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How Do We Move Forward If We Can’t Have a Hearing: A Detailed Look at the Status of Land Use Hearings and Permitting in Tampa Bay Counties and Cities – April 2020

A big concern of property owners, developers and others in the real estate industry fortunate enough to have a stable investment backing, is how to keep projects moving forward that require land use or permitting approvals in the age of “safer-at-home” and public hearings that are cancelled or virtual.

Everything is changing day by day, and as local governments wait for a peak in Covid-19 illnesses in our area to pass and then, somewhere in the unknown future, a return to business outside our homes, they are right now primarily focused on issues of public health, safety and welfare or other items with statutory deadlines.  Even if all hearings in April have been canceled, which some entities have chosen to do, all jurisdictions are figuring out how to have fair, open, legal hearings virtually.  Discussions have begun as to whether quasi-judicial hearings (such as rezonings, variances, land use plan amendments and code enforcement board/magistrate hearings) should be heard virtually.   Some boards and jurisdictions are less savvy with technology than others, but the biggest challenge is ensuring that the due process rights of the applicant and the community. A whole new reason to have appeals and challenges to decisions doesn’t help anyone.

Each jurisdiction is moving forward in its own way, so it’s important to understand the new processes, and what old processes are still in effect.  For instance, what are the requirements for public notice? In one city, everyone has been put on hold while the schedules and new hearing dates are figured out.  In another local jurisdiction, all notice requirements and deadlines remain the same no matter what. In a third local government, the clerk usually does the notice but can’t right now because they are working from home. If you want your hearing to proceed, you have to take over that responsibility.  Some municipalities are noticing online in different ways (including Instagram!).

Given the variety of decisions being made, I’ve compiled a collection of local government-issued information as to how each is dealing with Covid-19 and land use applications, public hearings, and permitting processes. Links are included in the information. Click on the link below to be brought to that jurisdiction’s information.

Please be sure to contact us if we can further help guide you through this process.

Pinellas County

St. Petersburg

Clearwater

All Other Pinellas Municipalities

Hillsborough County

Tampa

Temple Terrace

Plant City

Pasco County

Manatee County

 

PINELLAS COUNTY

The Pinellas County Covid-19 resource page can be found here.

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

During the state of emergency due to COVID-19, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold virtual public meetings.

Members of the public are encouraged to watch the public meeting and public hearings at YouTube.com/PCCTV1, PinellasCounty.org, or on cable television (Spectrum 637, Frontier 44, and WOW! 18).

To participate in the meeting, individuals may participate in the meeting itself, through the Zoom webcast or by calling into the Zoom meeting at one of the following numbers: 1-646-558-8656; or 1-312-626-6799; or 1-301-715-8592; or 1-346-248-7799; or 1-720-707-2699; or 1-253-215-8782.  The Webinar ID number. That number is 238 247 671.

Those wishing to provide comments are encouraged to do so in advance. The following are available options for comments:

  • Call the County dedicated voicemail at 727-464-4010
  • Complete the BCC Agenda Comment Form
  • Call the Agenda Comment Line at 727-464-4400

Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

The Pinellas County BDRS office at 440 Court Street, Clearwater, is accepting permit and development applications via drop-off only. Customer access will be limited to the building’s lobby from 9am to 2pm. We understand this will have impact the overall processing timelines, but staff will respond to requests as quickly as possible. (Contractors may still make permitting and inspection requests online.)

Inspections will be limited to the exterior of a structure if possible. Interior inspections will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and when deemed necessary, will follow CDC social distancing recommendations between staff and the public.

Payment of permit and/or application fees will be limited to credit card transactions.

All public meetings will be held telephonically or virtually.

Online Permits – Contractors can register to pull online permits at VelocityHall.com. Registration instructions are available on PinellasCounty.org/build/permitting. This service is available for Express permits only, such as reroofs, AC change-outs, garage door replacements, water heater replacements, etc., allowable types are listed on the Department website.

