Permitting 101 & 201

Published on October 01, 2023

Permitting 201

The City of Dunedin would like to remind residents to reach out to the City of Dunedin Permitting Office if your builder/contractor is suggesting the City is delaying permit approvals.

Construction, like other industries, are struggling with supply chain issues and labor shortages. This is significantly impacting timelines for construction and the delivery of projects. It is common for less reputable builders to suggest that permitting delays are the culprit.

In Dunedin, there is a commitment to provide exceptional review times, which are typically completed in three (3) to five (5) business days. In addition, permitting offers timely inspections that are typically next-day or as may otherwise be requested by the builder.

If your contractor suggests delays resulting from City actions, Learn and Confirm by reaching out to the permitting office immediately so that we can provide you with an accurate status update, a summary of events, or otherwise correct the situation.

For questions about permit status or inspection results, please call (727) 298-3210.

For other questions, please email us at permits@dunedinfl.net

Location: 737 Louden Street, Dunedin in late February.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday (excluding holidays)** 
**Office closes at 12:00PM on the third Wednesday each month.

Permitting 101

The City of Dunedin issued an average of approximately 475 building permits and conducted an average of approximately 1200 building inspections in the last six months.  

Building permits are required for most work on residential buildings and structures. Residential buildings include single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, condominiums, apartments, villas, and mobile homes.

The City of Dunedin’s Community Development Department provides dedicated webpage for its citizens, business owners, and contractors on everything they need to know on how to apply for building permits, check a permit, and schedule for an inspection.  The webpage also includes a Practical Guide to Permitting as well as a Residential Building Permits brochure to provide a comprehensive process, information, and tips related to permitting. The following are the key information to the City’s permitting process.

Why are Permits Required?
Building permits are how your City ensures that buildings and structures are built in compliance with the Florida Building Codes. The purpose is to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare by:

  • Strengthening and/or stabilizing structures;
  • Providing ways to exit buildings and/or structures;
  • Providing proper sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation;
  • Promoting energy conservation;
  • Insuring safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and
  • To provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

What Projects will Require a Building Permit?
The following is a list of the most common types of residential projects that require building permits from the City:

  • Additions;
  • Alterations or Renovations;
  • Garage or Carport;
  • Shed, Storage or Utility Structure;
  • Swimming Pool or Spa;
  • Door or Window Replacement;
  • Garage Door Replacement;
  • Deck, Patio or Porch;
  • Screen Enclosure or Pool Cage;
  • Gazebo, Arbor or Pergola;
  • Fencing;
  • Driveway, Sidewalk or Walkway;
  • Reroofing;
  • Electrical Service Change or Upgrade;
  • Water Heater Replacement;
  • Air Conditioning System Replacement; and
  • Solar Systems.

What Project do not Require a Building Permit?
The following is a list of projects that do not require a building permit:

  • Carpet, vinyl, and ceramic tile flooring installation;
  • Painting, paneling over existing walls and wallpapering; and
  • Ordinary minor repairs.

How Long Does It Usually Take to get a Permit?
Average plan review times for residential permits is 5-7 business days, and 7-10 business days for commercial permits. Permits for certain types of project may be issued on the same day as the City receive the application such as:

  • Air Conditioning/heating change outs;
  • Electrical service change outs;
  • Garage door replacements;
  • Reroofing;
  • Sewer or water line replacement; and
  • Water heater replacements.

The following depicts the typical building permit review process:

Tips for Selecting a Contractor
Here are some helpful tips in selecting a contractor:

  • Take care to select a qualified person to perform the work.

    Under State and local laws, any person you hire, (verbal or written) to perform construction on your property must be a licensed contractor. All printed advertising material such as business cards, newspaper ads and telephone book ads must show his or her license number.

  • Ask to see their license and check the appropriate licensing agency online.

    Licensing agencies such as the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (www.pcclb.com) for County licenses or the Florida Department of  Business & Professional Regulation (www.myfloridalicense.com) for State licenses can be used to verify the status of the license and for any complaints against the license holder. Properly licensed contractors are proud to display and show their licenses.

  • Don’t be fooled.
    •  A local business tax license (formerly known as an occupational license) is not a contactor’s license.
  • Ask for and verify references from past customers.
  • Check with the Pinellas County Consumer Protection, the local Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau.
  • Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors.
    • Be sure that the estimates include all work to be done by the contractor, the materials involved, date of completion, and the total cost.
  • If the project is for repairing damage, check with your insurance company first to verify that your insurance will cover the repairs before you sign the contract.
  • Beware of contractors who ask to be paid in cash or ask for large payments up front.
  • Make sure your contractor obtains a permit and post it in a conspicuous place on the property for the duration of the project.
  • Your contact should contain language that all final inspections must be completed and approved by the City prior to your final payment.
    •  This will insure the permit is completed and closed before you make final payment to the contractor.
  • Make sure your contractor provides you with releases of liens from his subcontractors and suppliers.

Questions? Need Assistance?

For questions or need assistance in permitting, please email us at permits@duendinfl.net or call us at (727)298-3210.

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