Get a Permit

Notice:

Effective June 24, 2024, the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) will no longer monitor state-certified contractors’ insurance.

  • Please send your current certificates of insurance listing the City of Clearwater as the certificate holder to epermit@myclearwater.com.
  • For those state-certified contractors exempt from Workers’ Compensation insurance please provide the exemption certificate as well.
  • Should the Workers’ Compensation insurance be written by a company outside of the state of Florida, it must include “Valid in Florida” on the certificate.
  • For those state-certified contractors working on or over water you must also provide United States Longshore & Harbor (USL&H) insurance.

The certificate holder should read as follows:  
City of Clearwater, Planning & Development
2741 State Road 580
Clearwater, FL 33761

A building permit is required if you plan to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure. Florida Statue Chapter 489 requires licensed contractors to obtain permits and do the permit work, with very few exceptions for single-family and duplex owner-occupied structures.

A building permit is also required if you plan to install, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, provided the installation is regulated by the Florida Building Code. A permit is also needed for installation and replacement of all fence types.

You will not need a permit for painting, erecting wallpaper, installing tile/carpeting, replacing kitchen/ bathroom cabinets or fixtures or repairing a very small and minor roof leak less than $500. If you are unsure if you need a permit, please contact us at (727) 562-4567.

Most permits can be obtained online and all licensed contractors must submit online for all window, roof, door, mechanical (air conditioning), plumbing and water heater permits. 

Many permits will require a more in-depth plan review by staff and could take between four and 15 days depending on the type of project. For applications and forms, click here.

If you have any trouble with online searches, call (727) 562-4567 for assistance.

Online

Step 1.Register for online permits (ePermits)

Online permits are applied for at epermit.myclearwater.com

Click "Register for an Account". Provide a username, password, contact information and contact type. You must be a licensed contractor or design professional to apply for building permits online. 

Contractors, please select "Licensed Professional" as the contact type when prompted to do so. Design Professionals, please follow the step in the Help tab document "Add license/OUTTOBID license to registration". 

Step 2.Submit your building permit application

Once registered, login to ePermits and select “Building” to begin your application for a building permit. You will then select “Create an Application”, and must agree to the disclaimer that will appear on your screen.

Next you will need to choose which type of building permit you need. You will then be prompted to complete the required information and to submit for review when finished. Payment of your plans review fee is required at the time of submittal. You can view an estimate for fees via our Fee Estimator. 

Step 3.Submit plans

Digital plans are also submitted for review through ePermits. Your permit is not officially received and routed for review until the required plans are uploaded. Follow all prompts and make sure you click “Finish”, otherwise the system will not recognize your permit application as being submitted. 

Submit Plans

Step 4.Submit a Recorded Notice of Commencement

If your project value exceeds $5,000 or if your project is to repair or replace an existing heating or air conditioning system with a project value exceeding $15,000, you will need to file a Notice of Commencement with Pinellas County Clerk of Court prior to issuance of a permit. Once the Notice of Commencement is filed, you need to post a certified copy at the job site and provide a copy to the city of Clearwater. 

Submit Your Recorded Notice of Commencement

Step 5.Plan Review Occurs, check plan status

At any point in the project, you can check your permit status, plan review completion dates, related permits, etc., via our Permit Lookup tool. Plan review times vary based on the plan review type (commercial vs. residential) and scope of work (repairs, new construction, roofs, additions, etc.)  

Check my permit status

Step 6.Pay remaining fees and verify contractors' licenses

Additional permit fees and any other fire or impact fees are paid prior to permit issuance. We will email you payment instructions after all reviews are completed and approved. You can view an estimate for fees via our Fee Estimator.

All updated contractor information is associated with your permit is required prior to issuance. If it hasn’t already been provided, please provide updated license contractor information at this time.   

Pay Fees

Step 7.Download permit and plans

After you pay your fees, we will email you to let you know your plans are available for download. Login to our online system and download your plans. You must print them to scale and post on your job site to begin construction. 

Download plans

Step 8.Schedule an inspection

Different permits need inspections at different points in the project. If your permit is open for six months without a passed inspection, it will expire. 

Schedule an inspection

Step 9.Submit changes after a permit is issued

If you need to submit any changes to the approved plans, make corrections noted by an inspector or upload documents to clear document holds, you must email epermit@myclearwater.com. This requires an amendment be created to the original permit.

Step 10.Check your permit status

Once you complete and pass your inspections the permit will be final. If you don’t close out your permit, this could cause issues later when trying to sell your property. Use ePermits to check the status of your permit and ensure that the status is "Completed."

