St. Petersburg, FL (fondly known as St. Pete to the locals) was recognized by Travel & Leisure as one of the best cities to live and work in. Between a thriving business scene, an innovative entrepreneurial crowd, and a robust environment for developments, companies looking to grow in St. Petersburg will be in good company. That being said, getting commercial building permits for St. Petersburg construction projects can be a major hurdle. To help you out, we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to getting commercial building permits in the city of St. Petersburg.

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Key Players in the Permitting Process for St. Petersburg Construction Projects

For St. Petersburg construction projects, you’ll mostly be dealing with the Construction Services and Permitting Division (CSPD). The CSPD is responsible for all permit application reviews and inspections in the city of St. Petersburg.

The Steps for Getting Building Permits for St. Petersburg Construction Projects

Step 1: Preparing to Submit Your Application

The first step to obtaining permits for St. Petersburg construction projects is to prepare your application materials. As with every project, the specific requirements will differ depending on the type and scope of your project. However, most projects in St. Petersburg will call for:

  • A site plan
  • Floor plans
  • 3 complete sets of construction plans
  • 3 sets of signed and sealed Energy Forms

You’ll also need to be sure that any other required agency/board approvals (e.g. CPC, Health Department, South West Florida Water Management District, etc.) are in place before your permits can be approved. Your Scout Services expediting expert will be able to help you ensure that everything is in place for a complete and accurate application submittal.

Step 2: Submitting the Application

Once everything is in place, it’s time to submit the application for your St. Petersburg construction project. As of 2023, St. Petersburg has a digital portal for the submission of permit applications available for commercial projects. You can also still fax or email your application materials to the Building and Permitting Office.

Before submitting, be sure to consult with your Scout Services expediter to ensure everything is in place. Some projects will require additional elements — having these in place beforehand will help your project move forward on schedule.

Step 3: Review

After submission, your application will enter into review. In St. Petersburg, the average initial review takes about 10 business days. However, bear in mind that follow-up is absolutely essential in this stage. A number of factors can impact the actual review time, including project scope, project type, and even how many other applications have been submitted to the CSPD in recent months.

At Scout Services, our experts take on the task of tracking your application through the review process and following up with municipal officials to ensure you have full visibility into the progress of your project.

Step 4: Addressing Comments and Resubmitting

After the initial review, your project will likely come back with comments (most do). You’ll need to address these comments before resubmitting. At that point, your application will enter into a second review process. In St Petersburg, this typically takes an average of five business days, but again, remember that this time can vary dramatically depending on the number and severity of the comments.

Your Scout Services expediter will be able to give you an accurate time frame estimate and set expectations.

Step 5: Getting Your Permits

Once your application has made it through all reviews and been approved, your permits will be issued. In St. Petersburg, you’ll be notified via email, at which point you’ll be able to access your permits via the city’s online portal and print them out.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to get permits for St. Petersburg construction projects?

A: On average, the initial review period is 4 weeks in St. Petersburg, with follow-up reviews taking at least five business days. However, as we stated above, these timelines can vary drastically. The size and complexity of your project, the number of comments, and the density of applications the municipality receives can all have an impact. Your Scout Services permit expediter will be able to help you set expectations and follow-up with the municipality officials for regular updates.

Q: Which codes apply in St. Petersburg?

A: Your Scout Services expediter will always be able to verify which specific codes your plans will need to adhere to. In St. Petersburg, the 8th Edition 2023 Florida Building Code forms the basis, with local ordinances and additions as applicable.

Get Permits for Your Next St. Petersburg Construction Project with Scout Services

At Scout Services, we have years of experience working with permitting systems across the nation, including those in St. Petersburg, FL. We’re one of the nation’s leading permit expediters for commercial construction projects. Our team of experts stay up-to-date on all local regulations and codes and we’ve worked with clients in a broad range of industries, including retail, office renovations, hospitality, and others. 

Do you want experts on your side while obtaining building permits for your next St. Petersburg construction project? Contact us today and we can get started on your project within 24 hours.