Navigating Local Regulations & Permits

Starting work on a new building project can be an exciting, yet confusing venture. There are lots of tedious steps involved in the process, and permits and inspection regulations are often a big learning curve for new or DIY builders. Our team has put together a step-by-step guide to acquiring permits so that the exciting parts of construction can begin without delay.

Is a Permit Required?

Before beginning construction, it’s important to do the research to find out what permits are required for which project. General building permits are required for either constructing or modifying a building. The Florida-based construction blog ConstructionHow gives a list of generalized moments in which a permit might be required for building a commercial structure:

– Building

– Enlargement

– Repairing

– Relocating

– Destroying

– Changing the building’s occupancy

– Changing the building’s construction

Additionally, more specialized permits might be required for the modification of the building’s mechanical and electrical properties: “if an owner intends to install, modify, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems, a building permit is necessary, provided the design complies with Florida Building Code,” says the blog.

Zoning Regulations

The type of permit needed for construction will depend on the zoning laws around where the building is located. These regulations divide land for specific uses. Based on where the project is located, the permit type required will be one of these three: residential, commercial, or industrial.

Hire a Professional

Hiring a licensed professional to help create a project is essential in its success. Florida permit-provider Sun Coast Permits tells us that hiring a professional is important for the safety, quality, and ethical standards of the project. They give a detailed list of reasons professional builders are a highly valuable asset in the construction process:

– They adhere to all relevant regulations and building codes

– Protection from potential legal repercussions

– Safety for everyone working on your project

– Quality assurance

– Must follow ethical standards and regulations set by licensing boards.

– Liability insurance coverage to cover accidents or property damage during construction

one of our top goals is to provide as smooth a building process as possible by offering Consulting Services unique to the project. These services provide essential aid in project management, cost estimation, compliance, and risk assessment, ensuring the success of acquiring a building permit. Visit our Contact Us page to get started discussing construction permits today.

Detailed Plans

Making a detailed plan of the project will help eliminate any delays in the permit process. When drawing out the vision, be sure to research local building regulations. A well-thought-out plan will help the process go smoothly. Sun Coast Permits gives the following advice: “Prepare detailed plans and drawings of your project, including architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing drawings. The plans you draw will depend on the nature of your project and what the municipalities need from you to issue a permit.”

Find Florida’s most current building codes through the International Code Council (ICC).

Apply for Your Permit

When the plan is ready, apply for your building permit. Working with a permit expediting service can be helpful, as they will check the project’s plan for error and be able to determine what other documents might be needed for submission.

Find building permit applications for your county by visiting the State of Florida’s website.

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