Q. Why do I need a permit? A. The Florida Building Code (FBC - 101.3) states that the “code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength… and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations”.
Q. When is a permit required? A. Per (FBC - 102.2), a permit shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every public and private building, structure or facility or floating residential structure, or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings, structures or
facilities.
Q. How much will my permit cost? A. The cost of a permit varies depending on the permit type. A fee schedule is available on our web site.
Q. What happens if I choose not to obtain the required permits? A. The Code Compliance office will issue an notice for working without permits. If you choose to ignore this notice you may be brought before the Code Enforcement Board and you may be fined, made to remove the unpermitted work, or made to apply for and receive a permit. Once a permit is obtained, the cost will be the standard permit fee for the work
that was done, plus a two times penalty plus a fifty dollar administrative fee for the "after the fact" permitting process. Additionally, there may be fees for a third party engineering analysis if areas of work are concealed.
Q. Do I need a contractor? A. Not if you own and occupy the house. Florida Statutes (489.103(7) allow the owners of real property to act as their own contractor. This exemption may only be used if you own and occupy the home. As an owner builder though, if you do not complete all of the work yourself, you must supervise the work, and hire licensed trade subcontractors (electrician, plumbing, air conditioning
contractors and roofers) in accordance with state law. Owners acting as their own contractor or listed as a subcontractor are required to personally appear and sign the permit application per F.S. 489.103(7).
Q. If I use a contractor, what guidelines should I use to choose one? A. Ask for and check references, ask to see their state license. Check the number on the state web site (www.myfloridalicense.com) for any state complaints. If they ask you to secure the permit, beware. They may not be licensed, which puts the homeowner totally at risk.
Q. How long does it take to get a permit? A. Depending on the number of permits that have been submitted before you, and if all required documents are provided, a simple Building Permit (A/C change-out, water heater replacement, or other minor work) can be obtained within a day or two. More complex work will take a few days and a permit to build an addition, or new home will take considerably longer. (Please
call the Building Department for these details. A site plan and Zoning review are required by the Town.) A permit application expires 180 days after the date of filing. (FBC 105.3.2) and permit fees are non-refundable.
Q. What happens after the permit is issued? A. The list of required inspections is located on the permit placard. Instructions on scheduling these inspections will be provided when your permit is issued. The permit placard must be attached to the front of the building where the work is being done. During the construction, it is the applicant's (Owner Builder/Contractor) responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are made, prior to proceeding with the next phase of the work on the project. For new dwellings, once all fees are paid and all required inspections are completed, the applicant will be issued a CO (Certificate of Occupancy). Upon request, a COC (Certificate of Completion) for minor projects can be obtained.
Q. How much time do I have once the permit is issued? A. Once a permit has been issued, a permit will expire and become null and void if work is not started and an inspection is requested and has passed within 180 days from the issuance date. After the work has commenced the permit will expire when work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days. A permit will become non-renewable after an additional
60 days has passed from the expiration date. Lack of a passed inspection within this time will serve as validation that the job has been suspended or abandoned.
Q. Where is the permitting office? A. The Building Department is located in Town Hall, located at 507 Ocean Ave. Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 - Please call us at; (321) 724-5860 |
