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.