Details on permitting requirements and processes can be found in the County’s COVID-19 Permitting Guide

CONTACT INFORMATION:

General Information: [email protected]

Zoning (727) 464-3401  [email protected]

Commercial permits/ Online permits (727) 464-4165, 464-3170

Express permits (727) 464-4165, 464-3927

Utility permits (727) 464-3473

Online permits: [email protected]

CB NOC: [email protected]

CW NOC: [email protected]

Inspection questions (727) 464-3888 (Press option 1, 1, 1)

Right of Way permits (727) 464-3404 or (727) 464-3260

Residential permits with attached habitat/tree permits (727) 464-3401 [email protected]

Tree/Habitat permits only (not attached to other permits) (727) 464-3480 [email protected]

All other payments (red tags, impact fees, supplements) (727) 453-3633

 

ST. PETERSBURG

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Starting April 16, St. Petersburg City Council meetings will resume virtually through the Zoom Webinar tool. The virtual meetings will still be broadcast on SPTV or accessible at stpete.org/TV.

To participate in a live virtual meeting, you can attend by Zoom or by phone.  More information can be found at stpete.org/meetings. Citizens who wish to speak during public forum or any of the agenda items will have to email the Clerk’s Office at [email protected] prior to the meeting. The Clerk’s office is also answering questions: 727-893-7448.

The Development Review Commission (DRC) and the Community Planning and Preservation Commission (CPPC) meetings have been canceled until further notice. The City’s website is providing updates when there are changes to all public meeting scheduled dates.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SERVICES & URBAN PLANNING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISIONS

The City’s Planning and Development Services Department has transitioned all services to electronic and virtual formats in an effort to reduce person-to-person interactions.  They are striving to provide the same level of service to customers through email, phone and virtual options.

Applications for Development Review Commission and Community Planning and Preservation Commission review can be submitted electronically and will be scheduled when hearings resume.

All meetings will be handled as conference calls. All plans must be submitted utilizing electronic applications, and all “while you wait” services will be suspended. For paper plans previously submitted in person needing revisions contact the City at [email protected] so they can be converted to ePlan.

Phone calls will be utilized for all pre-application meetings. Questions can be answered via phone or email. Zoning counter service has been suspended until further notice.

  • Planning & Zoning: https://www.stpete.org/planning_zoning/index.php
  • Public meetings: https://www.stpete.org/boards_and_committees/index.php
  • Email: [email protected] Zoning Main Phone Line: 727-893-7471

These procedures will remain in effect through the duration of the emergency, subject to change.  Details can be found in the City’s PDS Covid-19 Emergency Operation Procedures.

PERMITTING

In-person City services have been suspended at the Municipal Services Center and Sanitation Administrative Building, and the Construction Services & Permitting lobby is closed. All counter service for Residential and Commercial Over-the-Counter plan review have been suspended. Impacted services include: (1) Construction Services and Permitting Division and (2) Billing & Collection.

Conference calls will be provided in lieu of in-person meetings. Questions can be answered via phone or email. Please provide the address, permit/application number, and any additional information so we can be efficient in responding to your request:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Main Permitting Phone Line: 727-893-7231 Inspections Requests (Auto): 727-893-4101

All plans must be submitted utilizing electronic applications and E-plan software.

Plan Review:

All plan review will be performed using E-plan software. The stop-drop and go for small commercial projects, condo renovations, service and over the counter permits will be provided using the E-plan software, with a three day turn around. Standard review for logged in residential projects is 14 days and commercial projects, 21 days. We will make every effort to continue to meet these plan review performance goals. Customers will have the following options to complete the required plan review.

  1. Complete the plan review per the standard practice by City staff.
  2. Complete the plan review by use of an affidavit from a licensed architect or engineer per FBC 107.6. The requirement for prior approval from the Building Official is temporarily rescinded. (Fire, Engineering, FEMA, and Zoning review must still be performed by City staff.)
  3. Complete the plan review by use of a Private Provider with the required notices to the Department per FSS 553.791. (Fire, Engineering, FEMA, and Zoning review must still be performed by City staff.)

