Building permits and zoning in Tampa

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Tampa’s Construction Services and Development Coordination pages.

Two city offices handle building in Tampa, both part of the Development and Growth Management Department at 2555 E. Hanna Ave. Construction Services issues building permits and inspects the work. Development Coordination handles zoning, variances and rezonings. Almost everything is filed online in the city’s Accela portal.

Who to call

• Building permits and inspections: Construction Services, 813-274-3100, option 1, or CSDHelp@tampagov.net; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays
• Zoning, variances, rezonings: Development Coordination, 813-274-3100, option 2, or TampaZoning@tampagov.net
• Zoning questions about a specific lot: Development Coordination planners, 813-274-8403
• Historic districts: Architectural Review and Historic Preservation, 813-274-3100, option 3
• Online permits: Accela Citizen Access
• Appointments, in person or virtual: Q-Up Tampa

Getting a permit

Construction Services reviews plans, issues permits and performs inspections for all building work in the city. The process for a homeowner:

1. Check the job type. The city’s residential permits page has a step-by-step guide for additions, driveways, generators, new homes, pools, remodels, roofs, screen enclosures, seawall extensions, shutters, siding and electrical, plumbing and mechanical work. Residential permits cover single-family homes and duplexes only; a condominium needs a commercial permit.
2. Apply in Accela. Create an account on Accela Citizen Access and upload your plans. Homeowners doing their own work upload an owner-builder acknowledgment form; the city’s homeowner resources page has a guide for each step.
3. Pay the fees. See below.
4. Schedule inspections in Accela as the work goes, and look up results there.

Need help in person? Book a slot on Q-Up Tampa, which takes virtual and in-person appointments for permits, plan review, zoning and historic preservation.

The city warns that a permit only means the work meets the zoning and building codes. It does not check private deed restrictions or HOA covenants, so read your own before you build.

Permit fees

The city does not publish one flat price. Use the Fee Estimator or the fee schedules on the permit fees page for trade permits, miscellaneous projects and new construction, additions and alterations. Every permit also carries the Florida building permit surcharge of 2.5% of the permit value, with a $4 minimum. Separate charges can apply for mobility fees, water and sewer connections and Hillsborough County school impact fees on new homes.

The permit counter takes money orders, personal checks with ID and corporate checks; online eChecks are capped at $10,000. Payment questions: 813-274-8252.

What is my zoning?

Search by address or folio number on the city’s Interactive Zoning Map. It shows the zoning district, city limits, local historic districts and overlay districts, and links to Chapter 27 of the Tampa city code, the zoning code. The city says the online map is provided as-is and recommends calling a Development Coordination planner at 813-274-8403 before any decision.

Property outside the city limits, including much of the unincorporated area around Tampa, is zoned by Hillsborough County, not the city.

Variances

The Variance Review Board hears requests to bend the zoning rules, such as setbacks. It usually meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Old City Hall, 315 E. Kennedy Blvd., third floor; the 2026-27 hearing schedule has the dates. The board can grant a variance only when the hardship is unique to the property and was not created by the owner. Written comments go to VRB@tampagov.net at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Rezonings and the City Council

Rezonings and Special Use II permits are decided by the Tampa City Council after a public hearing. Applications go through the Development Review Committee first. From the city’s rezoning schedule, the next tentative public hearing dates are:

The city says the dates can change once the council approves its official calendar in early January. Applications are on the Development Coordination forms page. Applicants must complete public notice, including posted signs at $16 each, by the deadline on the schedule.

Historic districts

Tampa has four local historic districts and 64 local historic landmarks, according to the city’s historic preservation page. Exterior changes, additions and new construction in a district need a Certificate of Appropriateness, filed in Accela and heard by the Architectural Review Commission (Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights) or the Barrio Latino Commission (Ybor City). Both meet at Old City Hall.

What this means for you

• Look up your zoning before you buy or design, and call a planner to confirm.
• Roofs, generators, driveways, pools and screen enclosures all have their own permit guides.
• In Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights or Ybor City, budget time for a historic review before the building permit.
• Hearing notices are your cue to comment; the council and boards take written comments.

Related: property taxes, who to call at City Hall and moving to Tampa.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a building permit in Tampa?

Apply online through the city’s Accela Citizen Access portal. Construction Services reviews the plans and inspects the work; call 813-274-3100, option 1, with questions.

How do I find my zoning in Tampa?

Search your address or folio number on the city’s Interactive Zoning Map. For a firm answer on what is allowed, call Development Coordination at 813-274-8403.

How much does a building permit cost in Tampa?

It depends on the job. The city’s online Fee Estimator gives a figure, and every permit also carries the state building permit surcharge of 2.5% of the permit value, $4 minimum.

Who approves rezonings in Tampa?

The Tampa City Council holds the public hearings on rezonings and Special Use II requests. Applications go through the Development Review Committee first.

Do I need permission to change a house in a Tampa historic district?

Yes. Exterior work in a local historic district needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Architectural Review Commission or, in Ybor City, the Barrio Latino Commission. Call 813-274-3100, option 3.