In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the City of Tampa understands that many properties sustained damage, and its Construction Services team will be at multiple sites to accommodate citizen questions. As residents, contractors, and subcontractors take the necessary steps to obtain permits to repair and rebuild, staff will be on-site at "Pop-Up Permit Centers," located 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."
In performing repairs during this time, the following actions do not require a building permit:
- 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 & Replacement.
- Repair of soffits & facia.
- Replacement of front and rear exterior doors (keeping existing framing).
To lessen the burden of repairs, 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 -- this applies to 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 to include wall repair/wall replacement.
- Demolition Permits related to storm damage.
In the wake of the storm and in compliance with state statutes the city is also offering expedited permit review for the above types of permits and inspections.