St. Pete Standard

The City of St. Petersburg has issued a reminder to residents about the necessity of obtaining permits for repairing and rebuilding homes affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Residents in flood hazard areas face additional requirements, which are designed to ensure that reconstruction aligns with safety standards and complies with FEMA regulations, the City's 49% Rule, and other Floodplain Management regulations.

An upcoming virtual informational session will assist residents in understanding the permitting process and the implications of the 49% rule following these hurricanes. The session is scheduled for Friday, November 8th, 2024, from 12-1 p.m., and pre-registration is required. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with details on joining the webinar.

Homeowners need to be aware that if their property sustained damage from Helene or Milton, they must apply for a permit. Permitting helps ensure that rebuilding efforts comply with local and federal floodplain management guidelines. The 49% Rule mandates that if repair costs reach or exceed 49% of a building's market value before the storm, it must meet current zoning, building, and floodplain management standards. This may involve elevating structures or implementing floodproofing measures according to city ordinances and federal guidelines.

To aid homeowners, the City has created an online guide detailing the permitting process and information on the 49% Rule. Residents can access this at stpete.org/rule49 or contact the Planning and Development Services Department via email at StormRecoveryPermits@stpete.org or by phone at 727-893-7231.

Permits can be applied for at the Municipal Services Center located at One 4th St. N., during operating hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Wednesday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Alternatively, applications can be submitted online at stpete.org/permitting using "Storm Related Damage" as the User Class.

The City emphasizes its commitment to ensuring a safe recovery for all affected neighborhoods as they work together to rebuild their community.