Do I Need a Permit? Checklist

Step 1.Make sure your property is in the City of Clearwater

To verify if your property is in the City of Clearwater, visit the Pinellas County Property Appraiser website at https://pcpao.org/, enter the address in the Real Property box and click search. In the search results under Parcel Summary, look under Current Tax District for Clearwater, CW, CWD or CWDO, all of which indicate you are in City of Clearwater jurisdiction

Step 2.General Links

Step 3.Visit the Fee Estimator Page

Click the Fee Estimator page by clicking HERE and estimate the cost of your permit. A printable fee list can be found HERE. 

Step 4.Click On and Complete

Make sure to complete the appropriate PDF or online form and submit, along with any additional required documentation, via the appropriate method based upon the type of permit. 

Step 5.Pay Application Fees

Pay any fees associated with your application.  

Step 6.Wait to receive approval of your application and insurance of your permit before proceeding

Please note:

• If any concerns or issues are identified, they will be transmitted to the contractor (if the application was submitted through ePermit) or via email to the homeowner.
• A confirmation that an application has been received does not mean it has been approved. 

For additional information or to follow up on your submission, call (727) 562-4567.

Step 1.Why do I need a permit?

Permits are required to ensure that projects are safe and held to the latest government and industry codes and standards that protect the safety of the users of the building.

What types of work or projects require a permit?

In general, a permit is required:

• if you plan to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure
• if you plan to install, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system
• for pools and pool cages, fences, tree removal, signs, docks and sheds (with exceptions for sheds less than 100 square feet).

Step 2.What types of work or projects do NOT require a permit?

In general, a permit is NOT required for painting, putting up wallpaper, installing flooring such as tile/carpeting, replacing kitchen/bathroom cabinets or fixtures or repairing a very small and minor roof leak with job market value of less than $500. If the work is being done on a property located in a Flood Hazard Area (FHA), please complete and submit page one of APPLICATION FOR NON-SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE / IMPROVEMENT REVIEW which can be found HERE.  

Step 3.How do I get a permit? 

To obtain a permit, simply complete and submit the appropriate application along with any support materials required. Depending on the type of permit, you will submit your application through the City’s Zoning Portal, ePermit site or, in some cases, in-person or via US Mail. Please refer to the specific application or web page for more information

Step 4.What documents are required to obtain a permit?

Depending on the complexity of your project, you may be required to submit documentation, such as plans, diagrams and/or a materials list, along with your application. Your permit application should be a graphic description of exactly what work you want to do.  Please refer to the specific application or web page for more information.  

Step 5.How much will my permit cost? 

The cost is based on the market value of the job and depends on the type of permit. Click HERE to visit the Fee Estimator page which provides an estimated cost for many permit types. A printable fee list can be found HERE. 

Step 6.What’s the process after I submit my application for a permit?

The process and timing following application submission varies depending on the type of permit. All applications will go through a plan review process. Some requests will require inspections and/or a more in-depth review by staff. Applications requesting flexibility from development standards must be scheduled for review and consideration by the City’s Development Review Committee and/or the Community Development Board. While most permits are issued in a matter of days, more complex applications can take several weeks or months. Please refer to the specific application or web page for more information. 

Step 7.Who do I call for general information about permitting?

For general information or if you are unsure if you need to obtain a permit or submit an application, please call (727) 562-4567 or email epermit@myclearwater.com.