Permits – Frequently Asked Questions
Classification: Service
KBA Code: KBA-017
Last Updated: 4/22/2024
Description
General
Do I need a mid-point brace for soffit?
The manufacturers installation instructions are what must be followed.
Are gutters required on my new home?
They are required by the Health Department, only on the side where a septic field is located.
Can the roof of a Single Family Residence be hand-framed?
Yes, provided the design, by a Florida-registered design professional, is compliant with Florida Building Code, Residential Chapter 8.” Note: The WFCM Guide by the American Wood Council can be utilized by the design professional..
How do I pay a reinspection or permit renewal or extension fee?
Transfer the caller to 941.743.1201 for permitting staff assistance. If the caller is a licensed contractor, these fees may be paid using our Online Services link on our web site https://secureapps.charlottecountyfl.gov/CitizenAccess/. Fee payments over the phone or online may be made using a Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card. In-person fee payments are accepted in cash, check, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card.
How do I determine if I need a permit for a project?
Call 941-743-1201 or email [email protected]. Answers may also be found on the department's website What Does Or Does Not Require A Permit | Charlotte County, FL (charlottecountyfl.gov).
Are water or sewer services available for my property?
Call the Charlotte County Utilities Department at 941-764-4300.
What are the permitting fees in Charlotte County?
Permitting fees are listed in a document called "Fee Schdule for Permits & Associated Services" and is located under "Permitting Forms & Documents" on the Forms & Documents page of our website Community Development Forms & Documents | Charlotte County, FL (charlottecountyfl.gov). Fees for each permit type may also be found on the Permits page of our website Permits | Charlotte County, FL (charlottecountyfl.gov).
Where can I find forms for permitting, licensing, zoning, planning and land development?
Forms are found on the "Forms & Documents List" page of our website www.charlottecountyfl.gov/dept/commdev/Pages/Forms-Documents-Listing.aspx.
Where is the Community Development Department located?
18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
How do I obtain a road or street closing permit for a block party or event?
An application package for a Temporary Use Permit must be completed, with all required attachments and information. The application form is found on the Forms & Documents page of Community Development's website in the Zoning Forms section www.charlottecountyfl.gov/core/fileparse.php/363/urlt/Application-Temporary-Use-Permit.pdf. The application review process starts with the submittal of the TUP application package to the Zoning Section of Community Development located at 18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte. If you have any questions about completing the form, please call Zoning at 941-743-1964. Please contact Public Works at 941-575-3600 for more information about road or street closing authorization.
When does a permit expire?
A permit expires in two ways as follows:
When an approved required inspection was not made within 180 calendar days from permit issuance; or,
When an approved required inspection was not made within 180 calendar days from the last approved required inspection.
Note #1: At time of permit issuance, the initial expiration date is printed on the job card.
Note #2: The required inspections are printed on the job card and are shown online as “pending.”
Note #3: An automated email reminder is sent to the permit holder 30 days before a permit will expire.
Where do I register my home security system?
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. For contact information, visit www.ccso.org.
How much does a sign permit cost?
A sign permit costs $116. However, if it is a face change only, then the cost is $22.
Is a permit required to install or construct a pergola?
A permit would not be required if the pergola is a single free standing (not attached to any other structure) pergola having maximum dimensions of 12 ft. x 12 ft. with no footings required, with no roofing or sheathing, with no electric nor plumbing and which also complies with the Zoning Ordinance. Please contact the Zoning Office at 941-743-1964 or [email protected].
When did permitting management software begin?
Permitting management software first began in Charlotte County in June, 1989 with software called "CD-Plus." In September 2009, the county moved to Accela as its permitting management software, which is still used today.
How do I determine if a property is in the City of Punta Gorda?
Visit the Property Appraiser's website www.ccappraiser.com and search the Real Property Records by street address, parcel number or owner name. From the search results, look for the "Taxing District" field. If tax districts 149 through 156 are displayed, the property is in the city.
Is a permit required for Above Ground Swimming Pools (24 inches or more in depth)?
Yes, a permit is required. The following is a list of documents to be submitted with a permit application package:
Site Plan of the parcel, drawn to scale, with dimensions showing the location of the pool and equipment, including the required weatherproof, GFCI protected electrical receptacle.
