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1. When are plans necessary?

Plans are required for all structural improvements. The plans are used to calculate the cost of the job, get estimates from any contractors or subcontractors, show details in legal documents, and to obtain the necessary building permits.

Plans are generally not required for work such as:

• Re-piping a dwelling
• Re-roofing
• Replacing heating and air conditioning equipment
• Sandblasting and plastering
• Small electrical, mechanical and plumbing jobs
• Window and door replacements

2. What kinds of plans are needed?

Plans should be drawn on 24-inch by 36-inch paper, using a scale of 1/4-inch per one foot for floor, foundation plans, sections and elevations, and at a scale of 1/8-inch per one foot for site or plot plans. In most cases, two sets of plans and two sets of structural and energy calculations are required for submittal.

Minimum Information Required

The minimum information required on building plans for most construction projects include:

• A site plan showing the property dimensions, the legal description of the site, all existing structures on the site and the proposed new construction, distances between buildings and property lines, drainage patterns and electrical service locations.
• A floor plan showing room locations, sizes and uses, doors, locations and sizes of windows, stairs, and the size and spacing of all structural members of the building.
• Elevations illustrating the building’s exterior appearance, architectural features, height and roof-top features.
• Two structural sections showing the building foundation, floor systems, walls and roof as they would appear if the building were cut in two at a particular plane.
• Electrical, mechanical and plumbing plans are required to show the location and sizes of equipment, wiring, switches and fixtures.
• Handicap access plans are required for additions to and alterations of existing commercial buildings, as well as for new construction.
• General information and specification sheet for materials workmanship.
• Foundation plan showing the layout and dimension sizes, reinforcement and details of anchor bolts and so on.

Plans for smaller jobs requiring a permit should include the appropriate information from the above list for the planned project.

3. When must I hire an architect, engineer or surveyor?

By law, certain types, scope and complexity of construction will demand the services of licensed technical professionals. In general, a Florida licensed architect or engineer must be hired for designing new buildings and major remodels which require more extensive plans, calculations and technical reports such as:

• Lot survey map, height survey and elevation certificate must be signed by a state-licensed surveyor or engineer
• Soils reports for a new building or major remodel
• Design calculations and details for the building’s structural system
• Electrical systems design (generally on service of 400 amps or more)
• Title 24 energy calculations on new buildings, additions or increases in electrical service

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1. How do I report a code violation or complaint?

To report a code violation or complaint, please call the Code Enforcement Division at 727-363-9211 or submit a ticket with SeeClickFix

2. Do I have to leave my name?

Yes, you will need to provide your full name and address when leaving a complaint.

3. What does it mean if I receive a notice of violation?

A complaint was received and/or an inspection revealed that there may be a violation. Usually, you will first be notified verbally or by use of a door-hanger request for compliance; otherwise a voluntary compliance letter will be mailed to your address of record. If there is no response, or corrective action is not completed as requested within a specified period of time, you may be notified of hearing before the city’s Special Magistrate. 

If you need additional time to comply, please call the Code Enforcement Division. Our goal is to achieve compliance with the regulations; monetary fines are a last resort.

4. What is a Notice of Hearing?

A Notice of Hearing is issued when you do not respond as requested or you have a repeat violation. The city’s Special Magistrate will listen to your reply to the city’s claim of a violation. A determination will then be made to grant additional time to comply or issue an order for monetary fines.

5. What are some common types of violations?

In no particular order, the following violations are the most common:

• Litter and Debris - In order to preserve a clean and neat appearance in the city, no accumulation of litter, debris, garbage, trash, discarded items of junk or other refuse of any nature is allowed.
• Permits and Licenses - Building permits, sign installation permits and occupational licenses are generally required for any such activity within the city
• Property and Yard Maintenance - Chipped or peeling paint, broken windows, high grass or weeds.
• Signs - Most commercial signs are regulated as to size, type and location and must be permitted before installation. Yard signs must be located only on private property and are regulated as to size and number of signs.
• Vehicle Parking - Parking vehicles, boats and trailers on residential properties without proper license or registration or improper storage of RVs, boats and trailers in the front yard.

6. There are other properties with the same violations. Why are you picking on me?

Code Enforcement Inspections are done in response to a specified complaint or a routine neighborhood inspection. If you feel that we have missed a violation, please call or email Code Enforcement Manager Peyt Dewar your complaint to the division.

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1. When do I need a permit?

Generally when any work exceeds the scope of routine maintenance and repairs, you will need a permit. View a partial listing of examples of work requiring a permit. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, call the Building Division at 727-363-9241 for information.

