Frequently Asked Questions

What type of work requires a permit?

• Any new construction

• Residential or Commercial addition

• Residential or Commercial alteration of existing structures

• Fences

• Driveways

• Patios larger than 100 sq. ft.

• Sheds larger than 50 sq. ft.

• Parking lots

• Roofing

• Pools

• Solar pool heaters

• Structural changes

• Signage

• Commercial awnings

• Tree removal

• Land disturbing activity

• Plumbing

• Electrical, Gas or HVAC

Contact the Building Division at 321-221-7540 option 2 for any additional questions.

Go to www.bcpao.us (Brevard County Property Appraiser). Open “Search for Property” to display the details of the subject property. Within the details you will see a section labeled "Taxing District" on the left side of the page indicating the jurisdiction.

Most people are aware that building permits are required for new commercial buildings, tenant build-outs, construction trailers, temporary power poles, new homes, mobile homes, room additions, and in-ground swimming pools.

Unfortunately, some realize only after work is underway or finished that permits are needed for other projects, such as carports; garages; fences; sheds; re-roofing; window replacement; door replacement; garage-door replacement; above-ground swimming pools; A/C change-outs; electrical work; plumbing work; gas piping and connections; generators; fire-protection systems (alarms, sprinklers, stand-pipes); walk-in coolers; and low-voltage wiring.

Projects started without a building permit can result in greatly increased costs, delays, and even removal of structures. The structures may be placed in the wrong location or they may not comply with building codes.

The Florida Building Code, 7th Edition (2020), requires that a building permit be obtained prior to construction, alterations, repairs, and relocations. A property owner or contractor who starts work without first obtaining a permit could be subject to a penalty of 100% of the usual permit fee. Section 109 of the Florida Building Code sets fees, which are authorized by Florida State Statute 553.80.

The permitting process allows a determination that improvements comply with City Ordinance, City Land Development Regulations and the Florida Building code.

• State Certified Contractors: Copy of State Certification & proof of Workers Compensation Insurance or Affidavit of Exemption and general liability insurance.

• State Registered Contractors: Copy of State Registration, Brevard County Competency Card & proof of Workers Compensation Insurance or Affidavit of Exemption and general liability insurance.

• Subcontractors: Copy of State Certification or State Registration with Brevard County Competency Card & proof of Workers Compensation Insurance or Affidavit of Exemption and general liability insurance.

• Specialty Contractors: Licensed by the County & proof of Workers Compensation Insurance or Affidavit of Exemption and general liability insurance.

To apply for a permit, an application, along with drawings (when applicable) must be submitted. For any new construction or additions to the property a survey is required along with proof of property ownership from the property owner (deed or tax statement), description of work being done, and estimated value of construction.

Permit approval time depends on the correct submission of the required work documentation and the amount of submissions after review by staff. If the submitted application with plans only require a single review, the following schedule applies:

• Residential Construction Permits require an average of 15-30 working days for approval or response.

• Commercial Construction Permits require an average of 15-30 working days for approval.

• Fire System Permits (Alarms, Sprinklers, etc.) require an average of 7 working days for approval.

• Certain permits may be issued while you wait or within 3 days if plan review is required.

One-Stop permitting only applies to residential permits and allows applicants to apply for and obtain permits in a quick and convenient manner. Per the Florida Building Code, each One-Stop permit is designed to be processed without Plan Review Approval. One-stop permit applications can typically be processed, approved and issued in a relatively short timeframe while the applicant waits, therefore increasing efficiency and reducing customer visits. Please see the following list of permit type’s eligible for One-Stop Permitting:

Residential

• Re-roof without skylights or ISO (insulation) Board installation

• Fence

• Mechanical change-out, no ductwork replacement

• Pool resurfacing

• Tree Removal

Surveys are required for any new construction, additions, fences, sheds, pools to existing properties to verify that the proposed construction is wholly located on the owner’s property and that it meets all setback requirements for the zoning district.