All plan review staff will have the contact information for the design professionals for each project. During the review process, additional communication between the design professional and staff should help reduce the number of plan submittal and resolve the review comments with less confusion. The contractor or homeowner will be contacted by plan review staff if required during the review process and will be notified when the permit review is complete.

Inspections:

All Inspectors will contact the homeowner or contractor prior to the inspection and provide the following options to complete the required inspection:

Inspections will be performed by city staff when requested for all active new construction sites or options 1 through 5 listed below. Any occupied structure under renovation including single family homes will need to use options 2 through 5 listed below. No city staff inspector will enter the building.

  1. Complete the inspection per the standard practice with a visual inspection on site by City staff.
  2. Complete the inspection by submitting photos or virtually by using Face Time. This option is available for residential and commercial projects and for any re-inspection at the discretion of the City inspector.
  3. Complete the inspection by use of an affidavit from a licensed architect or engineer per FBC 107.6. The requirement for prior approval from the Building Official is temporarily rescinded. (Fire, Engineering, FEMA, and Zoning inspections must still be performed by City staff.)
  4. Complete the inspection by use of a Private Provider Inspector with the required notices to the Department per FSS 553.791. (Fire, Engineering, FEMA, and Zoning inspections must still be performed by City staff.)
  5. Reschedule the inspection to a date after the emergency order has been lifted. Final inspections that are not required for a Certificate of Occupancy may be rescheduled.

All permit extension fees will be waived, and permits and other currently valid development orders will be extended in accordance with FSS 252.363.

Details can be found in the City’s PDS Covid-19 Emergency Operation Procedures.

 

CLEARWATER

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

  • The Building Flood Board Adjustment & Appeals board meeting for April 7 is cancelled.
  • The Pension Trustees and the CRA portions of the Work Session meeting for April 13 are cancelled. The City Council Work Session is planning to meet.
  • The Community Development Board (CDB) meeting for April 21 is cancelled.
  • The Municipal Code Enforcement Board (MCEB) meeting for April 22 is cancelled.
  • The Sister Cities Advisory Board meeting for April 23 is cancelled.
  • The Parks & Recreation Board meeting for April 28 is cancelled.
  • The CRA meetup scheduled for April 30 has been cancelled.
  • The City Council is maintaining its regular scheduled meetings for the next 30 days.
  • The Community Redevelopment Agency meeting previously scheduled for April 13 is cancelled.
  • The Neighborhood & Affordable Housing meeting previous scheduled for April 14 is cancelled.
  • The Red Light Camera Appeals Hearings previous scheduled for April 15 is cancelled.
  • The Environmental Advisory Board meeting previous scheduled for April 15 is cancelled.

ENGINEERING AND PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

  • The Municipal Services Building at 100 S. Myrtle Ave. is closed to the public, but the front lobby is open. Those who are dropping off plans for permits can do so in the front lobby. Those who are stopping by to pay utility bills can do so at the front-glass windows, or they may use the drive-through or payment dropbox.
  • The Engineering, Planning and Development departments are closed to the public. The departments are still available by phone to assist all building, zoning and code compliance customers.