Attention: To minimize exposure between employees and the public, please pull all permits online.

• Ahri (Mechanical)
• Diagram of Window Placement
• Instructions for Uploading Files to a Permit (PDF)
• PDF for Large Format Plans (25Mb) - Hard copy plans are still required, please contact our office for instructions - Email pdf plans to: plans@stpetebeach.org
• Please Include Necessary Documents (Building)
• Product Approvals (Roof, Windows, Doors, Etc.)

2. Who is eligible to obtain a permit?

Permits can be obtained by either a properly licensed contractor within the appropriate construction trade or by an owner of a single family residence, provided that the house is not for sale, lease or rent, and such owner signs a declaration that he will perform the work himself or, acting as the general contractor, hire only properly licensed subcontractors.

3. What are the permitting requirements?

Permit applications are located in our office. The completed application together with the necessary construction plans must be submitted, in person, at the permit counter where it will be logged into the computer and assigned a plan check/permit number. Plans are reviewed in the order in which they are received, usually taking a week to ten days for completion.

4. Why are plan checks performed?

Plan checks performed to ensure that the mandatory minimum requirements for structural safety, fire protection, energy conservation, exits, light and ventilation, site grading and handicap access, when required, are met. When such review is completed and any other necessary approvals have been received, you will be notified either to come in for your permit or, if needed, to amend your plans to meet the requirements.

5. How long is a permit good for?

Permits must be obtained within six months of approval of the plans and building permits are valid only for six months from the date of issuance unless construction has begun. If construction is not begun within six months or, once started, is suspended for a period of more than 90 days, the permit will expire, and the complete permit process, including the payment of fees, will begin again.

Please remember that city approval of plans and specifications does not remove you from the responsibility of meeting all of the applicable standards in the building codes, other city ordinances, and state and federal laws.

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1. When are inspections required?

The type and number of inspections will vary with the type of project, but the typical order of site inspection visits are as follows:

• Foundation inspection: After trenches are excavated, reinforcing is in place and forms set, all materials for the foundation are on-site and before pouring any concrete or laying down any masonry units.
• Rough plumbing, mechanical or electrical inspections: When all in-slab or under-floor conduit, piping, service equipment are in, but before concrete is poured or floor sheeting is installed.
• Framing inspection: After roofing, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place, and all pipes, chimneys and vents are in.
• Insulation inspection: When all thermal insulation is installed in floors, walls, attics, but before any of the work is concealed.
• Lath or wallboard inspection: After lathing and/or gypsum wallboard is in place, but before plastering is done or joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
• Final inspection: After building is completed, watertight and ready for occupancy. All electrical and plumbing fixtures and heating/cooling equipment must be in place, and any finish grading of the site is completed. Painting, carpeting and other "cosmetic" work need not be finished prior to final inspection.

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1. Do I need flood insurance?

The maximum coverage limits under a standard flood policy are $250,000 for a single family home structure ($500,000 for businesses) and $100,000 for single-family home contents (500,000 for businesses). The coverage limit for renter contents is $100,000.

Property owners living in lower risk areas may qualify for a "preferred risk" policy which provides the same coverages at substantially lower rates.

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1. Are golf carts allowed in St. Pete Beach?

Per City Ordinance 2013-17, Golf Carts are now allowed in the City of St. Pete Beach on designated streets as an alternative mode of transportation.

2. What are the rules?

• All golf carts must be registered by the City of St. Pete Beach.
• Operator must be the owner and possess a valid Driver License.
• Operator must obey all rules of the road.
• Operator Manual to be distributed with registration of vehicle.

All rules and regulations are enforceable by Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and City of St. Pete Beach Code Enforcement Officer.

City of St. Pete Beach Ordinance 2013-17 Pursuant to Chapter 316.212 F.S.; Defined by Section 320.01(22) F.S

3. What equipment do I need?

• Efficient brakes
• Horn
• Rear view mirror
• Red reflectorized warning devices (front / rear)
• Reliable steering
• Safe tires
• If driven between the hours of sunset and sunrise, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield are also required

4. How do I get a permit?

You may get a permit through the St. Pete Beach Community Development at 155 Corey Avenue, or call 727-363-9214. The hours of operation are 8 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $10 annual fee.

You will be issued a decal and Operator’s Manual.

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1. Do you allow outside catering?

Yes, we are only the rental facility. We will provide you with up to 100 chairs for a ceremony in the court yard and tables and chairs for up to 180 guests in the ballroom. You will be responsible for contracting and bringing in all other vendors.