The application must be signed by the contractor (license holder) and the owner of the property or a signed contract showing an agreement was made with the contractor and owner.

An Owner/Builder permit can be obtained if all of the following apply:

• The applicant is the owner.

• The permit must be used for the owners use only.

• The property is not for sale or lease for a period of one year.

• (Commercial only) The construction value is less than $75,000.

Most plans need to be signed and sealed by a registered design professional. Please contact the City Building Department for more information.

As of April 1, 2025, the estimated population is 30,554 as determined by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Florida.

Contact the code enforcement officer at Rockledge City Hall and share your concern. It will be evaluated to determine whether or not it is a violation and what action can be taken. 

Effective July 1, 2021, Senate Bill 60 amended Florida Statutes 125.69, 162.06 and 166.0415; prohibiting code inspectors designated by governing bodies of municipalities from initiating investigations of potential violations of codes and ordinances by way of anonymous complaints; requiring persons who report potential violations of codes and ordinances to provide specified information to the governing body before an investigation occurs. 

Code inspectors can no longer initiate an investigation through a direct or indirect anonymous complaint either in writing or by phone.  Indirect complaints through City staff or persons, must be accompanied by the name and address of the complainant for submission to the Code Board.

While the City encourages landscaping and tree planting, always consider sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and even your house when planting trees. If placed in the wrong locations, trees can clog sewers, crack sidewalks, interrupt electrical power, and TV cable service, and even affect the foundation of a house. Remember to plan before you plant.

All properties with a structure: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of twelve (12) inches in height. And all sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from hazardous conditions (edged). Vacant property residential or commercial: Must, at a minimum, keep all untended vegetation, all grass and all undergrowth cut to a height of twelve (12) inches or less in an area ten (10) feet wide along any area that is abutting and within ten (10) feet of any improved lot/parcel, sidewalk, street, or bike path. 

Reference: Rockledge Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16, Article I, Sec 16-2 / Chapter 16, Article II, Sec.16-45((b)(4) 

Motor homes, RVs, 5th wheel & Travel Trailers, all Campers, Pop-ups etc. can be stored on the property provided that it is behind the front building line in the side or backyard. You need to own the RV and no one can live in it. If you need to test or do repair work to the RV, you can hook up electric and water but only temporarily. The RV must be parked an improved surface, not grass or dirt. Only 1 per property and have current tags and registration. 

Reference: Rockledge Code of Ordinance, Chapter 30, Article III, Division 2, Sec. 30-103(e)

It depends on the total length and is measured from the tongue of the trailer to the very end of the trailer or boat. Total length if under 22 ft. can park in your front yard/driveway or on a paved surface (not blocking the sidewalk), all boats are covered, for recreational use and have current tags and registration. Total length if over 22 ft. must be parked behind the front line of the building, in a carport or garage. All boats are covered, for recreational use and have current tags and registration. Note: Trailers used for commercial businesses are not allowed to be stored in residential area. 

Reference: Rockledge Code of Ordinance, Chapter 30, Article III, Division 2, Sec. 30-103(f)

Any vehicle that has over four (4) wheels, more than two (2) axles, is taller than eight (8) feet from ground level, or has a total length more than twenty-two (22) feet is defined as a commercial vehicle. They cannot be stored/parked in a residential neighborhood unless it is within a garage or if the vehicle belongs to a company doing work on your house. Official vehicles of city, county, or state governments and public utilities are exempt. 

Reference: Rockledge Code of Ordinance, Chapter 30, Article III, Division 2, Sec. 30-101

Yes, but because utilities and more could be installed in that area, only certain trees are allowed and you would need a permit. Please contact the Building Department for a copy of the permit application.

All new and existing buildings in the city are required to have address numbers attached to the building and numbers must be plainly visible and legible from the street. This makes your address identification very simple and direct not only for emergency, fire & police, but also for your friends and neighbors, and in the case of commercial properties, your customers & clients 

Reference: Rockledge Code of Ordinance, Chapter 16, Article II, Sec. 16-45(d)(3)

The household garbage container assigned to your residence is not to be left out at the curb on non-scheduled pick up days. The Code requires that the container be brought to the curb prior to 7:00 a.m. on the pickup day, and be removed back from the curb no later than 7:00 p.m. of the pickup day. The container is to be stored near the house during other times. 

