ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of St. Petersburg’s permitting team has been working diligently to process permits and assist St. Pete homeowners in complying with the 49% Rule as quickly as efficiently as possible.
The City has processed a staggering number of permit requests in response to the increased volume due to storm damage:
- September: 6,573 inspections completed and 1,863 permits approved, completed, or in process
- October: 6,354 inspections completed and 2,936 permits approved, completed, or in process
- November to date: 6,318 inspections completed and 2,868 permits approved, completed, or in process
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In order to serve more customers wanting to submit plans in person, the City has temporarily extended hours of operation on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. to 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The permitting office will now operate Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. until further notice. The permitting office is located at the Municipal Services Center at One 4th St. N.
The City of St. Petersburg would like to inform those filing permits that there may be extended wait times as staff works to process the unprecedented volume. Staff is working as quickly and efficiently as possible and appreciates the patience of visiting customers.
Customers are encouraged to arrive early and bring their required documentation:
- Photo ID
- Floor layout
- Summary of storm damage
- Photos and/or videos of storm damage – email to floodplain@stpete.org with your address and the storm name in the subject line
The City of St. Petersburg would like to share these tips for homeowners who are going through the permitting process:
- Get required permits before you or your contractor start repair, improvement, or construction on your home
- Build back safer and stronger – consider building stronger to withstand future storms
- Hire a licensed contractor
- Elevate your electrical outlets and HVAC system
If you’re in a flood zone, know what repairs require permits after storm damage and learn about FEMA’s 49% Rule, which may impact your property. More information about the 49% Rule can be found at stpete.org/Rule49.
More information about the City of St. Petersburg permitting process can be found at stpete.org/permitting. Permitting-related questions can be directed to StormRecoveryPermits@stpete.org or 727-893-7231.
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