2. Are we allowed to bring in our own alcohol?

Yes, we require all renters to purchase event insurance through us for $150. We will obtain the insurance for you and all we will need from you is a signature. This insurance will cover your liquor and liability.

3. What kind of equipment is in the kitchen?

Our facility has a small galley style kitchen with:

• Counter space
• Double sink (no garbage disposal)
• Microwave
• Roll up window into the lobby
• A standard size refrigerator/freezer

4. Do you have an ice machine?

No, we do not have an ice machine. We suggest bringing in coolers with ice, hiring a bar service or caterer to provide ice, or renting a freeze with ice.

5. Can we have a rehearsal?

Yes, you are welcome to use the courtyard space free of charge for a rehearsal before your wedding. We just ask that all renters be respectful of all other renters’ time.

We will help coordinate with all of the weekend events. For example if you are having a Sunday wedding and we have an event starting at 4 pm on Saturday we ask that you have your rehearsal ending before 3 pm. This way we do not have any conflict.

6. Are candles allowed inside?

No, there are no candles allowed inside the facility.

7. Do you provide garbage cans and liners?

Yes, we will provide the garbage cans and liners. Please do not put any food into a garbage can without a liner. Renters are responsible for taking out the trash out to the dumpster which is located in the parking lot behind the white fence. 

Usually the event caterers will take care of this for you. Just don’t forget to remind them.

8. What time can we access the facility?

All of your rental time must be paid for. If you have purchase 8 hours of rental time you will only be allowed access to the building for 8 hours. All events must be cleaned up and out of the building by midnight because of this most events end around 10:30 to 11 pm to allow for time to clean up. 

For an 8 hour rental ending at midnight you would be allowed access to the building at 4 pm.

9. What size tables and chairs do you provide? (Linens are not provided.)

• 20 60-foot round tables (comfortably fits 8 chairs, but can push it to 10)
• 12 6-foot rectangular tables (used for sign in, gifts, buffet, head table, etc.) 
• 3 48-inch round tables (cake, sweetheart table)
• 180 brown padded folding chairs in the ballroom (If renting chair covers be sure to get folding chairs covers not banquet chairs)
• 100 white folding chairs for a ceremony in the courtyard (These chairs have medal frames with plastic seats)

10. What happens if it rains?

If it happens to rain or it looks like it is going to rain for your ceremony, we suggest moving your ceremony into the ballroom upstairs. You would have your guests sit at their tables and move any ceremony décor inside.

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1. What is Florida Red Tide?

In Florida, red tide is caused by microscopic algae (plant-like microorganism) called Karenia brevis or K. brevis. The organism produces a toxin that can affect the central nervous system of fish, birds, mammals and other animals.

2. Is Florida Red Tide actually red?

At high concentrations (called blooms), the organisms may discolor the water - sometimes red, light or dark green brown or clear.

3. Where does Florida Red Tide occur?

Red tides or Harmful Algal Blooms occur worldwide. K. brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico but has been found on the east coast of Florida and off the coast of North Carolina.

4. How long does it last?

Red tide blooms can last days, weeks or months and can also change daily due to wind conditions. Onshore winds normally bring it near the shore and offshore winds drive it out to sea.

5. What causes Florida Red Tide?

A red tide bloom needs biology (the organisms), chemistry (natural or man-made nutrients for growth), and physics (concentrating and transport mechanisms). No one factor causes it. Tests are being conducted to see if coastal nutrients enhance or prolong blooms.

6. Can I swim in water affected by Florida Red Tide?

Most people can swim in red tide but it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out and thoroughly wash off with fresh water. Swimming near dead fish is not recommended.

7. What are the symptoms I can get from Florida Red Tide?

Symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are normally coughing, sneezing and teary eyes. These are usually temporary when red tide toxins are in the air. Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the affects, and using over-the-counter antihistamines may decrease your symptoms. Check the marine forecast. Fewer toxins are in the air when the wind is blowing offshore

8. Are their people who are more sensitive to the toxins?

People with respiratory problems (like asthma or bronchitis) should avoid red tide areas, especially when winds are blowing toxins onto the shore. If you go to the beach, take your short acting inhaler with you. If you have symptoms, leave the beach and seek air conditioning.

9. Who do I call if I get sick from Florida Red Tide?

You can call the Aquatic Toxins toll free hotline at 800-222-1222. It is staffed 24/7 by medical professionals. If symptoms are severe, call your local doctor.

10. Can I eat seafood at restaurants during a Florida Red Tide?

Commercial seafood found in restaurants and grocery stores is safe because it comes from red tide free water and is monitored by the government for safety.