Check permit status 

Step 11.Get your Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion

To receive a copy of your Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion, email epermit@myclearwater.com. Include your permit number in the subject line and attach completed copies of the Certificate of Occupancy Checklist and the Certificate of Occupancy or Completion form.

 

Business Tax Receipts

Only complete permit submittals will be accepted

(USE WHEN SUBMITTING PAPER PERMITS)

Complete application must include the following as applicable to your project:

  • Permit application form - name, address, phone number and email
  • Updated state certification
  • Notice of Commencement – Recorded, one copy required prior to issuance of permit if value is greater than $5,000
  • Plan review fee must be paid at time of submittal
  • Interior work: Two (2) sets of signed and sealed plans
  • Drawings to show entire scope of work - floor plans, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, elevations, wall sections, details, etc.
  • Product Approval Information:
    • One copy of Product Approval Specification Sheet to list all exterior products to be installed (Example: windows, doors, garage door, sky lights, roofing materials)
    • One set of Product Approval or NOA information which includes a cover sheet and installation instructions from the DBPR website for each product
  • Exterior/site work: Three (3) copies of site plan/survey (for addition only)
  • Development Order (D.O. If Applicable)
  • Clearing & Grubbing Application (Fee for addition only)
  • Tree Removal Application
  • Energy calculations as required by State Energy Code (3 Sets) (for addition only)
  • Non-Substantial Improvement package if property is located in a flood zone.
  • FEMA information for flood zone properties, if required
    • Additions & Remodels
    • Need cost of construction
    • Photos of existing structure
    • Floor plans of existing structures
    • Elevation Certificate showing lowest floor elevation (if not on file)
  • Owner-Builder forms for owner permit following contractor exemption noted in Florida Statute. Owner must show proof of residency/occupancy.

Site and building drawings must be submitted together in a package. Tie-in survey will be required before vertical construction.

Only complete permit submittals will be accepted

(USE WHEN SUBMITTING PAPER PERMITS)

Complete applications must include the following as applicable to your project:

  • Permit application form - name, address, phone number and email
  • Updated state certification
  • Notice of Commencement – Recorded, one copy required prior to issuance of permit if value is greater than $5,000
  • Plan review fee must be paid at time of submittal
  • Interior work: Two (2) sets of signed and sealed plans
    • Drawings to show entire scope of work – Floor plans, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, elevations, wall sections, details, etc.
  • Product Approval Information:
    • One copy of Product Approval Specification Sheet to list all exterior products to be installed (Example: windows, doors, garage door, sky lights, roofing materials)
    • One set of Product Approval or NOA information which includes a cover sheet and installation instructions from the DBPR website for each product
  • Exterior/site work: Three (3) copies of site plan/survey
    • Drawings to include items listed above plus drawings showing scope of site work. Engineered site plans shall include parking layout and lot survey.
    • Tree survey (including 4” D. BH) trees and their drip lines on site and within 25’ of the adjacent site
    • Landscape Plans for exterior work
  • Development Order (D.O. If Applicable)
  • Clearing & Grubbing Application
  • Tree Removal Application
  • Energy calculations as required by State Energy Code (3 Sets)
  • FEMA information for flood zone properties, if required
    • New Construction
    • Need cost of construction
    • Proposed elevation of new construction
    • Sealed grade elevation survey (NAVD)
    • Plans shall be signed and sealed by architect or engineer.
    • Tie in Survey
    • Elevation Certificate showing lowest floor elevation

Site and building drawings must be submitted together in a package. Tie in survey will be required before vertical construction.

Only complete permit submittals will be accepted

(USE WHEN SUBMITTING PAPER PERMITS)

Complete application must include the following as applicable to your project:

  • Permit application form - name, address, phone number and email
  • Updated state certification
  • Notice of Commencement – Recorded, one copy required prior to issuance of permit if value is greater than $5,000
  • Plan review fee must be paid at time of submittal
  • Interior work: Two (2) sets of signed and sealed plans
    • Drawings to show entire scope of work – Floor plans, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, elevations, wall sections, details, etc.
  • Product Approval Information:
    • One copy of Product Approval Specification Sheet to list all exterior products to be installed (Example: windows, doors, garage door, sky lights, roofing materials)
    • One set of Product Approval or NOA information which includes a cover sheet and installation instructions from the DBPR website for each product
  • Exterior/site work: Eight (8) sets of signed and sealed plans for Commercial. (Three (3) sets for Residential - Interior & Exterior)
    • Drawings to include items listed above plus drawings showing scope of site work. Engineered site plans shall include parking layout and lot survey.
    • Tree survey (including 4” D. BH) trees and their drip lines on site and within 25’ of the adjacent site
    • Landscape Plans for exterior work
  • Development Order (D.O. If Applicable)
  • Clearing & Grubbing Application
  • Tree Removal Application
  • Energy calculations as required by State Energy Code (3 Sets)
  • FEMA information for flood zone properties, if required
    • New Construction
    • Need cost of construction
    • Proposed elevation of new construction
    • Sealed grade elevation survey (NGVD)
    • Plans shall be signed and sealed by architect or engineer.
    • Tie in Survey
    • Elevation Certificate showing lowest floor elevation

Site and building drawings must be submitted together in a package. Tie-in survey will be required before vertical construction.

