When hurricanes impact St. Pete Beach, understanding the recovery process for your property is crucial. The City of St. Pete Beach is committed to assisting residents and businesses in the aftermath of storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This guide provides key information regarding permits, regulations, and resources available to help you rebuild and repair storm-damaged properties, ensuring a smooth and compliant recovery process in the wake of a Hurricane St Pete.
Navigating the initial steps after a hurricane can feel overwhelming, but St. Pete Beach has implemented measures to ease the burden of rebuilding. One significant step is the waiver of permit fees for storm-related repairs and demolitions. Effective from November 5, 2024, through April 22, 2025, the city is waiving all permit and plan examination fees associated with repairing or demolishing residential and commercial properties damaged by storms. It’s important to note that while the City waives its fees, certain state and other fees still apply and will be collected when you apply for your permit. For any queries regarding storm recovery permitting, you can reach out to the city’s permit office via email at [email protected] or by calling 727-367-2735.
A critical regulation to be aware of, especially if your property is in a flood hazard area, is the Substantial Damage Rule, often referred to as the FEMA 50% Rule. This rule is triggered when the cost to repair your storm-damaged structure, combined with the cost of any improvements made since September 23, 2024, equals or exceeds 50% of your property’s actual cash value. If your repairs meet this threshold, the regulations mandate that the structure must be elevated or rebuilt to meet current flood safety standards as dictated by FEMA guidelines and city codes. Before commencing any repairs in a flood hazard zone, it is imperative to consult the city’s dedicated Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage page for detailed guidance: Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage page.
In response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of St. Pete Beach has significantly bolstered its resources to expedite the permitting and inspection process. Recognizing the urgency of recovery, the city has added 18 technical experts to assist the Community Development team. These professionals are dedicated to accelerating the processing of FEMA packets, permit applications, and building inspections. These contracted experts will be supporting the community through March 2025, prioritizing permits for the repair or demolition of storm-damaged residential and commercial buildings during this period. For comprehensive details on hurricane recovery permitting, please visit the city’s dedicated page: Hurricane Recovery Permitting Information page.
To further assist property owners, the City has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) addressing common concerns and queries related to post-storm recovery. This resource is designed to provide clear and concise answers to help you navigate the recovery process effectively. You can access these FAQs on the city’s website: Post-Storm Specific FAQs page.
For your convenience, a range of documents and resources are available to guide you through the recovery and rebuilding process. These include:
- Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Review Package (Printer version)
- Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Review Package (Fillable version)
- NEW! Minimal Repair Permits for Temporary Occupancy
- Answers to Questions About Substantially Improved/Substantially Damaged Buildings FEMA 213
- Pinellas County Substantial Damage Assessment Memo
- Pinellas County Substantial Damage Presentation
- Floodplain, Flooding & Elevation Certificates
- St Pete Beach Code of Ordinances – Section 98-122.4
- Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting
- Enclosures and Breakaway Walls
- Storm Damage – What To Do
- Pinellas County Emergency Information (disaster.pinellas.gov)
- How does the Substantial Damage Rule Impact Pinellas County?
Recovering from hurricane damage can be a complex process. By utilizing the resources and information provided by the City of St. Pete Beach, property owners can navigate the permitting and rebuilding stages more efficiently. Remember to prioritize safety, consult the provided resources, and reach out to the city’s permit office for any assistance needed throughout your hurricane st pete recovery journey.