The plan shall show the 48" Pool Access Barrier as required by Florida Building Code section R4501.17. Access Barriers might include the pool wall, fences, walls, decks, stairs, ladders, gates, doors, windows or other similar pool/spa access. Additionally, the required Pool Barrier system must be maintained and in place including times when the pool is unattended.
In addition to the required GFCI protected pool equipment receptacle. All other electrical receptacles located within 20 feet from the pool edge must be GFCI.
Overhead electrical lines 0-750 volts must be 22.5 feet minimum away from the water edge.
Do I need to have a bathtub in my house?
No. The answer is based upon the Florida Building Code-Residential, R306.1 Toilet Facilities, which states: "Every dwelling unit shall be provided with a water closet, lavatory, and a bathtub or shower."
Can I modify a shipping container to make it a house or a shed?
The Florida Building Code allows the use of alternative materials, design and methods of construction as long as they meet the intent of the provisions of the code in quality, strength, durability and safety, from the foundation to the roof. Therefore, it is permitted as long as engineering documents prepared by a Florida licensed engineer or architect with complete construction details are submitted with the permit application for review and approval.
What is the minimum size home that can be built in Charlotte County?
Every dwelling must have at least one habitable room that has a minimum of 70 square feet of gross floor area (FBC-Residential R304.1 Minimum area) plus one bathroom with one water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower (FBC-Residential R306.1).
How can I see the status of a permit application or search for permits at a specific address?
Visit the Online Services link https://secureapps.charlottecountyfl.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx.
When does a plans change need to be submitted?
Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents. Any changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents (per FBC-Building 107.4).
What is the fee for a plans change?
The fee for a commercial plans change is $75 for each category: building, electrical, plumbing & mechanical. The fee for a residential plans change is $50.
Is a permit required to replace a sink or faucet?
No.
What are the requirements for replacing doors or windows?
The requirements for door or window replacement is covered in Chapter 16 of the FBC, Building as well as applicable sections of the FBC, Existing Building. The Charlotte County Windows, Doors and Wind-borne Debris Protective Devices permit application form provides guidance about all the permit requirements for window and door replacements. Note that page 3 of the application is especially helpful.
What is Unity of Title?
The Unity of Title legal process was created to assist homeowners who have a home with abutting multiple lots and they want to construct a structure, such as a detached garage, on one of them. This works to a homeowner's advantage in that water connection fees would not be charged for an additional meter and would only have a single water bill.
Is a proposed drainage plan and as-built survey required for a residential shed or a residential detached garage?
The Building Construction Division does not require drainage plans and drainage as-built surveys for detached sheds and garages so long as the existing conveyance or swale along the side and rear of the property is not diverted or blocked. These structures will still be required to have the final grade slope a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10 feet of the building to comply with the Florida Building Code, Residential, Section 401.3, unless provided with an exception.
Is a permit needed to replace a few panels on a carport?
If the repair is under 100 sq.ft., a permit is not required.
Who records the Notice of Commencement (NOC)?
The property owner or contractor.
When is the Notice of Commencement (NOC) required to be submitted?
The building department must have a copy of the recorded Notice of Commencement (NOC) before the first inspection can be scheduled.
Can my roofer fix the damage to my roof?
Maybe. The contractor will need to have a CRC, CBC, CGC license to perform the repair work. If trusses are damaged, then signed and sealed engineering from a Florida-licensed design professional and a remodel permit will be required.
Do I need a permit to construct a shed that is 8 ft. x 8 ft.?
No. A building permit is not required but a zoning review and a zoning permit is required.
Where do I get a wind mitigation report?
Wind mitigation is a homeowner's insurance program. Consult with your insurance company to learn what their requirements are.
Do I need a solicitation permit for door-to-door sales?
Yes, per Charlotte County Code, "It shall be unlawful for any person to engage, on behalf of himself or others, in the business of door-to-door selling without having first obtained a home solicitation permit from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court pursuant to F.S. section 501.022(2), as amended, and any regulations amendatory, supplementary or additional thereto.” This can be found at: https://library.municode.com/fl/charlotte_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=GEORSPAC_CH1-10LIBURE_ARTIIIDO-DSE_S1-10-77HOSOPEEQ