Building Permits Frequently Asked Questions (2024)

• No shed or accessory building or structure shall be located within the lot’s front yard or side yard along the street side of a corner lot;
• A minimum distance of twelve (12) feet must be maintained from a side property line on the street side of a corner lot when located in the rear yard;
• A shed or accessory building or structure must be located on a lot with a primary structure and shall not be located closer than twelve (12) feet to the principal building;
• A shed or accessory building or structure shall not be located closer than six (6) feet to any other shed or accessory building or structure on the same lot; and
• No shed or accessory building or structure shall be located upon a lot within fifteen (15) feet of any seawall.

Sheds

• One (1) storage building, properly anchored and not exceeding eighty (80) square feet in area (Ex: 8’x10′) or eight (8) feet in height, may be located only within a residential lot; and
• A minimum distance of three (3) feet must be maintained from a rear property line and three (3) feet from the side property line on an interior lot.

Accessory Structures

(sheds Larger than 80 S.F., carports, garages, screen rooms, etc.)

All accessory buildings and structures, larger than the size of an eighty (80) square foot shed, shall be located a minimum distance of fifteen (15) feet from a rear property line and six (6) feet from a side properly line on an interior lot; and other applicable code sections.

Permits

Building permit applications for sheds and accessory structures must include the following:

• Survey of the property with the proposed shed/accessory structure drawn to scale;
• Engineered plans, signed and sealed or Florida product approval for structure and anchorage.

Costs: The cost of permits for shed and accessory structures are based on the value of construction.
Note: This is a summary of the regulations. Please refer to the City Code of Ordinances Section 22-6.03 (a) for official and legal purposes.

New Windows in the City of Gulfport must have shutters or impact glass

Limited to {4′ x 8′) panels

Wood structural panels with a minimum thickness of 7 /16 inch and a maximum span of 8 feet shall be permitted for opening protection in one and two-story buildings. Panels shall be precut and pre-drilled to cover the window openings with attachment hardware permanently installed on the building. The panels must lap over the sides of the walls at least 3 inches. Do not fit the shutters inside the opening.

1. Fastener Size – ¼ inch diameter.
2. Fastener Length – must go 2 inches deep into the wall.
3. Fastener Spacing – no more than 16 inches apart.
4. Fasteners – must be vibration-resistant & permanently installed.
5. Fasteners – must be corrosion resistant.

For larger openings or other code approved shutters and panels, please submit the certified test report or certification by an engineer. For more information refer to Florida Building Code 2010 (Sec. 1609.1.2).

Sec. 10-11. Temporary structures.

1. As used in this section, the term temporary structure shall include any free-standing tent, tarpaulin or canopy of any kind constructed of any flexible fabric or material and supported by poles, wire, ropes or any other type of support and constructed, erected or designed to provide shelter for any person, animal or object. This term shall not include any type of canopy of awning permanently attached to a building, for which a building permit has been issued.
2. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or construct, or to maintain after erection or construction, or for any owner or occupant of any property to allow, any temporary structure on any property within the city, except as follows:
   1. On properties used in whole or part for residential purposes, temporary structures may be erected and maintained in any rear or side yard as defined in section 22-2.02 of the Code, a minimum of six (6) feet from any property line provided however that any temporary structure in any side yard shall be enclosed within an opaque fence;
   2. A permit may be obtained from the city for temporary structures to be located in any area other than as provided in subsection (1) hereof for a period not to exceed seven (7) days; provided that no more than four (4) permits in any twelve-month period, issued at least sixty (60) days apart, shall be allowed for each property; and
   3. Any temporary structure to be placed on any public property or right-of-way shall be subject to the approval of the city council.
3. Any permit application submitted pursuant to this section shall be in writing in the form provided by the city, providing the name and address of the applicant and the property owner, the address for the location of the temporary structure, a description of the proposed location for the temporary structure on the property, a description of the purpose for the temporary structure, a description of the size and materials from which the temporary structure is made, a certificate of flameproofing for the temporary structure, and such other information necessary to evaluate the permit request.

(Ord. No. 93-12, § 1, 10-5-93; Ord. No. 99-2, § 1, 2-2-99)

On the permit application, under description of improvement, explain:

• Type and Model # of “Approved” Backflow Assembly to be installed.
• Elevation of “Approved” Backflow Assembly
• If connection will be made to City water or if connection to be made to auxiliary water supply.
• If on City water show point of connection.

Residential Inground Swimming Pool Checklist

• Building Permit Application-separate
  applications for electric, screen enclosure, perimeter fence, solar pool heater, gas pool heater.
• Notice of Commencement – only one is needed (good for one year). Only needed if the cost is more than $2,500.00.
• Copy of the Contract-to verify the pool components.
• Survey – with the pool drawn on copy of the survey, with setback dimensions, and location of the equipment.
• Plot Plan – enlarged pool plan with all dimensions and features.
• No Conflict Letter – Duke Energy letter addressing the specific property.
• Engineering – generic concrete swimming pool design.
• Fiberglass – several designs available, circle the shape that is being installed.
• Plumbing – (not a separate permit) could be on the Contract, Plot Plan or Engineering plan. Information should include pool volume, turnover time, flow rate, type of pump and filter, pipe sizes for suction and pressure, and type and rate of the main drain.
  Swimming Pool & Spa Safety Form-per Florida Statutes 515, signed by the contractor and property owner.
• Other information-(may not be necessary) engineering for a stem/retention wall or water feature, specification on the pump, filter, drain or pool heater, LED lighting.
  

Residential Above-Ground Swimming Pool Checklist

• Building Permit Application-separate applications for electric, perimeter fence.
• Notice of Commencement – if cost is more than $2,500.00.
• Survey – with the pool drawn on copy of the survey, with setback dimensions, and location of the equipment.
• No Conflict Letter-Duke letter addressing the specific property.
• Swimming Pool & Spa Safety Form-per Florida Statutes 515, signed by the contractor and property owner.
• Verify the height of the pool above ground is 48″ and ladder is removable.
  If less than 48″, provide method of protecting swimming pool walls to a height of 48″ (Pool safety barrier).

Commercial/Public Swimming Pool/Spa Checklist

• Effective October, 2014, a permit application submittal package for construction, or modification, of a public swimming pool must include a document from the Pinellas County Health Department showing that an application for operating permit has been submitted. Plan review is the responsibility of Gulfport Building Department, but will work with County Health Department. An issued operating permit must be submitted to Gulfport Building Department prior to Approval Final Inspection.

Swimpoolcheck 3/2019