How do I receive a refund?

A refund cannot be made on permits where construction has begun, or on permits older than six months. If eligible, you must submit the original copy of the permit with a letter requesting a refund. If the original copy is not available, the letter must state so, and indicate that you will not request another refund should it be located. See other information on the Services - Administration section of this Web site.

How do I receive an extension?

Construction must not have begun. A request must be made prior to six months from the issue date of the permit. Only one extension request will be granted for a period of ninety (90) days, and there is a $30 processing fee.

For what types of construction do I need a permit?

A permit is required to enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure. A permit is required to repair, remove, convert, or replace electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing.

When is a Certificate of Occupancy required?

A Certificate of Occupancy is required any time there has been a change in use of the existing tenancy or there is a new tenant in an existing structure.

How much will the permit cost?

The Division of Building Safety publishes a fee schedule annually. Fees are established as either fixed or based on the estimated total cost of the project, depending on the type of permit. A copy of the Fee Directory can be accessed from the Forms web page, or may be obtained from the Division for a nominal charge.

What is my tax I.D. number?

Your tax identification number may be found on your annual property tax statement, your Homestead Exemption registration card, or by calling the Property Appraiser's Office at (407) 836-5044 or at their web site. If unable to locate it through these avenues, this office will provide it for you.

Why do I need a permit, and how do I obtain the proper permit?

A permit is needed in order to ensure that the work/construction done is completed according to the codes established by the Florida Building Code.

Permits are received after completing the proper applications, submitting plans for review, and paying the required fees. Additional brochures which describe specific permitting processes are available in the Division of Building Safety or you may call (407) 836-5550 to speak to a reviewer.

How do I obtain pre-power approval?

The owner shall submit to the Building Official for approval a signed and notarized pre-power agreement, which may be obtained from the Division of Building Safety, or the forms section of this Web site. Upon approval of the application by the Building Official, specific criteria must be met. This criteria may be obtained at the same time as the application.

How do I obtain a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy?

The contractor must present a letter requesting the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy which specifies the exact portion of the building for which it is needed, the reason for the request, and the period of time for which it is requested. The letter must include the building permit number, the address of the job, and be accompanied by a $150 fee.

The area to be occupied must be totally completed; a floor plan may be required for specific areas.

All fees due must be paid and all related holds must be released.

Approval must be granted by all disciplines: Building, Electric, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire.

How can I get automated information about inspections or plan reviews?

The CONNECT System is an automated system, accessed by touch tone telephone, which allows the customer to schedule or cancel inspections or receive plan review comments. It may be accessed by calling (407) 836-2825 and following the recorded instructions.

How do I get instructions for the use of the CONNECT System?

Recorded instructions are available when you call the CONNECT System. Detailed instructions are available on this Web site. Pamphlets giving detailed instructions on the use of the system are available at the Division of Building Safety or you may call (407) 836-5760 to receive one by mail.

How many sets of plans do I need to submit for review?

Six (6) set of plans are needed for alterations, and nine (9) sets are needed for new construction

Do my plans have to be signed and sealed?

Most commercial plans must be signed and sealed by an architect or engineer.Contact Plans Coordination at (407) 836-5760 for information on exceptions.

Why do I need a Use Permit?

A Use Permit which authorizes the specific use of the property must be issued before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. The property may not be occupied without the Certificate of Occupancy.

How do I know if my job is in unincorporated Orange County?

Property location can be determined through the Property Appraiser's Office files or this office can verify it for you.

What permit fees are required?

The permit fees include review fees from each of the nine departments (Building, Zoning, Planning, Engineering, Public Utilities, Health, Fire, and Environmental Protection) which review your plans according to their established criteria. In addition, the actual building permit fee is assessed according to the total cost of the project. Impact fees are also assessed by the Planning Division. Information on impact fees may be obtained by calling (407) 836-5617.

Where do I find my permit/authorization numbers?

Your permit/authorization number may be found on the blue pamphlet which you received when you submitted your plans.

What is the arrival time of the inspector?

