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Building Division

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1. When must I obtain a building permit?

As per Chapter 1 of the Florida Building Code, “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any required impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”

2. How do I apply for a building permit?

Applications are available at City Hall in the office of Planning and Redevelopment and online on the City of Oldsmar’s website. Multiple applications are available depending on the scope of the work. The applications must be submitted with a description of the work as typically found on construction drawings. City staff can assist you with the application process.

3. How much does it cost for a building permit?

Permit fees are based upon the cost of the work or the scope of the work. Building Permit Fee Schedule

4. Why is Pinellas County doing City of Oldsmar inspections?

The City of Oldsmar has an agreement with Pinellas County Building Department to perform all building inspections and plan reviews, operating as the Building Official for the city. In addition, 3 days a week, a Pinellas County Inspector is located in the Building Division of the Planning and Redevelopment Department to assist anyone with building questions, review plans and other building related items. All permit and plan applications are submitted and issued from the City of Oldsmar Building Division, located in City Hall.

5. How do I schedule an inspection?

When the job site is ready for inspection, use the NEW online portal to schedule or call the City of Oldsmar Inspection Request Line at 813-749-1171. Leave the permit number, the address to the job site and the type of inspection to be made. Requests made before 3:30 p.m. will receive the inspection the next working day (Monday to Friday).

6. Must I get a permit for a minor repair?

No, ordinary minor repairs may be made without a building permit provided the repairs do not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting away of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements.

7. How long is a building permit good for?

A building permit is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance or from the date of the last successful inspection. Extensions may be issued by the Building Official upon submitting a written request.

8. What are Multi-modal Impact Fees?

Multi-modal impact fees are established by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, complete list of fees available online or by contacting the Planning & Redevelopment department at 813-749-1121.

9. Do all building permit applications require submission of a set of plans?

Yes, plans, sketches, or diagrams are even required for minor remodeling work or minor plumbing, electrical, and/or mechanical repairs.

10. Can I do any construction work myself?

Owners of the property acting as their own contractor must provide full time, direct on-site supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors. When building or improving 1-family or 2-family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease, or building or improving commercial buildings, at a cost not to exceed $75,000 on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease.

11. How do I select a contractor?

Always get at least 3 estimates when selecting a contractor. The lowest estimate is rarely the best. Ask to see proof of the contractor’s state and county licenses, general liability insurance and workmen’s compensation insurance. Ask for at least 6 references and follow through by contacting the references and asking questions about anything that you have concerns about such as timeliness, quality, payments, coordination, and cooperation, etc.

12. What happens if my project is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?

You are required to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations. Oldsmar has also adopted stricter regulations than FEMA. These stricter regulations result in lower flood insurance premiums to the citizens of Oldsmar. You are limited over a 15 year period, beginning from the start of construction of the 1st improvements to your building, not to exceed 50% of the buildings value if the building does not currently comply with Flood Zone regulations. Copies of the 50% rule and associated forms are available in our office. No variances to these regulations will be issued.

13. Why do I need a permit to install a fence?

A permit is necessary to comply with the city’s Code of Ordinances.

14. How do I register with the city as a contractor?

To register with the city as a contractor, you may register in person or online registration. You will need a copy of your PCCLB, your state license, a certificate of General Liability with the City of Oldsmar as the certificate holder, your workman’s compensation certificate and an original letter of authorization if anyone other than the qualifier will pull the permit. There is no fee to register. You may also submit all forms to building@myoldsmar.com

15. How long does it take to get a permit?

The time frame can vary depending on the type of permit and if a planning review is necessary.

16. Why do I have to fill out so many forms to pull a permit?

This is necessary to comply with our city Land Development Code and the Florida Building Code.

17. Can a homeowner pull their own permit?

Yes. The homeowner must read and sign an owner’s affidavit to be apprised of their responsibilities, such as getting work done in a timely manner, using the stated materials and calling in for appropriate inspections.

18. Can a landlord pull his own permit?

No, only a licensed contractor can pull permits and work on rental property.

19. What is a variance?

A variance is a process through which setbacks and other zoning requirements may be reduced if compliance with the requirement will produce an unnecessary hardship, practical difficulty, or unusual characteristic. Variances are not issued for building code or FEMA regulations.

20. What is a setback?

A setback is a minimum separation distance between a lot line (or right-of-way line) and a building or structure. Setbacks vary by zoning district and there are exceptions to accommodate particular lot configurations. A corner lot has 2 front setbacks.

21. What is an easement?

An easement is a right-of-way granted but not dedicated for limited use of private land for a public or quasi-public purpose within which the owner of the property shall not erect any permanent structures.  Easements can be seen on the Plat of the subdivision or on an individual survey for the property

22. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

Yes. A no fee garage sale permit is required to hold a garage or yard sale. There is a limit of 2 garage / yard sales per year per property. It is illegal to place a sign in medians and right-of-way or to tack signs on utility poles or trees to advertise the sale. One sign is permitted on the property where the sale is occurring and up to 3 off-site placed directional signs are permitted with the approval of those property owner(s). Contact the Building Division for the permit.