Show All Answers

1. What are permits and why do I need one?

Permits are the way the City of Pinellas Park regulates construction. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction. View our page on permit lists / permit needs.

2. When don't I need a permit?

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.

View our No Permits page which shows examples of when permits are not required.

3. What happens if I build without a permit?

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.

4. How and where do I get a permit?

You may obtain a permit application in our Online Permit section or at the Building Development Division. See our page on Obtaining Permits.

5. What other information do I need to supply in order to apply for a permit?

When applying for a permit, the following information is required to complete the permit submittal:

• Description of the work
• Legal owner's name, address and phone number
• Location of the project (address)
• Square footage of the area being effected
• Valuation of the proposed work (what it would cost to hire a contractor to do the work)

6. Who can obtain a permit?

Permits may be issued to certain individuals. See who can obtain one and the permitting schedule on our Permit Issuing and Scheduling page.

Also, you may obtain a permit application in our Online Permit section or at the Building Development Division. See our page on Obtaining Permits.

7. How long does it take to get a permit?

Permit issuance periods vary. Some projects, such as re-roofs, 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.

You may obtain a permit application in our Online Permit section or at the Building Development Division. See our page on Obtaining Permits.

8. What if I have a permit but never called for inspections?

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 727-369-5647. 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.