 valuation plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to and including $50,000. |
| $50,001 to $100,000 |
$265.00 for the first $50,000 valuation plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to and including $100,000. |
| Over $100,000 |
$465.00 for the first $100,000 valuation plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof. |
| Electrical, Plumbing, Gas or Mechanical Permits. |
$.03 (three cents) per square foot with a minimum fee of $25.00. |
Technology & Enhancement Fee Schedule
* Payment of fees may be made in the form of cash, personal checks, credit cards or money orders.
Q: How long does it take to get a permit?
A: Permit issuance periods vary. Some projects, such as reroofs, water heaters, fences, sheds, etc. may be fully permitted over the counter, meaning a return trip won't be needed. Other projects, however, require that plans be left for additional review. Most projects can be plan reviewed within ten working days.
Q: What about inspections?
A: It is your responsibility to insure inspections at specific times during construction are requested. You may have your contractor make the call, but it is still your responsibility, as the property owner, to make sure the inspections are made.
During the construction phase, inspections by the City Staff are required. These inspections are required to insure that the construction is proceeding according to the approved plans and/or that all current code standards are being met.
All inspection requests must be made at least one working day in advance. Periodic inspections must be requested until the project is completed and final approval is given by the City. You can call the permit inspection line at (727) 541-0757 to request an inspection.
Building Inspection Guidelines
- Urban Forestry - Environmental Inspection
Sites which contain trees and Florida native plants or contain environmentally sensitive areas near or within the area to be built upon or altered, must be inspected prior to the commencement of any site clearing. Following the inspection, and upon approval and issuance of a tree removal or grubbing permit, site clearing may commence, provided that other concerned agencies, such as DEP and SWFWMD.
- Building - Footing Inspection
Inspect depth, width, reinforcement, electrical bonding, footing not on fill dirt, unless properly compacted and setbacks. This could be a monolithic pour of footing and slab. If so, inspections #2, #3, and #4 would pertain. Compare the work done to the approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Plumbing - First Rough Inspection
Inspect sanitary drain pipes for proper fall, size, test for leaks, and if all fittings are the right type. Water piping - check for leaks, and if pipes are protected from cement and different types of metals. Check piping for right size for the amount of fixtures. Compare the work done to the approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Building - Slab Inspection
Inspect soil treatment under living area, compaction of fill dirt (if over 24" of fill, a compaction test will be required), vapor barrier under living area, wire mesh, unless fiber mesh is used, and reinforcement is in place. Compare the work done to the approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Engineering - Utility Installation Inspection (If Applicable)
Required for extension of all dedicated sanitary sewer and water line facilities. DER permit verifications, pipe installations, pressure testing, bacteriological testing, deflection testing, infiltration/exfiltration testing and televising of utilities. Review specifications and permits for compliance.
- Building - Tie Beam / Lintel Inspection
No inspection will be made without a survey with finished floor elevations and all setback measurements shown at the job site. Inspect reinforcement from footing through tie beam / lintel steel, length of reinforcement lap, size and type of reinforcement. Check if inspection holes in block are cleaned out. Compare the work done to the approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Electrical - First Rough Inspection
Inspect wire run for size, amount of circuits, amounts of wires in each box, wire staple spacing, box holes patched, smoke alarm location, exterior lights, spacing of outlets, IC rating of recessed lighting fixtures, fan boxes, and nail plates. Compare the work done to the approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Building - Sheathing Inspection
Inspect sheathing on roof and walls and nailing if applicable.
- Plumbing - Second Rough Inspection
Inspect for leaks in tub, shower pan, shower drain, vent stacks, and water piping. Inspect tub for level, water piping for strapping, tub and shower valves for stops, and check if vent stacks are through the roof with flashing. Compare the work to approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Mechanical - First Rough Inspection
Inspect duct work for size and location. Dryer vents, bath fan vents, and range hood vents. Check lines to equipment, plenums for sealing, and check proposed location of equipment. Compare the work to approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Rough-In Inspection and Pressure Test
NOTE: GAS INSPECTION, WORK AND TEST MUST BE DONE BY A CERTIFIED PERSON. Inspect piping size and location, venting of appliances--15 pounds per square inch - pressure test with gauge no larger than 30 pounds per square inch, tagged and left for 24 hour test. Compare the work to approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Building - Framing Inspection
Inspection made only after inspections #7, #8, #9 and #10 are approved. Inspect type of studs, spacing, and protection of untreated wood against concrete, block, or metal. Inspect roof rafters, ceiling joists or trusses for spacing, size and bracing. Check sheathing on floor, walls and nailing. Check floor joists for size, notching and spacing. Check connections: straps, buckets, bolts; nails for size and quantity and to plans. Check header size, furring strips, spacing and nails. Check fire blocking and draft stopping. Truss engineering shall be available to inspector. All holes, top plate and exterior walls shall be sealed. Compare the work done to the approved building plans and applicable codes.
