Pinellas County, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Pinellas County Code § 154-231 makes it unlawful to construct, install, remove, relocate, perform work, or place temporary items or structures within, on, under, or above the right-of-way without a right-of-way permit, with narrow exceptions for trash and recycling receptacles and bulk debris placed no more than 48 hours, mailboxes, and irrigation and landscaping that complies with subsection (b). Subsection (b) separately bars using the right-of-way in a way that impedes public access, restricts vehicular sightlines, or risks damaging infrastructure, including parking or staging equipment, vehicles, RVs, trailers, or construction/landscape materials or debris, without a permit.

Subsection (c) bars modifying, defacing, cleaning, applying chemicals to, or pressure-washing the right-of-way without a permit, though adjacent owners may clean adjacent sidewalks for aesthetics if the entire frontage is treated consistently and utility-location markings aren't removed; transient sidewalk chalk and utility-location or hazard-warning paint are not prohibited. Every permit issued is revocable and creates no vested right, no guaranteed access point or configuration, and no right to any particular median opening or turning movement (§ 154-231(d)-(f)). Under § 154-232, applications not tied to a site plan are processed as a Type 1 review; work must start within 90 days of issuance and finish within 180 days or the permit becomes void, requiring a new application and fee.

Permits can require a completion surety of 110 percent of the estimated installation cost plus a maintenance surety of 20 percent, effective at least 18 months, though the county administrator may waive the surety. Section 154-237 sets a fee schedule by county resolution covering review, processing, and inspection costs.