Tampa opens pop-up permit centers after Hurricane Helene

Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website

By Tampa Republic

Oct 1, 2024

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the City of Tampa is providing assistance to residents whose properties were damaged. The city's Construction Services team will be present at multiple locations to address citizen inquiries. Residents, contractors, and subcontractors can visit "Pop-Up Permit Centers" at Marjorie Park Marina (97 Columbia Drive) and DeSoto Park (2617 Corrine Street) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the next two weeks.

"Our goal is to streamline the process and support our citizens through each step as efficiently as possible as we seek to maintain our community's long-term resilience," said Abbye Feeley, the City's Interim Administrator of Development and Economic Opportunity. "We will have resources available if citizens have questions about their damage and what needs to be done next."

Certain repair actions do not require a building permit during this period:

- Any drywall repair 2 feet or less from the finished floor.

- New roof covering, or the recovering, re-roofing or repairing of an existing roof covering, either of which is five hundred (500) square feet or less.

- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.

- Fence repair and replacement.

- Repair of soffits and fascia.

- Replacement of front and rear exterior doors (keeping existing framing).

To reduce repair burdens, the city is waiving fees on storm-related damage permit applications. There will be no permit fees for applications related to damage from Hurricane Helene for specific types of permits applied for between September 23, 2024, and November 23, 2024:

Trade Permits:

- Roof Repair/Roof Replacement over 500 SF

- All electrical-related activities related to storm damage

- Garage door replacement

- HVAC mechanical change-out

- Hot water heater change-out

- Replacement of multiple exterior doors

Building Permits:

- Alteration Permits including wall repair/wall replacement

- Demolition Permits related to storm damage

The city is also offering expedited permit review for these types of permits and inspections in compliance with state statutes.

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