Do I Need a Permit? FAQ

A) 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.  

A) 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).
• for other purposes not listed here

A) 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. 

A) 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.

A) 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. 

A) 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.

A) 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.