Because of the volume of inspections, we are unable to provide an estimated time of arrival for inspectors; however, their normal field hours are from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. If the inspection has been carried over from the previous workday, the inspection will be done first thing in the morning.

What permits are required when doing minor construction?

All construction needs to be permitted whether the job is considered "minor" or not. This is to insure safety, quality construction, and code compliance.

Why was my job rejected?

To receive information regarding your rejection, please call the inspector listed on the rejection notice between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Check our staff directory listing.

Does someone need to be there when the inspector arrives?

If the inspection requires the inspector to enter your building or there are animals on the property, someone must be there to meet the inspector.

How does my job get inspected?

All permitted construction must be inspected. You must call to schedule the inspection.

Who is my inspector?

The inspector's initials for your assigned area are located on the permit copy of the application. The assigned inspector may vary from time to time due to scheduling or unexpected occurrences.

Why can't I request the inspector of my choice to do my inspection?

Inspectors are assigned to jobs by geographic area or other management needs.The inspector of your choosing may not be assigned to your location or may be needed in another area to meet workload requirements.

How do I get information about the violations for my property or jobsite?

In order to determine violations, we must have a complete legal description and address. The information is then researched and forwarded to a Senior/Chief Inspector for discussion with the customer.

I received a violation notice for unpermitted work. How do I now obtain a permit?

You will need copies of the violation notice, detailed plans, the legal description of the property, address, plot/site plans, and the necessary fees to pull a permit.

• For residential permitting: Start in the Zoning Division, then go to the Residential Section of the Division of Building Safety.
• For commercial permitting: Start in the Plans Coordination Section of the Division of Building Safety for the necessary reviews of your plans before permits are issued.
• For sub-permits: Submit applications for the appropriate trade in the Permitting Section of the Division of Building Safety.

You must sign into each section to be waited upon.

What is required to set up an overtime inspection?

The cost for an overtime/after hours inspection is a minimum of four (4) hours at $200.00. If you need more than one inspector/discipline, the cost is an additional minimum of four (4) hours at $200.00. In order to request an after-hours inspection, a notarized letter must be submitted to the Inspections Section of the Division of Building Safety no less than twenty-four (24) hours before the inspection is to occur.

What information do customers need to pull a permit?

Home Owners

• If applicable, the building permit number is needed. If there is no building permit, then the 15 digit parcel I.D. number is required. The number may be obtained from the Property Appraiser's Office at (407) 836-5044 or at their web site. The number may also be found on your annual property assessment statement, on your homestead exemption registration card, or verified through this office.
• Proof of ownership must also be verified either through the Property Appraiser's Office or the Warranty Deed.
• The home owner is responsible for knowing what type of permit is needed and having the appropriate information to complete the application.

Contractors

• Contractors must be licensed and registered in Orange County.
• The building permit number, if applicable, is required or the 15 digit parcel I.D. if there is no building permit.
• Residential permits require the lot number and subdivision name, if applicable.

Why can't home owners pull permits on rental property?

In order to receive an exemption to Chapter 489 Florida Statutes, which requires the use of a licensed contractor to do the work, the residence must be for the use and occupancy of the homeowner only. It may not be built for sale or lease.

How long does it take to get a permit?

For a trade permit, if the application is complete, approximately five minutes. If the customer needs assistance with the application, approximately 10-15 minutes.

For a commercial permit requiring plan submittal, alterations are returned within 7 days and new construction within 21 days.

Why does the customer have to fill out a new application when a permit has expired?

When a permit expires, it no longer exists in the system. To do inspections, a new permit must be issued. To issue a new permit, a new application must be completed.

How can I find out the results of my inspection?

The first place to check for this information is the yellow card which is posted on the inspection site. An additional way to view inspection results, is available at the Query Inspection Results page.

Inspection results are entered into the computer at the job site or shortly thereafter. Once the results are entered into the computer, the results of an inspection can be viewed online in real time. In addition, office personnel at 407-836-5550 can tell you if the inspection passed or failed. If the inspection failed, any additional information must be obtained from the inspector or the written rejection slip located at the job site.