Resources & FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Before Starting to Build or Improve a Property in Broward County

1>How do I get started if I want to build or improve my residential or commercial property? Before submitting your application for permit to this office, you should contact the Broward County Development Management Division located at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 954-357-6666, who will determine if you need any sign-offs from other agencies. Obtaining a building permit from the Building Code Services Division is the "last stop" in the permitting process.

2> How will I know for sure if I need a building permit from the Broward County Building Code Services Division? A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove or demolish any building, structure or part thereof. The need and types of permits required is based on the scope of work you are proposing and you should contact the Building Code Services Division prior to starting a project. Depending on the opinion of the Building Official, a permit may not be required for general maintenance or repairs which do not change the occupancy of the structure and the value of the work does not exceed $800 in labor and material. If you need a building permit, you must hire a licensed contractor or you can apply for an exemption to submit to the Building Code Services Division, to do the work yourself. A licensed contractor is a person who possesses a current Certificate of Competency issued by the Central Examining Boards of the State of Florida. If you wish to apply for an exemption to do the work yourself, complete an "Owner-Builder Affidavit" (available at the Building Code Services Division) for each building permit application being made.
WARNING: If you are allowed the exemption, you take all the responsibilities and liabilities as a contractor.

3> If my planned building or improvement requires a permit from the Building Code Services Division, where can I get the building code application? You can obtain an application by clicking on the "Applications" line on the main menu or come to the Building Code Services Division office at 955 S. Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This is about 1/4 mile south of the Henry Kinney Tunnel on the west side of U.S. 1. The Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M. The office is closed on National Holidays.

4> What do I need to bring to the Broward County Building Code Services Division for the work that I want to do? After you have routed your plans to the agencies specified by the Development Management Division for sign-offs, you can submit your application for permit to the Building Code Services Division along with the following:
1) Two sets of signed and sealed plans (by an architect or engineer) showing all structural, plumbing, electrical and mechanical designs and calculations.
2) Two signed and sealed surveys (if required).
3) All energy calculations.
4) All paperwork showing agency sign-offs (if required).

5> How long will the process take after I submit my plans and building permit applications to the Building Code Services Division? This depends on what you are planning to do. The Division has an hourly charge for pre-plan review service which assists in shortening the time frame for plan review of large scale projects, when the final documents are submitted. Small projects such as re-roofs, A/C change outs, burglar alarm installations, etc., do not require a review by other agencies and are reviewed at Building Code Services as "walk-throughs". These can usually be done within an hour after submittal.

6> What methods of payment are accepted by the Building Code Services Division? Building Code Services accepts cash, checks and credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover) payments for any permit transaction. In addition, if you are a contractor that would like to obtain a Certificate of Competency, you can now pay for a new or renewal application and testing fees by credit card. Just go to the cashier counter, present your credit card and you are on your way. You can also fax or telephone in your payment for reinspection fees when you pay by credit card. The telephone number you can use for telephone payments is 954-765-5041 Ext. 265 and 275. For fax payment the number is 954-765-4410

Valuable Links

www.broward.org -The voters of Broward County recognized the need for a single autonomous agency to write, modify and interpret a uniform body of building codes applicable throughout the County. The need for an oversight agency to monitor and oversee building code enforcement and to establish criteria for certification of Building Code enforcement personnel was also considered important by the voters. The Board of Rules & Appeals was created to serve these purposes.

boaf.net -The Building Officials Association of Florida - BOAF is a professional, non-profit, state-wide volunteer organization comprised of Code Officials and industry representatives from nearly every jurisdiction in Florida.

www.floridabuilding.org -The Department of Community Affairs contracted with Information Systems of Florida, Inc., in January 2000, to create a website that would provide contractors, builders, and the public, an electronic method to keep informed about the new Florida Building Code. Since its deployment in October 2000, BCIS has become a hub for DCA employees, building manufacturers, third-party agencies, training providers, and anyone else interested in the Florida Building Code.

www.fleng.org -Florida Engineering Society

www.sfagc.org -South Florida Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America

www.cityofwpb.com/construction/cserviceshome.htm -City of West Palm Beach Construction Services Department.

www.face-online.org -Florida Association of Code Enforcement

www.iccsafe.org -International Code Council
For direct contact e-mail:
tech@capriengineering
or
faq@capriengineering.com