Do I Need a Permit? Checklist and FAQ

Step 1.Verify That 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, 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 your property is located in the city of Clearwater.

Step 2.Permit Application Links

Step 3.Visit the Fee Estimator Page

Access the Fee Estimator page to calculate the cost of your permit. You may also access a printable fee list. 

Step 4.Complete the Form

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

• If any concerns or issues are identified, they will be transmitted to the contractor (if the application was submitted through our online permitting system) 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 or email epermit@myclearwater.com.

Step 1.Q) Why do I need a permit?

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.

Step 2.Q) What types of work or projects require a permit?

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)

Step 3.Q) How do I determine building height?

A) Building height is determined based on the type of roof that will be on the building.

• In the case of a building with a flat roof, the vertical distance from the mean elevation of the existing grade to the highest finished roof surface.

• In the case of a building with a pitched roof, the vertical distance from the existing grade to a point representing the midpoint of the peak and eave heights of the main roof structure of the roof.

• For other structures, the vertical distance from the existing grade to the highest point of the structure above such existing grade.

Step 4.Q) How do I determine building height in a flood area?

A) In addition to the above, where minimum floor elevations in flood-prone areas have been established by law, the building height may be measured as though the required minimum floor elevations constitute the existing grade. For example, the height is measured from the Design Flood Elevation (DFE), to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA ) and city of Clearwater requirements.

Step 5.Q) What types of work or projects do not require a permit?

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 a job market value of less than $500. If the work is being done on a property located in a Flood Hazard Area (FHA), complete and submit page one of Application for Non-Substantial Damage / Improvement Review. 

Step 6.Q) How do I get a permit? 

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, Accela online permitting site, or in some cases, in-person or via U.S. Mail. Refer to the specific application or webpage for more information.

Step 7.Q) What documents are required to obtain a permit?

A) 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. Refer to the specific application or webpage for more information.  

Step 8.Q) How much will my permit cost? 

A) The cost is based on the market value of the job and depends on the type of permit. Visit the Fee Estimator page to get an estimated cost for the permit you are applying for. You can also access a printable fee list.

Step 9.Q) What’s the process after I submit my application for a permit?

A) The process and timing following the 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. Refer to the specific application or webpage for more information. 

Step 10.Q) Who do I call for general information about permitting?

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