Demolishing a structure in unincorporated Pinellas County requires a demolition permit from BDRS - Demolition is one of the record categories in the Pinellas County Access Portal (Accela) - because the county requires a permit for any demolition work in excess of $500 or requiring an inspection. Separately and in addition, ALL demolitions require an asbestos survey by a state-licensed asbestos consultant and a NESHAP demolition notification to the Pinellas County Air Quality Division at least 10 working days (two calendar weeks) before work begins, even if no asbestos is found. The building permit does NOT satisfy the Air Quality notification requirement.
Property owners and licensed contractors demolishing (fully or partially) residential or commercial structures in unincorporated Pinellas County. The owner/operator is responsible for the asbestos survey and Air Quality notification regardless of who pulls the building permit.
Get an asbestos survey
Before any demolition (or renovation), obtain a written asbestos survey report from a state-licensed asbestos consultant; the report must accompany the demolition notification and be kept on site during work.
pinellas.gov/programs/asbestos-program/asbestos-notificationFile the NESHAP demolition notification with Air Quality
Submit the demolition notification (preferably via the Access Portal) with the survey and fees at least 10 working days before demolition - required for ALL demolitions even with no asbestos present. The 10-working-day clock starts only when all information, fees, and survey documents are submitted. Emergency demolitions of structures declared structurally unsound by a government official: 1-day notice.
pinellas.gov/create-an-air-quality-asbestos-notification/Apply for the demolition permit in the Access Portal
Sign in to the Pinellas County Access Portal, select the Demolition record type, complete the application, and upload required documents (survey/site plan showing the structure to be demolished, per general BDRS submittal requirements).
aca-prod.accela.com/pinellas/Default.aspxPay fees
Pay building permit fees through the Access Portal; asbestos notifications carry separate fees payable to the Air Quality Division.
Record Notice of Commencement if required
If the direct contract is greater than $5,000, record a Notice of Commencement with the Clerk and attach a copy to the permit before the first inspection.
pinellas.gov/notice-of-commencement-form/Schedule inspections
Schedule required inspections through the Access Portal after the permit is issued.
pinellas.gov/building-inspections/| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition building permit fee | see fee schedule | BDRS fee schedule in the county budget book User Fees section; pay via Access Portal. |
| Asbestos/demolition notification processing fee | see fee schedule | Paid to Pinellas County Air Quality Division; the 10-working-day notice period does not start until fees and documents are submitted. |
Fee amounts change, the linked official schedule always controls.
Gotchas: (1) The Air Quality NESHAP notification is a separate, mandatory track - obtaining the BDRS demolition permit does NOT satisfy it, and it applies to every demolition even with a clean asbestos survey. (2) The 10-working-day clock starts only when ALL documents and fees are in. (3) Renovation notifications are triggered separately at 160 sq ft / 260 linear ft / 35 cu ft of regulated material disturbance. (4) Contact Air Quality at (727) 464-4422 or [email protected]. (5) NOC required over $5,000. (6) Owner-builders must meet FS 489.103(7). No county page fetched stated utility-disconnect requirements; confirm with BDRS at (727) 464-3888.