Reference: Rockledge Code of Ordinance, Chapter 22, Article II, Sec. 22-40(c) 

It is not permitted to store or accumulate tangible property such as furniture, clothing, or household goods in a yard or open carport. When this happens there is a likelihood of those items becoming a breeding place for snakes, rats, flies, gnats, mosquitoes or other harmful or dangerous creatures or insects. Keep all carports, front porches and yards free from unnecessary clutter. 

Reference: Chapter 16, Article II, Sec. 16-45 (d)(1) 

Please call us as we have an ordinance requiring that any property under a foreclosure action must be registered and shall remain under the annual registration requirement, inspection, security, and maintenance standards as long as it remains in the foreclosure action and vacant, or becomes bank/lender owned. 

Reference: Rockledge Code of Ordinance, Chapter 16, Article III, Sec. 16-72

Yes, you can drop off your used needles at Fire Station #35, 1800 Rockledge Boulevard. It is very important that the needles be brought in an approved sharps container. We have free sharps containers at Station #35.

No. Your unused/unwanted medicines can be dropped off at the Rockledge Public Safety Headquarters, 1776 Jack Oates Boulevard.

We run a two-tiered system in Brevard County. Firefighters and paramedics are cross-trained. There are more fire engines with EMTs and paramedics in the City than there are ambulances and, in most instances, a strategically placed fire engine will arrive at the scene of an emergency before an ambulance will.

Yes, we can. Please contact the Public Safety Department at (321) 221-7540, Option 4 for more information.

• Check with a plumber regarding a valve to prevent sewer backups
• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber handy for emergencies
• Make sure that nearby drainage ditches are clear of debris and functioning properly

• Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know that the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated
• Do not drive through flooded areas and do not drive around road barriers. Roads or bridges may be washed out
• Do not walk through flowing water
• In standing water, use a pole or stick to determine depth
• Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts and drains
• Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be covered with debris, including glass and nails. Floors and stairs that are covered with mud can be very slippery
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Report downed power lines to the power company
• Turn off all electrical circuits at the panel or disconnect all electrical appliances
• Watch for animals, including snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours

• Any walled and roofed building in an National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating community is eligible, whether or not the building is located in a floodplain.
• Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner's insurance policy.
• Flood insurance is available in the City of Rockledge due to the city's participation in the NFIP.
• Maintaining a flood insurance policy is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and reduce the cost of flood disasters.
• There is a 30-day waiting period after a policy is purchased before coverage goes into effect. However, if a new or renewal policy is required by a lender as a condition for obtaining a mortgage, then the coverage takes effect at closing.

Job openings are posted online. Applications for employment can be obtained at Rockledge City Hall, you can download an application from our website.

• Conducting public hearings
• Establishing principles, objectives, and policies for the planned use and development of land
• Investigating special studies
• Preparing and maintaining plans for the future development of the city
• Reviewing and making recommendations for special exceptions to the Board of Adjustment
• Reviewing and making recommendations for zoning district amendments, comprehensive plan amendments, and subdivision plans
• Reviewing grant proposals and submit written recommendations to the City Council
• Reviewing proposed land development ordinances and submit written recommendations to the City Council
• Submitting written recommendations to the City Council
• Zoning uses and development of land uses

• Six sets of sealed site plans
• Two copies of concurrency evaluation
• Two sealed tree surveys
• Two sealed landscape plans
• Two copies of the erosion / sedimentation control permit application
• Two copies of the environmental assessment
• Copy of all recorded easements
• Two copies of the SJRWMD permit
• Two copies of sealed drainage calculations (100-year on-site)
• Two copies of the DEP permit
• Statement of cost
• Proposed use