11. Can I eat seafood from recreational harvesting during a Florida Red Tide?

Recreational fisherman must be careful: Do not eat mollusks (clams or oysters taken from Florida red tide waters, as they contain toxins that cause a food poisoning called NSP (Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning). Finfish caught live and healthy can be eaten if filleted. Use common sense! Harvesting distressed or dead animals is not advised under any circumstances. Edible parts of other animals commonly called shellfish (crabs, shrimp and lobsters), are not affected by the red tide organisms and can be eaten. Do not eat the tamale (green stuff, hepatopancreas).

12. Are there web sites for more information about Florida Red Tide?

You can learn more at the following sites:

• MOTE
• My Florida EH
• My FWC
• Red Tide Online
• Start 1

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1. What is Stormwater?

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.

2. Why is there a concern about stormwater quality?

Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system that discharges to local waterbodies. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies. The City is mandated to annually report to the Florida Department of Environment Protection on stormwater protection, treatment, and water quality.

3. What does lawn care and pet waste have to do with stormwater pollution?

Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off, are carried through the storm sewer system, and pollute the waterbodies. Yard clippings (grass, brush, etc.) and leaves can wash into storm drains and can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life. Be sure to cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects. Do not over fertilize or use pesticides during a forecasted rain event. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies

4. How can washing my car affect stormwater runoff?

Washing your car on an impervious surface (i.e. concrete and asphalt) can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Use a commercial car wash as their water is drained to a waste water treatment facility, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.

5. Why can’t I drain my pool into the street?

The chemicals in chlorinated and saltwater pools can kill fish and pollute the water. Drain treated pool water onto a grassy or planted area where the water can be absorbed by the soil. Dechlorinate the water. Any pool care company can test and neutralize the pool water.

6. I am a commercial property owner and only have concrete sidewalks and an asphalt parking lot; do any of the stormwater issues really affect me?

Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and enter local waterbodies. Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains. Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks. Do not wash off floors or decks, kitchen equipment, or dump mop buckets or other chemicals onto paved surfaces as this contaminated water is washed into the storm sewer system and enters local waterbodies

7. What is an illicit discharge and what are the consequences?

An illicit discharge is the discharge of pollutants or non-storm water materials into a storm sewer system via overland flow, direct dumping, or illicit connections. There are exceptions, such as water used for firefighting. City of St. Pete Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 106, provides for definition of illicit discharges and fee structure for fines up to $500.

8. Who can I call to report an illicit discharge?

Contact City of St. Pete Beach Code Enforcement at 727-363-9211. You may also call Pinellas County’s Watershed Management automated stormwater watchline at 727-464-5060.

9. Where can I find more information?

Information can be found at the following websites:

• Watershed Information
• State Stormwater Information
• EPA Stormwater Program
• Florida Stormwater
• Florida Yards

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1. What are special assessments?

Special assessments, sometimes called non-ad valorem assessments, provide a revenue equity tool for cities and counties to fund capital projects and essential services such as stormwater that specifically benefit property, or relieve a burden caused by property.

2. What is the purpose of the stormwater special assessment?

The purpose of the stormwater special assessment is to provide funding for the City of St Pete Beach to obtain necessary data for all properties in the City and establish a focused stormwater program in order to make sure a fair and equitable rate structure is put in place to meet the City’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements and to maintain, repair and improve the stormwater runoff collection system and thereby reduce flooding and protect the environment.

3. Why does the City need a stormwater special assessment now?

The City, like every other local government in Florida, has tightened its belt and is looking for an equitable and efficient way to pay for establishing its stormwater utility or program while not raising the ad valorem millage or cutting other essential services.

4. Can the money raised from the stormwater special assessment be used for other expenditures unrelated to stormwater?

Absolutely not. One of the benefits of the stormwater special assessment is that all money received must be used specifically for establishing the stormwater program and related services and nothing else. As a result, all property owners are assured their money is being used only for stormwater matters.

5. Why do we need to establish a stormwater program or utility?

Many cities have a stormwater utility or program to ensure a dedicated funding source is in place to properly operate and maintain the stormwater collection system and provide related essential municipal services. Having such a dedicated funding source may also make the City eligible for state or federal grants. Also, much of the City of St Pete Beach’s stormwater collection system is outdated, ineffective, or nearing the end of its lifespan and a significant investment is needed to maintain, repair and improve it. This program will provide a foundation and data to fairly distribute these costs in years to come.

6. Where can I get more information regarding the City’s stormwater collection system?

An extensive presentation was done for City Commission on August 11, 2009

7. Who should I contact if I have more questions?

Feel free to contact the Public Works Department at 727-363-9243 or email the Public Works Department. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.