Permits: Why Do You Need Them?
PART 2 in AJO’s REBUILDING STRONGER SMARTER SERIES
Whether you’re repairing damage, re-building after a storm, or designing a new resilient building in Florida, you’ll likely run into the need for building permits.
Series 2 of AJO’s “Rebuilding Stronger Smarter” is focused on permits, starting with answers to the most common question: Why do you need a permit?
Scroll down to find out how permitting your work can benefit you in the long run.
2A.1: SAFETY
Getting a building permit involves a process of submitting architectural/construction drawings and other information to your local building department, who reviews that information against building codes. This ensures that the work has been thought through with a standard of building safety in mind.
Your building permit will also have to be received and paid for by a licensed contractor, who has been tested and certified to do the work correctly.
Finally, throughout the building — or rebuilding — process, local inspectors will review the work to ensure that what’s being built matches what you and your builder agreed to, as well as complying with the building codes for safety!
2A.2: Value
Local permits for your construction work are also valuable financially. Often times, title insurances will not cover ANY un-permitted building activities. If something happens to your property during or in relation to un-permitted work, you may end up in a sticky situation with your insurance.
On the flip-side, having building permits filed with your local jurisdiction make it easier for property assessors to value the work you’ve had done, allowing you to more easily re-sell or assess your property for what it’s truly worth.
2A.3: JURISDICTION
All jurisdictions require building permits for various types of work, whether you live in an incorporated city (such as Fort Myers or Naples), or within your County (such as Captiva, Iona, or Immokalee).
Many types of work permits are standardized across jurisdictions, such as new construction, additions, replacement of windows, doors, electrical or plumbing work.
HOWEVER, scroll down to the next slide for the MOST IMPORTANT TIP when it comes to permitting.
2A.4: KNOW YOUR LOCAL RULES
The MOST IMPORTANT THING when it comes to permitting is to always verify with your local jurisdiction.
Some jurisdictions require drywall replacement to be permitted when the repair is over 100 square feet; others require permits to replace roofing that’s more than 200 square feet.
WHEN IN DOUBT, ask your jurisdiction, or ask a professional.
Architects, Engineers, and Contractors deal with permits daily as part of their jobs, and will be happy to help you figure out what you do and don’t need.