There are a lot of building codes, regulations, and red tape that a permit needs to go through before construction can start. We know which forms are required by building officials and we’ll be happy to process them for you. We are experienced at moving the house plans and paperwork through required channels at state, city and county levels in Florida so leave the stress and hassle to us.
There are a number of documents in addition to the building plans that are part of the building permit process that are required. Here are a list of some of the items you may be expected to provide in Marion County, Florida.
Since Hurricane Andrew in 1993, Florida building codes have continued to increase in complexity and strength. Today, homes must be designed to comply with regard to these stiffened codes. Although the building plans are a major part of the permit application packet, a great deal of additional project-specific information must be submitted for governing review as well. As such, the permitting process has become ever more challenging and takes a lot of work to assemble a complete application packet.
For someone who has never applied for a permit before, the amount of red tape can seem overwhelming and, in fact, it is not unusual for the completed paperwork to reach a height of 4″ to 5″ or more before submitting.
IPC Services personnel are adept at wading through a myriad of documents to ensure your permit will be processed by the building department as quickly as possible. We are familiar with the rules and regulations of individual building departments and we daily monitor the process of every permit we submit.
Based in Ocala, Florida we specialize in the zoning, planning, and building code requirements of Marion County Florida. As a company that specializes in building permit assistance we frequently provide building permit assistance in Levy County, Alachua County, Volusia County, Lake County, Citrus County and Sumter County. We provide building permit services to all counties that accept digital submission in Florida. Call us at 352-369-7329 to check if we can help you.
It all depends on what you plan to do. If you’re just going to repaint or refinish existing floors, you won’t need a permit. However, if you plan to change out the bathroom fixtures, replace windows and exterior doors, and/or add new electrical fixtures, you will need a permit. The safest thing to do is call us (352) 732-8566 or the Building Department before you start any renovation project.
We work with the code enforcement and building departments on a continual basis to resolve code enforcement issues. Call us at (352) 732-8566 to make an appointment. There is never a charge for an initial consultation. We can notify code enforcement that we are working with you, draft the plans, and submit the proper forms for permitting. Under no circumstances, ignore the letter!
No. Some counties require environmental inspections, surveys and/or land clearing permits so before you do anything it is best to call us first at (352) 732-8566.
Yes. Accessory structures like decks, utility sheds, and garages require a permit.
Yes, we would be happy to help you. Since 1993, after hurricane Andrew, the permitting process has become more complicated as building codes have become more stringent. We spend a great deal of time working to stay current with changes in the building codes and permitting requirements.
Is your home or ancillary structure in code violation? All structures including sheds, porches, and room additions in Marion County require proper permitting and inspections. Most cities and counties throughout Florida have similar rules. Should you receive a code violation notice, we can help you. We create plans and other documentation necessary to bring your building into compliance with local building codes. Code Violation issues can be problematic but IPC Services is there to help you through the process so you can enjoy peace of mind once again.
By Michael Oppermann
Correspondent Ocala.com
Published: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 6:30 a.m.
Common misconceptions about local codes can add up to big expenses for homeowners who install sheds, carports or other accessory structures without first receiving the proper building permit.
Many homeowners, especially those from out of state, don’t realize that all new structures require permits in order to assure they meet stringent wind load as well as zoning and other safety requirements.
“In Florida, we’re a little bit different than some other states because they don’t have the wind loads that we do,” said Theodore Bewley, interim building official for the Marion County Building Department.
While many other states build to meet the minimum International Code Council standards for wind resistance, the hurricane force winds that Florida is subject to on a regular basis means local codes aim to meet the maximum standards, with structures designed to weather wind speeds of more than 100 mph.
As a result, said Robin Hough, a code officer for the Marion County Code Enforcement Division, “The wind load is one of the most important things that Florida’s codes are looking at.”
To ensure these standards are met, the Marion County Building Department developed permit application checklists for manufactured and site built sheds and accessory structures to help the public learn what information is needed for the permitting process, but are hampered by the fact that many do not even realize they need permits.
“All structures require a permit [and] they’ve always been required to have permits,” Bewley said.
Anyone who wishes to place a structure that is larger than the average doghouse or a small well-top on their property should contact their local building department to ensure it meets the code.
“I think that most of our violators are homeowners,” Hough said. “With prefab sheds especially, they think they can get it delivered and they’re good to go.”
Bewley noted that many people buy metal carports and then arrive at his office without any paperwork, convinced his department would handle everything after the fact, when the law requires them to submit applications that include drawings from the seller or contractor and a site plan defining the location before installation.
As an added obstacle, while the side and rear areas of a property only require structures to maintain an 8-foot setback, the setback along the front of a property is significantly longer; meaning carport owners frequently need to apply for a variance as well.
Permits normally take about a week to process. An inspection of the finished structure to insure it is properly anchored can be performed the day after the building department is called, provided all the necessary information is included and legible.
“I see a lot of rejections on permit applications because the people either didn’t include their site plan, or their site plan doesn’t show the road names,” Hough said.
Incomplete or mistake-filled applications can take longer to be approved, or may even be rejected, requiring the submission of a corrected copy at an additional fee.
“It’s going to cost you less in the long run to try to get your permit issued [beforehand], because if you build it on site and then get caught after the fact, you’re either going to have to get rid of it or pay a designer more money for after-the-fact plans and drawings,” said Hough.
“Code enforcement is out there seven days a week; we catch these things.”
Is your home or ancillary structure in violation of a building, municipal or land development code? Have you received a citation from an enforcement agency?
Don’t Panic! We Can Help!
Getting a citation for a violation can be a stressful and frustrating experience. Especially if you don’t know where to start to correct the problem. For many years, we have helped property owners overcome the issues with unpermitted construction. We’ll meet with you to review the citation and develop a path to compliance or identify another path to satisfy the code citations complaint. Code Violation issues can be problematic but IPC Services is there to help you through the process so you can enjoy peace of mind once again.
