The City of Treasure Island is set to explore the possibility of waiving additional permit fees for residents rebuilding homes damaged by hurricanes.

At a workshop scheduled for Tuesday evening, city commissioners will deliberate on the proposal to eliminate permit fees for both elevating existing homes and for new constructions aimed at replacing hurricane-affected properties.

According to city staff, waiving permit fees for projects valued at around $200,000 would save homeowners approximately $2,400 in fees. 

Just earlier this month, the city commissioners agreed to continue waiving permit fees for various reconstruction efforts including interior demolition, tree removal, fence replacement, roof repairs or replacements, and repairs to electrical meters. Additionally, examination fees related to storm damage have been waived.

Sunset Beach, one of the most severely impacted areas in Pinellas County, still has numerous homes that are uninhabitable. Local resident Dave Grant, who owns his home and two rental properties, acknowledges that while the fee waivers are helpful, they are just a minor part of the vast financial burden of rebuilding. 

“That’s nice,” Grant told Bay News 9, “But the biggest thing in the last 2-3 weeks that I’ve seen is a lot more permits being issued. There was a lot of frustration built up with people because 4 months is a long, long time and I understand some of the FEMA rules but we’re finally moving along so hopefully we can get people back in their homes.”

During the workshop, commissioners will also address how to offset the revenue lost from waived permit fees, which fund staff salaries among other expenses. Options under consideration include seeking reimbursement through FEMA programs, applying for a community disaster loan, drawing from the city’s general fund, or raising application fees in the future.

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(Image credit: Angie Angers/Bay News 9)

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