St. Pete is waiving permit fees and opening remote permit sites as part of Helene’s restoration

The City of St. Petersburg, as part of its efforts to help residents recover from Hurricane Helene, is taking steps to make the City’s permitting process faster, more accessible and more convenient for those making repairs or flood restoration to their homes.

The City is waiving application and inspection fees for permits for demolition or repair projects on properties damaged by the storm or storm surge. Residents are still required to obtain a permit but do not have to pay regular fees. The exemptions are valid for six months.

The City has also established remote permitting locations throughout the city to provide residents with quicker and more convenient access to services.

Three locations are open:

– Azalea Recreation Center: 1600 72nd St. N.

— Enoch Davis Center: 1111 18th Ave. S.

—Roberts Recreation Center: 1246 50th Ave. N

The remote locations are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents should check this out the city’s website for hurricane recovery updates, as schedules and locations for remote sites may change as post-storm conditions warrant.

In remote locations, only debit or credit card payments are possible.

Residents also have access to the city’s main permit office at One 4th St. N. This location is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Residents applying for a permit should bring photo ID, property floor plan, storm damage summary, and photos and/or videos of storm damage, which can be sent via email (email protected). The email should include the address of the property for which the permit is being requested and the name of the storm (Helene) in the subject line.

The city provides tips for working on storm-damaged properties, including obtaining a work permit before beginning repairs, rehabilitation or other construction work. This also applies if owners hire a contractor.

Residents may also want to continue to build safer and more resilient properties by making construction decisions that will help the property withstand future storms. This includes increasing a property’s electrical outlets and HVAC systems. Additionally, property owners should ensure that they only hire licensed contractors.

Unauthorized, uninspected work could impact the safety and value of property and also jeopardize the 25 percent flood insurance discount currently offered to residents through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System.

Further information on the city’s approval process can be found here available online.

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