Note: Roofing must have a dryin inspection.
- Building - Drywall Inspection
Inspect all drywall before any finishing is started. Check drywall for right type and thickness, and amount and spacing of screws or nails. Ceiling drywall shall be 1/2" ceiling drywall or 5/8" on ceiling joists of 24" on center. All bathroom walls exposed to water shall be M.R. (moisture resistant) drywall.
- Plumbing - Sewer and Water Service Inspection
Inspect size of pipe, type material, leaks, the right fittings for different type pipes. Check the amount of fall for sewer line, and clean-out locations. Compare the work to approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Electrical - Final Inspection
Inspect outlets, switches, lighting, GFI outlets, arc fault circuits required in bedrooms, trim, appliances, trim, appliances, panel breakers, panel labeling, and fans. Compare the work to approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Plumbing - Final Inspection
Inspect sinks, faucets, tubs, showers, water heaters with relief valves to pan draining outside, hose bibs with vacuum breakers, and no leaks, all holes filled through walls and cabinetry. Compare the work to approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Mechanical - Final Inspection
Inspect equipment including location and rating label, if heatshields are in place and condensate line draining to exterior with trap. Check location of exterior equipment to make sure it is not in building setbacks. Compare the work to approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Gas - Final Inspection
Inspect connection and location of equipment, safety devices installed. Proper type of connector and shut off. Check for proper type of flue and connection. Compare the work to approved building plans and applicable codes.
- Engineering - Rough Grading and Paving
Inspect all sub-grades and final grades for proper drainage not affecting abutting property. Base inspections of asphalt/concrete paving including materials testing. Sidewalk and driveway form inspection.
- Final Landscape Inspection
Inspect trees and landscaping for compliance to Land Development Code Requirements (number and size of trees, species, setback requirements, spacing of trees and shrubs). Inspect seeding or sodding requirements and irrigation or sprinkler system regulations. Inspect for compliance to required preservation and protection of existing vegetation or environmentally sensitive areas.
- Engineering - Final Grading, Paving and Utilities
Final inspection and verification of pavement quantities. Verification of all utility installations including record drawing submittals and final grading inspection subsequent to landscape installation. Final permit review for compliance with DEP, SWFWMD, PPWMD, FDOT and Pinellas County Engineering.
- Building - Final Inspection
Inspect complete building to verify everything is complete and all inspections are finalized. Verify address numbers are displayed, verify exterior equipment is not in building setbacks, and the building is ready for occupancy.
- Certificate of Occupancy
All inspections must be finalized, and all red tags and transportation impact fees paid. Final survey is required.
NOTE: If you receive a RED TAG with a fee and request for re-inspection, the fee must be paid and work corrected BEFORE the re-inspection will be done. If you receive a RED TAG with a request for re-inspection (no fee), work must be corrected prior to re-inspection.
The above inspections are not the only aspects of construction the building development division inspects and is only a guide when to call for inspections when needed. To request inspections, call (727)541-0757 and give all information asked by the recorder.
Q: Can I do the work myself of do I have to hire a contractor?
A: Only owner occupied single family residence may do work requiring permits on their own property. The residential property owner will also need to fill out an "Owner/Occupant Affidavit" statement prior to the issuance of a permit.
Q: How do I verify if a contractor is licensed?
A: Contractors are required to be licensed by the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB). You can verify a contractors' license complaints by calling:
- PCCLB at (727) 536-4720
- Pinellas Park Building Development Division at (727) 541-0752
- The Better Business Bureau at (727) 535-5522
Q: What if I have a permit but never called for inspections?
A: Generally, permits expire after 180 days if no inspections have been made. In order for the project to be complete, it must pass final inspection. If a permit expires before final inspection, the project is in violation of City codes. If this is the case, call (727) 541-0752. We will help you to reactivate the permit or apply for another permit with as little inconvenience as possible. Our interest is in seeing your project is complete, including final inspection.
Q: How do I determine the value of the job?
A: What it would cost to hire a contractor to do the work.
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