Application and plan submittals

  • Contractors are encouraged to submit permit applications online using our ePermitting System at  epermit.myclearwater.com. Detailed information on submittal requirements is available under the Help section on that page.
  • For those that want to submit paper applications, a drop box is set up in the Municipal Services Building (MSB) downstairs lobby (100 S. Myrtle Ave) for certain building permit applications. Paper applications with a job value less than $1 million should be dropped off in a box in the Municipal Services Building downstairs lobby.  For projects with a value of more than $1 million, customers should make an appointment to arrange drop-off of plans due to the size.
  • Staff will contact the applicant when the permit is ready and notify them of the fee amount for payment. Payment is due prior to permit issue and can be made at epermit.myclearwater.com. Anyone that must make payment by check will need to return to the office after they have been notified that the permit is ready.
  • Staff will email permits to customers if they are 11×17 or smaller. For larger plans, the department will make an appointment with the applicant and meet them in Utility Customer Service, on the first floor of 100 S. Myrtle Ave., and give them the permit.
  • For online Building Construction Permit assistance contact Tania Vasquez, 727-562-4567 ext. 2565
  • Land resource arborists will continue to review, inspect and issue tree permits and perform land, clearing and grubbing inspections.
  • Attendance at neighborhood meetings are suspended at this time.
  • Placemaking initiatives are suspended at this time.

Inspections

  • The department will provide all exterior inspections. Internal building inspections will be handled in a variety of ways. Certain inspections can be deferred for 30 days. If they can’t, the department will determine if an inspection can be done through an alternative method (Facetime, video or photographs). If an inspector can make a decision based on these methods (i.e. can see what they need to see), the department will go forward. Otherwise, the department will go to the property. In the event someone is quarantined or sick and our inspector is not comfortable, the department may defer the inspection.
  • The city’s Code Compliance team will continue inspections.
  • To submit information for a remote inspection, please visit the Remote Construction Inspection Submittal Portal.

More information can be found here.

 

OTHER PINELLAS MUNICIPALITIES

Pinellas County has numerous municipalities located within it. Pinellas County is the Building Department for several, but most have their own building and planning departments.  Contact information can be found here:

 

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND EVENTS

In response to COVID-19 coronavirus, Hillsborough County government will be cancelling all its events and meetings, including public hearings, until April 30, 2020. The closure impacts all formal programming at Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation facilities, Aging Services’ Senior Centers, and scheduled events in County Conservation parks.

Currently, regular operations of County government continue. Residents who can conduct business transactions online or over the phone are encouraged to do so at this time. The primary focus for Hillsborough County continues to be public safety. Residents should be advised that some day-to-day services may take a bit longer to process than usual as the county is under a local state of emergency.

Hillsborough County Development Services remains open for business following the Hillsborough Emergency Policy Group’s Safer At Home Order. In an effort to continue service while complying with all local, state, and federal public health mandates, Development Services will be temporarily be scaling back operations.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Hillsborough County Development Services remains open for business following the Hillsborough Emergency Policy Group’s Safer At Home Order. In an effort to continue service while complying with all local, state, and federal public health mandates, Development Services will be temporarily be scaling back operations.

ZONING SUBMITTALS

All applications are currently available on-line.  Completed application should be e-mailed, in a PDF format, to [email protected]. Once the intake staff verifies your application is complete, you will receive an e-mail detailing how you can make your payment (fax or online). Credit card payments are preferred with multiple options available. Payment instructions will be sent via email when payment is due.

  • Applications Requiring A Public Hearing – Standard Rezoning, Planned Development, Major Modification, Personal Appearance, Special Use – Alcoholic Beverage (Waiver), Variances, General Special Use: Once payment is received, you will receive your required letter of notice, HOA mailing list and instructions about how to proceed with mailing your notice. Mailing deadlines and delivery of electronic delivery of proof of mailing will also be provided.
  • Administrative Applications– All other Applications: Once payment is received, it will be assigned to a planner for review.
  • All emails to the County should include the application number including prefix in Subject lines
  • Revised documents and/or additional information for a current application can be sent electronically as PDFs with a completed “Revised/Additional Information” sheet.
  • General Site Plans submitted for Certification should be emailed with a completed “General Site Plan Review/Certification Application” sheet as a PDF.
  • Proof of notice deadlines are STILL IN EFFECT!! Documents can be sent electronically as PDFs to [email protected]
  • If email submittals are not possible, the Department is maintaining a drop off point for paper submittals. The drop off location is in the lobby of County Center (601 E. Kennedy Blvd.). To mail submittals, our mailing address is: Development Services Department, Community Development Division, P.O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601-1110. For current applications, please include the application number and zoning technician name on any drop off or mailed items. It is recommended you keep a copy.