Only complete permit submittals will be accepted

(USE WHEN SUBMITTING PAPER PERMITS)

Complete application must include the following as applicable to your project:

  • Permit application form - name, address, phone number and email
  • Updated state certification
  • Notice of Commencement – Recorded, one copy required prior to issuance of permit if value is greater than $5,000
  • Plan review fee must be paid at time of submittal
  • Interior work: Two (2) sets of signed and sealed plans
    • Drawings to show entire scope of work – Floor plans, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, elevations, wall sections, details, etc.
  • Product Approval Information:
    • One copy of Product Approval Specification Sheet to list all exterior products to be installed (Example: windows, doors, garage door, sky lights, roofing materials)
    • One set of Product Approval or NOA information which includes a cover sheet and installation instructions from the DBPR website for each product
  • Exterior/site work: Eight (8) sets of signed and sealed plans for Commercial. (Three (3) sets for Residential - Interior & Exterior)
    • Drawings to include items listed above plus drawings showing scope of site work. Engineered site plans shall include parking layout and lot survey.
    • Tree survey (including 4” D. BH) trees and their drip lines on site and within 25’ of the adjacent site
    • Landscape Plans for exterior work
  • Development Order (D.O. If Applicable)
  • Clearing & Grubbing Application
  • Tree Removal Application
  • Energy calculations as required by State Energy Code (3 Sets)
  • FEMA information for flood zone properties, if required
    • Addition & Remodels
    • Proposed elevation of new construction
    • Sealed grade elevation survey (NGVD)
    • Plans shall be signed and sealed by architect or engineer
    • Need cost of construction
    • Photos of existing structures
    • Floor plans of existing structures
    • Elevation Certificate showing lowest floor elevation (if not on file)
    • Redevelopment of existing impervious area. May require a stormwater management system. For more information, call (727) 562-4750

Tie in survey will be required before vertical construction.

Contact Us

Phone

(727) 562-4567

Email

epermit@myclearwater.com

Location

2741 State Road 580
Clearwater
33761
View Map

Target Plan Review Timeline (Currently extended by up to 15 days due to high volumes)

Type of Plan  Review Timeframe 
Residential 4 Business Days
FEMA Non-Substantial Residential 10 Business Days
Small Commercial 7 Business Days
Small Interior Build-Outs 7 Business Days
Large Commercial Projects with Site Work 12 Business Days
Plans Resubmitted to Address Staff Comments 3 Business Days

Work That Requires a Permit

  • Construction that changes the size or occupancy of the building
  • Construction, alteration, or replacement of any exterior or interior load-bearing or non-load-bearing wall
  • Any building framing work
  • Enclosing of any space, including existing carports, porches and screened-in rooms
  • Construction of any deck (whether attached or detached and with or without a roof)
  • Replacement of columns, beams, joists, rafters or any other structural component
  • Repair of wall, floor or roof sheathing
  • Repair and/or replacement of any stairs and/or guardrails
  • Replacement, alteration, addition to or deletion from any electrical, plumbing (including fixture relocation) or air-conditioning system (this applies to work inside or outside the building on the property)
  • Replacement of windows, doors, garage doors or skylights in existing or altered wall openings
  • Installation of all types of hurricane shutters
  • Installation or replacement of any roofing component
  • Installation and replacement of all fence types
  • Fire repairs of any type or scope
  • Installation or storage or utility sheds, unless smaller than 100 square feet in area and without a slab
  • Installation, repair and replacement of motorized or electric gates
  • Installation, repair and replacement of tiki huts
  • Installation or replacement of siding, soffits and fascia
  • Installation of swimming pools and spas
  • Demolition of a structure or sign
  • Site work
  • All permanent sign types, including awnings
  • Commercial-type awnings and canopies
  • Sidewalks, driveways and patios
  • Parking lot alterations, including sealing and restriping
  • Tree removal
  • Flag poles
  • Grease traps and septic tanks
  • Kitchen exhaust hoods
  • Fire sprinklers

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