Q & A�s ON BUILDING PERMIT

By SHUBHANG K. PATEL

Why does the city or county require building permit for various projects?

Building permits are required to ensure that the construction meets the requirements of all state, city and fire prevention codes. Inspections are completed on all permits issued to ensure the safety and welfare of the citizens

Is it true that permitting increase the cost of construction?

No.

What happens if I choose not to obtain the required permits?
Building & Zoning Code Compliance will issue an advisory notice. Once a permit is obtained, the cost will be double for an After the Fact permit. Additionally, there may be fees for a third party engineering analysis if areas of work are concealed. If no action is taken, a Notice of Violation will be issued and could result in fines being levied.

How much time do I have once the permit is issued?
In most cases, permits expire and become null and void if work is not started and an inspection requested within 180 days from the issuance date of the permit. After work has commenced, the permit will expire when work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days. Lack of an approved inspection within this time will serve as validation that the job has been suspended or abandoned

What type of work requires a permit?

Following  is the list of work require permit, but it is not limited to, any new construction, addition or alteration of existing structures, fences, driveways, parking lots, roofing, swimming pools, solar pool heaters, structural changes, signage, commercial awnings, irrigation systems, tree removal, land disturbing activity, plumbing, electrical, gas or HVAC work.

During heavy rain, water leaks from the walls, is it a roof problem or walls?

It could be either. If your exterior walls are stucco, it requires painting every few years and cracks in stucco must be sealed prior to painting.

What is Notice To Owner? Is this A lien?

A notice to owner is usually mailed to the homeowner by a material supplier or distributor. It is NOT a lien. A notice to owner simply states that material is being purchased on your behalf and that the material supplier has lien rights to your house should they not be paid. This is in accordance with the lien law section of the Florida statutes.

Is permitting required to pour a concrete slab?

Yes.

The city has sent me violation notice for my commercial rental property. Who is responsible to correct the violation such as fire sprinklers, septic tank; landlord or tenant?

Please, refer to your rental agreement. In any case, the violation notice must be responded to the issuing authority in timely manner.

Can you cut trees down without a permit in Florida?

It depends on size, species, location of the tree, and type of property. Check with your local authorities.

Can I fill wetland without permitting?

No. You can be charged with unauthorized fill of jurisdictional wetlands, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail.

Shubhang K. Patel, president of SAVITARA � General Contractors in Florida, can be reached at 1-800-245-9944 or e-mail at [email protected]. Orlando (407.427.2098). Tampa Bay (727.437.2098). Lakeland (863.438.1098). Lake County (352.578.1144).