Email questions to: [email protected]

More details can be found on the Hillsborough County webpage devoted to Zoning Electronic Submittals.

PERMITTING

Document drop-off stations are available on the first floor of County Center and at the South Shore Regional Service Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For your convenience, you may download the required drop-off form online and completed in advance, if possible. You will receive a confirmation via email within no more than 3 business days along with follow up instructions.

All in-person consultations and transactions are suspended. Customers may continue to call or email Development Services for service consultations and support.

Permit Pickup instructions will be provided via email once your permit is ready.

Inspections will continue on a case-by-case basis to comply with CDC guidelines and all local, state, and federal mandates.

CONTACT INFO

For additional assistance, please call (813) 272-5600.

 

TAMPA

All construction and development projects (public, private, institutional, residential, and commercial) for new buildings or renovations are deemed essential infrastructure and are authorized to continue subject to certain safety precautions and new operating procedures outlined below.

Most City of Tampa services are fully operational, and will continue to be operational to serve our community. Information on individual departments are operating can be found on its  Department Statuses Page for updates.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, City Council and Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) meetings will be held in accordance with declarations and provisions of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-69 .  This means that meetings will be conducted by remote participation or teleconferencing, which is referred to by State of Florida statutes and rules as “communications media technology”. Read how to send your public comments.

Public comment will be accepted in the following ways:

  1. You can send your public comments by mail to: City of Tampa City Clerk, 315 East Kennedy Blvd., 3rd Floor Tampa, Florida 33602
  2. You can provide your comments via the internet or web or
  3. You can leave a voicemail message with your comments by calling (813) 274-8877 (please follow the prompts when you call).

More details on public comments can be found here.

Please note that the Barrio Latino Commission (BLC) public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2020, commencing at 9:00 a.m. is canceled.   The next public hearing for the Barrio Latino Commission will be Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.  In addition, the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) public hearings scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2020 and Wednesday, April 8, 2020, commencing at 6:00 p.m., are also canceled.    The next public hearings for the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) will be Monday, May 4, 2020 and Wednesday, May 6, 2020 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

PLANNING, DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION

The Development Services Center is open for business but closed to walk-in customers at the 1400 N. Boulevard Office until further notice. All Development Services functions, including Planning, Land Development, Architectural Review and Historic Preservation, and Construction Services, are available by phone or e-mail during business hours. All other functions are available 24×7 online and via the Accela system.

Public Notice Signs. The City will notify applicants when they are ready to be picked up. The facility is closed to the public, so staff will bring the sign(s) to the front door for a no-contact distribution in a manner that protects all parties from risk of exposure to COVID-19. Detailed instructions will be included in the email to each applicant.

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Construction Services is open for business via phone, email and online, including normal inspection services, but closed to walk-in customers at the 1400 N. Boulevard Office until further notice.

Meetings can be scheduled with staff through their main phone number, and will be done by phone or via GoToMeeting or other digital methods.

Payments and documents may continue to be mailed or overnighted to the Service Center.  Because the service center is temporarily closed to the public, they cannot accept drop-offs.

*Examples of documents that may be mailed include: Notices of Commencement, Insurance Certificates, License Registrations, State Alcohol Forms, general mail, etc. Please Note: This does not include construction drawings for plan review.

You can upload construction drawings and plans via the Accela system electronically at any time. Instructions on using Accela can be found here, or you can speak with staff contact the City at the number found above.  If you are unable to digitally upload documents or plans, please contact the City and they will work with you to find an alternative method.

Inspections: During the Hillsborough County ‘Safer at Home’ period which began Friday, March 27, the City will continue to conduct inspections to meet project demands. The safety of our staff and our clients is a priority, therefore, because of ‘social separation’ requirements, many inspections will be done virtually (e.g., by video, digital image, or signed affidavit of compliance). Note that if applicable, a project owner can opt to retain a private provider to conduct inspections and the City will waive the required notice period during the COVID-19 crisis. More details can be found here.

