At a special meeting on Feb. 7, Treasure Island commissioners unanimously approved extending a temporary waiver of permit fees for specific storm-related repairs. However, many residents will need to wait for further discussion in a work session and another regular hearing to see if relief will be expanded to include more costly permits for raising or rebuilding homes.

From Feb. 7 through May 31, the city will waive building permit fees for the following repairs and construction projects:

• Interior demolition of flood-damaged drywall, flooring, baseboards, and cabinets
• Fence installation
• Tree removal
• Roof repair and replacement
• Electrical repairs for meter bases and power surges affecting appliances
• Permits and plan examination fees related to storm damage repairs for residential or commercial buildings, excluding accessory structures

Community Development Director Kathryn Younkin clarified that the waiver does not apply to the state-mandated $4 surcharge.

Additionally, the commission approved reimbursement for permit fees collected between Sept. 27, 2024, and Feb. 6, 2025, for the same types of repairs. However, City Manager Charles Anderson noted that refunds will not be immediate, as staff must ensure proper processing.

Future Discussions on Elevation and Rebuilding Fees

The commission scheduled a workshop for Feb. 18 to explore waiving permit fees for residents seeking to elevate or reconstruct their homes. Commissioner Arden Dickey emphasized the importance of including three key permit types in the resolution: complete demolitions, elevation of new structures, and new home construction.

Younkin responded that the current resolution only covers repairs and demolitions, not new construction or elevation projects. To include those, the commission would need to pass a separate resolution.

Commissioner Deborah Toth mentioned potential state funding through the new Elevate Florida grant initiative. However, Resident Barb Adams expressed concerns that grant distribution could take years and might limit homeowners’ choices, urging the city to act now.

Commissioner Bob Minning pointed out that residents with “substantial damage” letters—indicating damage exceeding 50% of a home’s value—must either elevate or demolish their structures. He argued that not addressing permit fees for those cases leaves the relief effort incomplete.

Minning also stressed the importance of setting a firm date to decide on waiving fees for elevation and reconstruction. He and Dickey noted that new permits are issued daily, and delaying a decision could significantly increase the number of potential refunds.

Mayor John Doctor agreed that the issue should be addressed in an upcoming workshop, with Anderson adding that the city needs time to finalize how the rebate program will function across departments.

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(Image credit: City of Treasure Island)