Post-Storm Permitting Guide

Purpose of Guide

This guide serves as a resource for property owners, contractors, and residents by outlining the requirements for obtaining permits and rebuilding after a hurricane or declared disaster. It ensures compliance with Florida Statute 252.381(3)(a) (SB 180) while promoting efficient recovery and long-term resilience within the City of Belleair Beach.

Repairs that DO require a permit

All building activities that are specifically exempt in bullets below, including:

• Roof replacements or substantial repairs
• Structural repairs
• Electrical service restoration or replacement
• HVAC system replacement
• Window and door replacements
• Water heater replacement
• Screen enclosure repairs or rebuilds
• Drywall replacement if over 100 square feet
• Bathroom remodels / basin changeouts
• Cabinetry replacement

Repairs that DO NOT require a permit

• Interior and exterior painting, including roof painting, drywall repair of less than 100 square feet and wallpapering
• Exterior landscaping modifications, provided precautions are taken to avoid storm drain system contamination
• Replacement of floor coverings
• Replacement of appliances, including window air conditioners, unless an electrical or gas connection is required other than by a common wall plug
• Removing wet or damaged materials to prevent mold (drywall, flooring, cabinets, furniture, appliances)
• Minor repairs, including:
  • Replacing screens
  • Cleaning
  • Temporary tarps or boarding
  • Fence panel reattachment (no structural posts)
  • Temporary roof tarping or boarding
  • Debris removal

How to apply for a post-storm permit

• Email a Storm Damage Permitting Packet to permits [at] cityofbelleairbeach.com (permits[at]cityofbelleairbeach[dot]com)

• City Hall is located at 444 Causeway Blvd., Belleair Beach, FL 33786

  • Alternative location to be determined post-storm if necessary.

   

Local Rebuilding Requirements

• City of Belleair Beach floodplain, environmental, and zoning code
• Florida Building Code
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements

Post-Storm Permitting Procedure

The City Floodplain Administrator shall assess flood levels during and after a storm event. If flood levels are estimated to reach or exceed 5.0 feet NAVD88, Post-Disaster Services will be activated in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to conduct a preliminary damage assessment. The Floodplain Administrator will engage one of the pre-approved vendors and deploy the appropriate number of inspectors to complete these inspections. If flood levels stay under 5.0 feet NAVD88, City staff will perform preliminary damage assessments.

The City will activate its pre-planned emergency floodplain management software and establish user accounts for all assigned inspectors. The data from each inspection will be entered into damage calculator to produce a Substantial Damage Estimate (SDE) for the structure. 

Expected Timeline

Post-Storm Days 0–7:
Inspectors will be deployed using the pre-planned, FEMA-approved damage assessment tool to conduct field inspections.

Post-Storm Days 7–14:
Citywide inspection data will be entered into the software system to generate Substantial Damage Estimate (SDE) Reports for repair permitting purposes.

Structures that receive an SDE of less than 50 percent will be issued a Non-Substantial Damage (NSD) letter and directed to complete a Storm Damage Permit Package. Structures with an SDE determination greater than 50 percent will be issued a Substantial Damage (SD) letter.

A Structure that is determined to be SD by SDE will have the option for a detailed reassessment. Detailed reassessment can be requested via online form with uploading the SD letter. If the reassessment finds the structure NSD, the owner may apply for a repair permit. If the reassessment continues to find the structure as SD, the owner may appeal the Floodplain Administrator decision via a formal hearing with the City Magistrate.

If the result of the appeal hearing assesses the structure as NSD, the owner may apply for a repair permit. If the appeal hearing results upholding the SD assessment status, the owner will be allowed to choose the following options:

1. Elevate and repair the home - The repaired unit must meet safety requirements and be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
2. Replace the home with an elevated one – The new unit must meet safety requirements, and the bottom of your frame must be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
3. Move the home to a location outside of the flood hazard area if it meets required wind loads and other requirements.
4. Move to a new home and remove the damaged home from the property.

An owner who is assessed as NSD may choose one of the above options at any time if they feel the risk is too high to stay at existing elevation.