Please click the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ button below for more details.

 

TEMPLE TERRACE

PUBLIC HEARINGS

The City Council meeting scheduled for April 7 will go on as scheduled, however, all or part of the meeting may be conducted remotely. As always, it will be broadcast live on the City’s cable channel and on YouTube. Public comment regarding items on the agenda, which will be posted in the coming week, will be allowed via email, phone or via YouTube.

DEVELOPMENT AND PERMITTING

Temple Terrace City Hall and all City facilities including the Family Recreation Complex, the Temple Terrace Public Library, Omar K Lightfoot Center and Public Works are temporarily closed to the public. Staff are available to answer questions via phone or email between 8am and 5pm. View phone directory.

 

PLANT CITY

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

City Hall will be open for all regular scheduled City Commission Meetings, which are held every second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

The City Council is meeting on April 13, through a virtual meeting. The agenda and information on public comments can be found here.

The following City Boards that have regular scheduled meetings for the months of March and April have been cancelled:

  • Board of Adjustment
  • Code Enforcement Board
  • Historic Resources Board
  • Planning Board

PLANNING & ZONING / ENGINEERING

As of March 23, 2020, City Hall is closed to the public.

All City services will be offered virtually through the City’s website.  This includes utility bill payments, business taxes, development reviews, and permitting.

During the closure, customers can still submit applications, site plans, etc. and obtain tree removal permits, zoning verification letters, driveway/right-of-way permits, and other planning or engineering related functions through mail, e-mail, phone or drop box.

Customers may submit plans by placing them in the Plans Drop Box located on the west side loading dock of City Hall, which is located at 302 West Reynolds Street. Before submitting plans via the drop box, please telephone or email the Planning Division at (813) 659-4258 or [email protected].

After plans have been submitted, the Planning Division will email customers with instructions on how to make a payment for the fees.  If you need further assistance, please call (813) 659-4258. Once your payment is made, please email the Planning Division with your payment confirmation at [email protected]. Plans will not be processed for review until payment is made and a confirmation sent.

Face-to-face customer service windows are closed.  Customers who wish to make utility payments are strongly encouraged to use remote payment options, which are available here.  Cutomers may also use the payment drop boxes located outside of City Hall.

​Applications that do not require plan submittal can be emailed to [email protected]. Details on what to submit and how, can be found here.

Building inspections may be scheduled via email at [email protected] or by calling (813) 659-4254.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Planning Division Email: [email protected]

Main Number: (813) 659-4258

Engineering Division email: [email protected]

Main Number: (813) 659-4200 Ext. 4123

Alternate Number: (813) 659-4200 Ext. 4135

Building Department Email: [email protected]

Main Number: (813) 659-4200

Inspection Hotline: (813) 659-4254

Administrative Extensions:

Dulce Rodriguez:  Ext. 4121

Marissa Mobley:   Ext. 4189

Anita Sherman:    Ext. 4185

Kim Logue:             Ext. 4145

Jesse Carr, Building Official:     Ext. 4211

Inspector Contact Telephone Numbers:

Juan Arevalo:  (813) 486-9663   Building

Roger Ausburn: (813) 365-2485  Mechanical

Jeff Campbell:  (813) 707-2317  Senior Plans Examiner

Donald Knight:  (813) 365-2418  Electrical

Mike Mullis: (813) 707-2356  Plumbing

Ray Proctor: (813) 707-2355  Chief Building Inspector

 

PASCO COUNTY

HEARINGS and PUBLIC MEETINGS

The BCC takes the health and well-being of our residents and team members seriously, and is committed to following current Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. In order to reduce the risk to team members and the community, public meetings are cancelled until further notice, including:

  • Pasco Board of County Commissioners Meeting (04/07)
  • Planning Commission Meeting (04/08)
  • *Community SWOT Analysis Meetings (through 06/01) (full schedule here)
  • Joint City/County BCC Workshop (03/31)
  • Commission on the Status of Women (04/06)

Please visit Agendas & Minutes webpage for updates.

