The city of Clearwater requires a permit for any new building, addition, remodeling, demolition or work in excess of $500 or that would require an inspection.
Usually, this applies to the remodeling of older structures, but it also affects structures that have sustained major damage.
To become compliant, the building and all electrical and mechanical equipment must be elevated above the 100-year flood elevation. Only parking, building access and limited storage are allowed below the flood level.
What to Do After Your Property Is Damaged
Build back safer and stronger.
Look out for price gouging.
Take photos or video of the damage and your losses for your insurance claim before you move any debris or remove damaged belongings.
-
Take pictures and video of any damage to the exterior and interior of your building, including the walls, insulation and baseboards in each room.
-
Prepare a room-by-room list of damaged belongings. Document serial numbers of damaged appliances and furniture.
Make a list of damaged contents.
Remove wet contents promptly.
-
Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. Do not discard damaged carpet and contents until after the adjuster’s inspection. Review safety tips for cleaning up after a flood.
File your insurance claims promptly.
-
There are time limitations on submitting claims with many insurance companies. Pinellas County Flood Insurance Advocates are available to answer any questions you have about your flood insurance or the claims process. Visit the Flood Insurance Advocates website or call 727-464-7700 for flood insurance assistance.
-
Your flood insurance policy may include Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. This means that if your structure sustained substantial damages from flooding, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may pay up to $30,000 to help make your building compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to hire a contractor?
The following list identifies structures (primary, accessory) that may have been damaged by the storm.
- Demolition: Emergency demolition requires a permit. An after-the-fact permit is required if demolition has already been completed, including the removal of wet drywall and partially collapsed structures like porches, screen enclosures, or carports.
- Roof: You should make sure your building is covered to avoid more water intrusion. Roof recovering, repair or replacement requires a permit. Repair of soffits and facia does not. Roof permits typically take one day, and sometimes can be issued same day.
- Electrical: If your electrical system (outlets or switches) has gotten wet, disconnect your electricity first by disabling your main breaker. A licensed electrician should examine your wiring before power is turned back on. Salt water is very corrosive to electrical components. All electrical work requires permits.
- Plumbing: Most plumbing is still functioning. In some situations, buildings may have shifted, breaking pipes. If the main water supply pipe has broken and is leaking, contact Public Utilities. Permits are needed for plumbing work.
- Drywall Replacement: Permits are required prior to replacing any drywall.
- Interior Finishes: A permit is not required for replacement of cabinets, painting, wallpaper, or replacing kitchen/bathroom cabinets or fixtures.
- Cabinets: No, replacement of cabinets does not require a permit, emergency or not.
- Flooring: It depends. If you need to repair or replace your subfloor, joist system, or other structural components, a permit is needed. Replacement of floor covering (carpet, tile, etc.,) does not require a permit, emergency or not.
- Dock: Yes. Pinellas County Water and Navigation issues these permits and the city also would need to approve prior to applying for the permit from PCWN.
- Boatlift: Permits for boatlifts and associated electrical work are required and are issued by the city.
- Shed: Sheds that are 100 square feet or smaller do not require a permit but must meet required setbacks. Larger sheds do require a permit.
- Fence: It depends. Portions or all of an existing fence may have been destroyed. If your fence was previously permitted and it was destroyed due to the storm, your fence may be re-installed, like for like, in the exact same location, without a permit. Remember the good side of the fence must face out. If your fence was not previously permitted or you now want to add a fence, a property survey showing where the replacement/new fence will be installed is required. An application for a fence permit can be made in person at the Municipal Services Building or online at epermit.myclearwater.com. To ask about previous permits or ask questions about fencing (residential and commercial properties), submit an inquiry through the city’s Zoning Portal.
- Pools: There is no need to obtain a permit to clean your pools. If there is damage to the pool or spa, piping, electrical and/or gas systems, including heaters and pumps, or you want to alter the pool/spa, a permit is required. Demolition work requires a permit (see above).
If you are unsure if you need a permit, please contact us at (727) 562-4567.
I'm a contractor. Do I need to file a Notice of Commencement (NOC)?
Yes, this will still be required.
I am a homeowner. Can I be my own contractor?
There are certain exceptions in Florida Statutes Chapter 489 that allow a homeowner to act as their own contractor.
The city requires an Owner/Builder Affidavit.
What information is needed for a permit?
Any product being used for the exterior of your building must have a Florida product approval number, cover sheet, and installation instructions. To find this information visit www.floridabuilding.org.
See also:
Building Permit Applications and Information Materials
Checklists are available at the bottom of the Get a Permit page.
What inspections are needed?
This will vary depending on the work being done. It is important that you do NOT cover anything up before having it inspected. Stop and call for an inspection.
Inspections can be scheduled in a variety of ways, 24 hours a day. More information can be found at Schedule or Cancel an Inspection.
The Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) crosses my property. Does this impact what is needed or what I can do?
The Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) Program is a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) program that regulates structures and activities that can cause beach erosion, destabilize dunes, damage upland properties or interfere with public access.
FDEP’s post-storm guidance handout(PDF, 250KB) also includes activities not approved under the FDEP’s post-storm emergency permitting procedures. Please review if you have questions.
What is Substantial Damage?
If the cost to repair your home or business equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred, then your home is substantially damaged and must be brought into compliance with flood damage prevention regulations, including elevating the building.
Note: The cost of the repairs must include all costs necessary to fully repair the structure to its “before damage” condition, including labor.
What is Substantial Improvement?
Substantial Improvement means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement of a structure, for which the cost equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the “start of construction” of the first improvement.
This term includes structures that have incurred “substantial damage ,” regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not include either of the following:
- Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications that have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
- Any alterations of a “historic structure,” as long as the alteration does not affect the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure.”
What is “Market Value” or “Just Value”?
Market Value (also called Just Value) means the value of buildings and structures, excluding the land and other improvements on the parcel.
The term refers to the actual cash value (like-kind replacement cost depreciated for age, wear and tear, neglect and quality of construction), determined by a qualified independent appraiser, or the “Just Value” of the structure, developed by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office (PAO) for Ad Valorem taxation purposes, adjusted to approximate market value, as determined by the PAO.
How can I find out the Market Value for my building?
- Visit the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office and search for your property.
- In the upper right hand corner, select “Tools”
- Select FEMA/WLM Letter
- This letter provides this information.
Can I phase my repairs or improvements if I am located in a Special Flood Hazard Area?