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Building Department
Notice: Please be advised that the Building Department will be closing daily at 4:00 PM, until further notice. We thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
PERMIT SUBMITTAL, PROCESSING, REVIEWING AND APPROVING PROCEDURE
EFFECTIVE 10/1/2021
Notice: Prior to submitting a building permit, you are now required to obtain development permit compliance review (DPCR) approval. This policy applies for all building permits except for a/c change outs, like for like water heater replacements, residential water re-piping, and electrical service repairs. Exceptions cannot be made by staff. Please continue reading this article for more information.
Previously, the City of Fort Pierce Building Department has acted as the permitting hub for all review agencies involved in the development permit and building permit process. This uncommon process was so efficient that most customers didn’t even realize that two different processes were happening simultaneously.
However, due to changes in State law, it has become necessary to process permits differently. While you will still continue to interact and receive exceptional customer service from the permitting staff you are accustomed to, please take note of the following terms and changes effective October 1, 2021:
Development permit compliance review (DPCR) approval is an official action of the local government allowing the development of land. However, this does not include building permits pursuant to 125.022(4), Florida Statutes. DPCR agencies include, but are not limited to Planning, Zoning, Engineering, Solid Waste, Flood, Landscaping and the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority.
A building permit is authorization granted by the City’s Building Official to perform construction following the review and approval of technical code requirements of the Florida Building Code, National Electric Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code and other referenced standards. Building permit review agencies include the Building Department and the St. Lucie County Fire District.
For more information on the DPCR process and Building Permit checklists click on the below link:
Building Permit Procedures and Submittal Checklists
Revised 9/29/2021
Main Objectives
The main objectives of the Building Department are to protect the safety, health, and general welfare of the public through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation. We also strive to protect the safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the building environment including alteration, repair, removal, demolition, use and occupancy of buildings, structures, or premises.
The Building Department receives building permit applications for all structures ranging from office buildings to homes to fences and reviews the construction plans to assure that they meet the requirements of the Florida Building Codes, other ordinances in effect including contractor licensing, floodplain management, and maintains all pertinent records. Field inspections of buildings are conducted to make sure they are being constructed in accordance with approved plans and all applicable codes.
The Building Department provides many services to the public, builders and contractors. It is the department's goal to preserve our neighborhoods and property values by maintaining high standards of competence and service. Staff is available to assist and guide homeowners and contractors through the permitting and inspection processes for all new construction, remodeling and additions to existing structures.
The Building Department is responsible for reviewing permit applications to ensure all necessary documents are included. The Building Department reviews each project, ascertaining that all inspections have been completed and all required documentation is on file before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Staff will gladly assist and answer any of your questions.
We want your projects big or small to be a pleasant experience.
Why are building permits required by the city?
IT IS THE LAW. Building permits are required by City Ordinance and Florida State Statute.
Building Codes are designed to ensure safe building techniques, help protect your family from safety risks, fire hazards caused by electrical and heating systems, electrical shock, provide records that all construction was done according to building codes, purchasing or selling your property and recourse from unlicensed contractors.
Work that REQUIRES a permit:
Fences, stucco, roofing, fire rated partitions (party walls), garage doors, exterior doors (whole assembly or just door slab) & windows , sheds, shutters, soffit & fascia, water heaters (new & replacement), exterior & interior demolition , any & all new construction, electrical/mechanical/gas/plumbing, air conditioning (new & replacement), exterior & interior walls, paving or resurfacing, sealing of parking lots, signs (banners, face changes, monument & wall signs- painted or attached), temporary trailers (construction & sales), tents (40' or larger), canopies/awnings, driveways (new & replacement), drywall replacement, screen/glass rooms, pool enclosures.
Work that DOES NOT require a permit:
Painting (excluding signs), windowpane replacement, residential gutter systems, carpet and tile installation
To obtain an Owner Builder Permit
Residential or Commercial
The building must be for your own use and occupancy. It may not be for sale or lease within 1 year of completion of work.
You may build or improve a commercial building as a owner builder when the construction value is at or below $75,000. The building must be owned by the application and may not be owned by a corporation, LLC or trustee.
Pulling an Owner/Builder Permit is Risky Business!
IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN OWNER BUILDER PERMIT, YOU MUST HIRE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR TO OBTAIN A PERMIT
Option 1
On-Line Inspection Scheduling and Inquiry System
- Inquire about the status of your application
- Schedule Inspections
- Find out the results of your inspections
- Pay fees (convenience fee will apply)
- Confirm which inspector has been assigned to your inspection each day (after 9:30 am - day of inspection)
Option 2
IVR -Interactive Voice Response System
772-242-9843
Phone Inspection Scheduling System
Inspection Codes
You will be able to scan and submit your notarized application to the Building Department at ftpbuilding@citoffortpierce.com .
No signed and sealed documents
If documentation is required and was not submitted electronically, all required documentation must be submitted in person within 2 business days of the emailed application. Your application will not be considered received if the required documentation is not properly submitted within the noted time frame. Any incomplete submittals will be disposed of after the allowed time frame has expired.
Email must include the following information:
Subject Line: Electronic Submittal: Property Address and owner name
Body of the email:
Contact name and phone # Notarized Application Attachments
You will receive an email informing you that we have received your application and let you know what is needed to proceed with the review of your application.
If the applicant has been advised that additional forms/documentation is required and your re-submittal is made without the required documents, a revision fee will be charged.
Once you have been notified to make a payment, you may go to Click2Gov or come into the office to make payment.
To make a payment on line click here Version OptionsBuilding DepartmentPermit Submittal, Processing, Reviewing and Approving ProceduresEffective 10/1/2021NOTE: If hiring someone, you are required to hire a properly licensed contractor. Ask for a copy of their licenseIF YOU DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN OWNER BUILDER PERMIT, YOU MUST HIRE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR TO OBTAIN A PERMITHeadline and follow the below instructions:
Click on Select Permit
Enter in Application number (which will be provided to you by email) click on submit
Click view application fees (located on the left side of the screen)
Check box the fees that you have been requested to pay (please be sure to pay only the fees that the office has requested you to pay. Paying fees without prior authorization will result in the transaction being voided and the process being delayed.