The following Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Board and committee public meetings are cancelled:

  • Pasco County MPO Board Meeting (04/09)
  • Pasco County Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting (04/01)
  • Pasco County Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting (04/06)

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Planning and Development Department will begin implementing an alternative service model to ensure continuation of operations and support our customers while practicing social distancing. The Department will be accepting planning application submittals online only. All project information must be uploaded in Accela and all payments must be made online via the ACA (e-check or credit card). Person to person transactions will not be accepted and deferrals will not be considered. Project reviews will continue in their reviews according to the below information.

  1. Development Review Timelines. Due to the Local State of Emergency, all project review timelines are extended 60 days for applicant responses (from 120 days to 180 days) for projects currently under review and new submittals during this time. In addition, all internal review timelines are extended for staff by 14 calendar days (from 28 days to 42 days) until the end of COVID-19.
  2. Expedited Reviews. All expedited reviews are suspended during COVID-19. Due to limited or reallocated resources, no applications will be accepted for expedited review.
  3. Alcohol Sign-Offs. This application is suspended due to its person to person interaction.
  4. Horizontal Roundtable. The Horizontal Roundtable for March and April are cancelled.
  5. Public Hearings. Please follow the BCC website for more information on the availability of public meetings.
  6. Zoning Inquiries. Walk-in inquiries and inquiries by phone will not be accepted at this time. All zoning inquiries must be submitted via email at [email protected].

Staff are working remotely and are not available in the office. We ask that you use email as the preferred communication with the department until the end of COVID-19. Phone calls may experience delays in response times.

At this time, the Planning and Development Department staff are working remotely, please click here to view the staff directory.  

PERMITTING

Central Permitting is accepting DROP OFF PERMITS ONLY at the customer service window on the first floor of the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey.
The Central Permitting Offices in Dade City and Land O’ Lakes are open.
Contractors are encouraged to use our online permitting system (bit.ly/PermitsOnline) for Reroofs; HVAC Changeouts; Plumbing; Electrical; etc.
Permits will be worked on in the order they are received. ONLINE PAYMENTS/CHECKS ONLY. This will remain in effect until further notice. Please call 727-847-8126 with any questions.

INSPECTIONS

The Pasco County Building Department is conducting all occupied structure inspections via our Vuspex Mobile Video Inspections Tool ONLY until further notice. To learn more about Vuspex Mobile Video inspections, please visit: www.pascocountyfl.net/3491/VuSpex-Virtual-Inspections.

More information can be found here.

 

MANATEE COUNTY

PUBLIC MEETINGS

As of March 18, the following meetings have been canceled or rescheduled:

  • March 23 Tourism Development Council Meeting – CANCELED
  • March 24 Port Manatee Meeting – CANCELED
  • March 26 Board of County Commissioners and Town of Longboat Key Joint Meeting – CANCELED
  • April 2 Land Use Meeting – Continued to May 7

Manatee County’s Canvassing Board will still hold its scheduled public meetings on March 19 (4 p.m.), March 27 (4 p.m.) and April 1 (9 a.m.)

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

All Manatee County Government public buildings are closed to the public for walk-in services until April 30. See list of all closures and cancellations.  County staff will continue to work and County services will continue to operate. The public is encouraged to conduct transactions with the County online or over the phone whenever possible. Call 3-1-1 for more information.

Additional events have been canceled.  Check the relevant department and division webpages for the most up-to-date information.

Further information can be found here

By | Published April 9, 2020 | Posted in COVID-19, Land Use, Legal Updates, Real Estate Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Do We Move Forward If We Can’t Have a Hearing: A Detailed Look at the Status of Land Use Hearings and Permitting in Tampa Bay Counties and Cities – April 2020