Permits Increase, Building Services Need Help

Gulfport City Council unanimously approved to contract a private company to help with the growing amount of permits and development in the city.

According to the council packet, permits, inspections and permit valuations have increased in the past five years.  A look at the current 6 month period (ending March 31) compared with the same amount of time last year shows an increase of 46 permits and 124 inspections.  According to staff, there are about 10 inspections a day in Gulfport and recently, it’s increased to 15. The department

Starting immediately, M.T. Causey, Inc. will provide building inspections for three days a week at a cost of $1,560 a week. The approved contract calls for services not to exceed $35,000.

City staff and council believe the move will help save money while addressing the growing needs.

Over the past couple of weeks, the city contracted services through Pinellas County to help with the overload. Through the interlocal agreement, Gulfport paid $59 per inspection, which ended up costing between $1,200 and $1,500 for two days each week. The new contract is for $1,560 a week - for three days of services, according to staff.

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