FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to get a Building Permit?Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, repairs and miscellaneous repairpermits are normally reviewed within one to two business days. Newresidential projects, residential additions and exterior alterations cantake from two to three weeks for plan review. These permits requireapproval by the Board of Architects, Zoning and Building trades, Fire,Historical, Public Works and various outside agencies.

Can a homeowner perform the work on his/her own property?State law requires construction to be done by a licensed contractor.However, you may apply for a permit under exemption FS 489.103 (7) as an Owner/Builder. In this case, owners must fulfill specific require -ments and have the knowledge and experience to perform the type ofwork involved. Applicants may be required to pass a verbal examadministered by the Official of the particular discipline.

How do I find out the status of my plans ?Status of plan reviews and inspections can be viewed online at the CoralGables website (www.coralgables.com). Select Permit Inquiry, input thePermit Number or Address and then Search for Permits. Select Actions for adetailed list of review comments.

Homeowners Guide To

Residential Planning,Permits &Inspections

Development Services ~ Building Division

Celebrating 90 Years of a Dream Realized

Planning and Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5211Board of Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5238Historical Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5093Building Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5235Building Official . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5242Plan Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5246Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5245Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5226Microfilm /Archive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 460-5262

HIRE A DESIGNER

For a new house or majorrenovation project, a licensedarchitect or engineer must be hiredto prepare design documents.

When selecting a designer orbuilder, review their experienceperforming similar work, checktheir references, and compareprices and work schedules.

VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Building permit fees are waived forrepair work performed due to criminalacts such as break-ins and vandalism.Police Case Number required.

SENIOR HOMESTEAD OWNERS

Building permit fees are waived toextend expired permits or to remedycitations for un-permitted work. Mustbe age 65+ with 5 years in residence.

OUTSIDE AGENCIES

Most construction projects require reviewand approval by outside agencies such asthe Miami-Dade County Department ofEnviron mental Resource Management(DERM) and the Water and SewerDepartment (WASD). Owners areencouraged to discuss their building plansearly with these agencies to determine the impact fees and utility expenses thatmay apply.

PLANNING ANDZONING REVIEWS

Ensures compliance withComprehensive Plan, Zoning Codeand aesthetic standards of the City.The initial reviews include:

• Board of Architects• Historic Preservation

BUILDING PERMITREVIEWS

Enforces the Florida BuildingCode and the City Zoning Code toprotect the health and safety ofresidents. Reviewers include:

• Building • Zoning• Mechanical • Historical• Electrical • Public Works• Plumbing • Public Service• Structural • DERM• Fire • WASD

BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Ensures compliance with approveddesign, safe construction practicesand reduces impacts on neighbors. Reviewers include:

• Building • Historical• Mechanical • Public Works• Electrical • Public Service• Plumbing • DERM• Structural • WASD• Zoning

FEE SCHEDULE

For construction projects valued at less than $500, there is a flat all-inclusivepermit fee of $25 (subject to Building Official approval).

The minimum fee for all building permits is $114.19. This fee covers the cost ofmanaging the permit process, multiple design reviews and site inspections. Additionalcharges are collected for Miami-Dade County and Florida State operations relatedto property development. These expenses typically cost less than $50

Upfront Fees (credited toward the final Permit Fee)• New Construction and Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.00 per sq. ft.• Interior Alterations and General Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$0.30 per sq. ft.

Permit Fees• New Residential Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.83 per sq. ft.• Residential Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.35 per sq. ft.

A Building Permit is required for most types of construction work within the City of Coral Gables. The following types of repairs do not require a Building Permit:• Exterior Pressure Cleaning • Interior Painting• Low Voltage Alarm Systems • Residential Flooring• Plumbing Fixture Replacements • Routine Maintenance

There are two types of permits:1. For work affecting the exterior of the structure such as awnings, driveways, fences, painting, signs, windows, doors, additions and new construction, the City requires initial review and approval by the Board of Architects. If the property is designated as historic, a review by the Historical Resources and Cultural Arts Department and/or Historic Preservation Board is required.Upon approval, the submittal is forwarded to the Building Division for code compliance review including all building trades and other City departments and outside agencies.2. For interior work only, the application is submitted directly to the Building Division for code compliance review including all building trades and other City departments and outside agencies.

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