How to Apply for Pinellas County Building Permits the Easy Way

The Easy Way to Apply for Pinellas County Building Permits

Like all other counties in Florida, Pinellas County requires a building permit for any construction, repair, altering, or demolishing of any building or structure. guarantee the safety of the works and that the construction or remodeling project is done as per the county building, construction, and zoning codes.

Notably, the DIY methods to get building permits are typically long, time-consuming, and tedious. Whether you need a building permit for new construction, remodeling, adding appliances, or more, DoNotPay is here to make the process as easy and convenient for you as possible. Through our new Planning Permissions product, we'll help you check whether your project needs a building permit, contact any HOAs to request building permission, and generate an easy guide on the entire application process.

When Is a Building Permit Necessary in Pinellas County Building Permits?

Pinellas County requires a permit for any new building, addition, remodeling, or demolition work exceeding $500.00 in costs. You also require a building permit for any building project which would require an inspection. Apart from the typical construction and remodeling projects, permits are also required for any of the following and more:

Air Conditioning Permit: Includes any installation or aching of an existing system
Aluminum Structure: These include screen rooms, carports, pool enclosure
Antenna permit: Including all antennas on 2" poles or larger
Demolition permit: Demolition of all structures require a permit in Pinellas County
Electrical works: Changing or adding to existing electrical circuits
Windows and door replacements
Water heater installations
Swimming pools projects
Soffits, fascia, and siding projects

If you do not find what you are planning to do on the above list, DoNotPay can help. We will check whether any of your current projects need a building permit and provide a detailed step-by-step guide on how to obtain one the easy way.

How to Get a Building Permit in Pinellas County on My Own?

There are several DIY methods to get a :

In-Person Applications

The in-person permit application method requires applicants to drop off their applications in the lobby of 440 Court Street. Ideally, you don't need an appointment to drop your application and pick your permits. Visit the lobby with all required documentation from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Online Application

Pinellas County provides an access portal through which residents can apply for building permits online. You can also use the online portal to schedule an inspection, make fee payments, and other services 24/7. To use this service, you have to take the following steps:

Create a user account.
Follow the prompts to fill the correct form and attach the required documentation
Pay the application and convenience fee. Pinellas County charges a credit card convenience fee of 2.25% with a minimum of $1.00 and an e-check convenience fee of $1.50.

Undoubtedly, the DIY methods to obtain a building permit in Pinellas County involve massive paperwork and bureaucracy. The in-person application process requires you to stand in line for hours to wait for a plan review and other critical steps. This wastes a lot of your valuable time that you could spend working on other aspects of your project. Here at DoNotPay, we want to alleviate that frustration with our new Planning Permissions product designed to make the application process easier so you can successfully get a building permit and start your project with ease.

How to Get a Building Permit Fast Using DoNotPay

If you want to get a building permit fast in Pinellas County but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered. Create your cancellation letter in 6 easy steps:

Go to the Planning Permissions product on DoNotPay.
Choose one of the following options:
1. Check whether your project needs a building permit or if it's exempt
2. Generate a permission request letter to send to your HOA
3. Generate a guide on how to complete the building permit application
Choose the focus of your project (new ADU, pool, shed, fence, etc.) and answer a few questions about your plans, including the size of the structure and estimated cost.
Indicate whether you're hiring a contractor and include the estimated start date and the timeline for the project.
Indicate whether any public sidewalk/street space will be used during construction.
And that's it! DoNotPay will help guide you through the building permit process by checking if your project needs a building permit, contacting any HOAs you're a part of to request building permission, or generating detailed instructions on how to start and complete your building permit application process.

What Fees Are Associated With Getting a Permit?

Permit fees in Pinellas County range depending on the valuation of the project. Ideally, a valuation of $1,000 and less attracts $50 minimum fee, $1,000 to $50,000 cost $50 for first $1,000 valuation plus $5.75 for each additional $1,000. Projects worth over $100,000 costs $569.25 for the first $100,000 valuation plus $3.75 for each additional $1,000.

Some of the typical fees associated with building permits include:

Plan Check fee
State Surcharge
Erosion Control
Engineering Plan Review Fee
Electrical inspection fees

Let DoNotPay Help You Apply for a Pinellas County Building Permit Today

A building permit is important because it makes sure that your project complies with local standards for land use, zoning, and construction. Unfortunately, the process to obtain a building permit in Pinellas County is long and frustrating. You don't just have to fill out forms; you also need to prepare site surveys, interview neighbors, seek HOA approval, have blueprints on hand, and understand the regulations for your zoning district.

DoNotPay can help you get building permits not just in Pinellas County but also in other places like:

DoNotPay can help you avoid the frustration that comes with government bureaucratic processes. Whether you are building a fence, a deck, undertaking an interior remodeling, or doing a demolition, our new Planning Permissions product can help you check whether your project needs a building permit, contact any HOAs to request building permission, and generate an easy guide on the entire application process.