A Homeowner’s Guide to Permits for Demolition and Dumpster Placement in Pinellas County

Decks • Sheds • Dumpsters • Unincorporated vs. Municipal • Right-of-Way

Navigating Local Requirements with Confidence
$500+

Triggers permit requirement

100

Sq. ft. shed permit threshold

7

Partner municipalities

6'

Dumpster screening height

🏡 In Pinellas County, not all demolition projects are created equal—and neither are the rules for dumpsters.

Whether you're removing a backyard shed, tearing down an aging deck, or simply renting a dumpster for a major cleanout, understanding when and where permits are required can save you from fines, project delays, and neighborhood complaints. This guide clarifies the distinct requirements for unincorporated Pinellas County and its municipalities, helping you stay compliant and stress-free.

⚠️ First, Verify Your Jurisdiction

Pinellas County permits only apply to unincorporated areas. If you live in a city (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, etc.), you must contact your local municipal building department. Check your property status here →

Two Key Permit Scenarios

Demolition Permits

Required for any structural demolition in unincorporated Pinellas County. [citation:1][citation:4]

  • 🏚️ Houses, garages, mobile homes: Permit always required
  • 🪚 Decks: Permit required (attached or over 100 sq ft)
  • 🏕️ Sheds: Permit required >100 sq ft; <100 sq ft needs zoning setback clearance
  • 🌳 Tree removal: Habitat Permit required [citation:5]
📋 Demolition permit required 🌿 Habitat permit (trees)

Apply: Pinellas County Access Portal

Dumpster Placement

Public property vs. private property rules differ significantly. [citation:2]

  • 🏠 On your driveway/yard: No permit required (single-family)
  • 🛣️ In street/right-of-way: Right-of-Way Permit required (Engineering Dept.)
  • 🚫 Single-family zoning: Dumpsters prohibited on R-1 through R-5 zoned parcels EXCEPT with active construction permit [citation:2]
  • 🧱 Screening: Dumpsters visible from street require 6' fence/wall
🛣️ Street placement = permit 🏡 Driveway = no permit

Exemption: Temporary dumpsters with valid construction/demolition permit are exempt from zoning rules [citation:2].

🏛️ Partner Municipalities (County Permits Apply)

Belleair Beach
Belleair Bluffs
Belleair Shore
Indian Rocks Beach
Kenneth City
Oldsmar
Safety Harbor

Not listed? If you live in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, or Gulfport—you must pull permits directly through that city. County permits are not valid inside these municipalities.

🏕️ The 100 Sq. Ft. Shed Rule

Storage Sheds & Utility Buildings

≤ 100 sq. ft.: No building permit required. Must still obtain zoning clearance for setbacks and placement. [citation:4][citation:5]

> 100 sq. ft.: Full building permit required. Demolition of existing shed >100 sq ft also requires permit.

📐 Zoning: (727) 464-3401

📋 Step-by-Step: Getting Your Permit

1️⃣

Confirm Jurisdiction

Visit PCPAO.gov property appraiser. Check "Current Tax District." If "Municipal," call your city. If "Unincorporated," proceed with county.

2️⃣

Determine Permit Type

Demolition permit for structures. Right-of-Way permit for street dumpsters. Habitat permit for tree removal.

3️⃣

Submit Application

Use Pinellas County Access Portal for all unincorporated permits. Upload site plan, drawings, and hazardous materials questionnaire.

4️⃣

Schedule Inspections

Demolition permit requires inspection after work is complete. Permit valid for 6 months; extensions available.

Pinellas County Building Services: (727) 464-3888 | Zoning: (727) 464-3401 | Right-of-Way: (727) 464-3404

🚫 Common Permit Pitfalls

❌ Assuming "under $500" means no permit

Demolition permits are required regardless of cost. The $500 threshold applies to other work, not demolition. [citation:4]

❌ Placing dumpster on street without permit

This is a Right-of-Way violation. Fines apply. You must obtain a permit from Regulatory Services.

❌ Demolishing a shed >100 sq ft without permit

Even if you're replacing it, demolition of structures over 100 sq ft requires a permit.

❌ Tree removal without Habitat Permit

Even on private property, tree removal requires environmental review and a Habitat Permit. [citation:5]

🏠 Dumpster Rules for Single-Family Homes

✅ Allowed (No Permit)

  • • Dumpster in driveway
  • • Dumpster in backyard
  • • Temporary dumpster with active construction/demo permit [citation:2]

❌ Prohibited or Permitted

  • • Dumpster in street (permit required)
  • • Dumpster on R-1 to R-5 zoned lots without active permit [citation:2]
  • • Unscreened dumpster visible from street (6' fence required)

Pinellas County Code §138-3507: "A dumpster which is located on a site on a temporary basis for the purpose of construction being done pursuant to a valid, current permit, trash collection, or cleaning of the site shall be exempt from the requirements of this section." [citation:2]

Need a Dumpster or Demolition?

If your project qualifies for the "active permit" exemption, you can place a temporary dumpster without zoning restrictions. Professional junk removal and demolition services handle the permitting process for you—ensuring full compliance with Pinellas County code.

Junk Removal, my map
Pinellas County tip: Before you rent a dumpster, ask the provider: "Do I need a right-of-way permit for this placement?" If they say "no" but it's going in the street—they're wrong. Call (727) 464-3404 to verify.