In South Florida, you need a building permit to construct, repair, alter, move, demolish or remove any building or structure, or part thereof. The scope of the work will determine the type(s) of permits required, in some cases more than one permit is necessary.
At Paterson Development, we take care of permitting, from soil tests, boundary and elevation surveys, FEMA compliance, and more – we take the complications out of getting the proper building permits.
Why Do You Need Building Permits?
Getting the proper permitting might seem like a pain but it’s really a way to protect yourself against sub-standard work that could pose a danger to the health and safety of you and others. In most cases, a series of inspections will take place throughout the construction process to ensure the job, and all associated parts of the job, are completed correctly. All applicable laws, rules and regulations are kept in mind during these inspections. At the end of the work, a final inspection is conducted to make sure the work has been properly completed.
If there are several permits necessary for a job, you can request automated reports on all jobs, or just specific ones. These reports can be sent to agents, homeowners, and subcontractors. These reports include real-time updates and information about each inspection that takes place.
8 Steps to Get a Building Permit in South Florida
1. Fill Out an Application
You’ll need to download the application for the city in which your property is located. Information required on the application includes info on the applicant, the address of the property, as well as the parcel or folio number – this is a 13-digit number that is unique to your property and can be found on your property tax statement.
2. Select the Type of Permit You Require
There are many different types of permits, including electrical, engineering, flood, landscaping, mechanical, plumbing, structural, roofing and so forth. For new structures, a general “building” permit is required.
3. Next, Select the Permit Request Type
You’ll need to check the permit request type that applies to you, options include: new permit, change of contractor, permit extension, permit revision, private provider, city project, and so forth.
4. Indicate Property Type
Different property types have different permitting requirements; therefore, you’ll need to select the property type. Your options including: commercial, multi-family residential, or single-family residential or duplex.
5. What is the Total Value of Work?
Next, you’ll be asked to indicate the total value of the work to be done, along with the square footage of your property. You must define the stated component parts of the project along with the total value of the work.
6. Describe the Work That’ll Be Done
This is your chance to describe the type of work that’ll be conducted. You don’t need to add too much detail, but make sure to include all of the important aspects of the job. We recommend filling the form out online so that it’s easier to read and there are no confusions due to legibility of handwriting.
7. Fill in Names of All Responsible Parties
From the property owner to the contractor, architect and structural engineer, you’ll need to fill out all responsible parties.
8. Sign the Dotted Line
At the bottom of the form it’ll ask for your signature (either the owner or lessee is required to sign the paperwork). It must be signed with a notary public watching.
From here, you’ll need to submit forms to your local building department and pay the fees upfront. At this time, you’ll also need to submit plans for all work. There is a 30-day review process, although wait times vary by city. You’ll either get the green light or be asked to fix any issues before moving forward. Keep in mind, your plan may go through multiple reviews.
Rules and regulations change city to city, and there are certain specifications to take into consideration based on the scope of your project. Don’t go at it alone! Your friends at Paterson Development are here to make the process stress free by taking care of the permitting process for you.