Signal Cove News & Updates
Member Meetings
If you are a Member of the Signal Cove Community including Leisure Beach and Out of Area Members, you are invited to our monthly meetings.
Upcoming Dates:
February 3rd
March 3rd
April 7th
May 5th
To renew or join click HERE
PASCO COUNTY STORM DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS
Below is a PDF on the letter you will be receiving on whether or not your home is deemed to be substantially damaged (over 49% of the value) and what steps you can take based on the county's assessment.
FEMA Buy Out & Mitigation Program
Below is a PDF on the FEMA grant program that elevates homes or can provide a buyout. As there are requirements to participate, homeowners should contact the Emergency Management Mitigation team at 727-847-8137 to arrange a consultation to see which project would work best for their needs. Additionally, this is not a quick program, it is about a 3 – 5 year process.
Answers from Pasco County Regarding Home Repairs
We’ve gathered some important information from Pasco County related to home repairs in the aftermath of the storm, especially for those living in mobile homes:
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Clarification on the 49% Rule for Mobile Homes
The 49% rule does apply to mobile homes, which make up the majority of our community. This means the cost of repairs cannot exceed 49% of the home’s value, as per the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. -
How to Calculate the 49% Maximum for Repairs
Homeowners must calculate the 49% value of their mobile home using the property appraisal’s "Building Value." Multiply that value by 1.15, then multiply by 0.49. The repair cost estimates, which must come from a licensed contractor, should include essential repairs like plumbing, flooring, sheetrock, electrical, and roof. Items like appliances, cabinets, and bathroom vanities are not required to be included. -
Permitting Process for Repairs
If you've had trouble getting permits (like Mitch Messer’s experience), it's important to follow the guidelines closely. Licensed contractors must submit the SI/SD package to the county, and while some residents have had issues, Pasco County assures us they are doing what they can to streamline the process. At one point, free permits were being issued at the Sea Ranch Civic Center. We are working to find out if this option is still available. -
Condemnation of Homes
The authority to condemn homes lies with the County's Building Official, not FEMA. Once a determination is made, homeowners are notified and have the opportunity to make repairs before any demolition orders are issued. There is no set timeline for this process, but homeowners typically have 30 days to appeal a demolition order if one is issued. -
Temporary Housing Options
Following the state of emergency declaration, homeowners are permitted to live in temporary shelters such as RVs or trailers on their property for up to 36 months while rebuilding or repairing their homes. The shelter must be connected to utilities and meet safety standards.
For more detailed information, you can access the full Q&A document here:
Q&A on Pasco County Repairs