Many Gulfport residents are making progress in returning to their hurricane-damaged homes with the help of new “minor repair” permits issued by the city.

In line with FEMA regulations, the city is providing these permits to help property owners make their homes livable, even while they await permits for major repairs and rebuilding.

Starting Monday, Pinellas County will launch a similar program, accepting applications for minor repair permits.

There are three types of minor repair permits available: they can be used for electrical work, HVAC or heating and air conditioning, and plumbing repairs.

RELATED: Understanding Minimal Repair Permits in Substantial Damage Situations

Barbara Banno, a Gulfport resident still haunted by Hurricane Helene, expressed her relief at being able to make these repairs. “The most devastating thing you could ever imagine,” she said. “It’s still a nightmare that haunts me every day. Good days and bad days. One day, my neighbor might cry to me, and then I cry to her. Even though we’re on our property, it’s still a very traumatic experience.”

The shared pain among neighbors is visible throughout Gulfport, with hurricane-damaged homes and businesses boarded up, awaiting Substantial Damage Estimate letters and rebuilding permits.

“Until we get that letter, we don’t know whether we’re going to rebuild or if we have to improve our house to meet FEMA regulations. There’s this fear of the unknown,” Banno explained.

Despite some personal belongings being stored on the lanai or in storage units, Banno is thankful for the minor repair permit. “The electrical on the water heater alone is a huge safety issue. These small steps allow people throughout the community to make their homes a little more livable,” she said.

With the minor repair permit, Banno can spend more time in her home and stay connected to her community. “It gives us a huge sense of security to be on our property and around neighbors who are all going through the same thing,” she said.

The city of Gulfport’s building department is reviewing dozens of these minor repair permits to bridge the gap and make homes livable in the short term. For major repairs and rebuilding plans, nearly 200 permits are currently under review, and more than 200 Substantial Damage letters have been sent to property owners, according to Gulfport city leaders.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News)