Building Permits

BUILDING PERMITS - UNINCORPORATED AREA

The information provided below is a general summary of the portion of the building permit review process performed at the Development Management Division. The specific regulations, contained in the Broward County Land Development Code, have been adopted by ordinance of the County Commission and cannot be superseded by this presentation of information. Please consult with staff of the Development Management Division for details.

The Development Management Division reviews certain types of building permit applications in unincorporated Broward County before building permit applications can be accepted at the Building Code Services Division.

If your property is located within a municipality, please contact the appropriate city for information regarding building permits.

For review purposes, building permits are divided into two (2) categories. Major buildings which require a Development Order from the Development Management Division, and minor buildings which do not require a Development Order which are processed by the Zoning and Code Services Division.

1) MAJOR BUILDINGS - DEVELOPMENT ORDER

Most major buildings, including a single family residence, require the Development Management Division to issue a Development Order before a building permit application can be filed at the Building Code Services Division. Other construction, including on-site paving, parking lots, and interior renovations which add dwelling units or change the occupancy of the building, require a Development Order. The purpose of this review is to determine the availability of adequate urban services, ensure compliance with specific development standards, and determine impact fee assessments when necessary.

Please contact the Development Management Division staff to determine if a Development Order is required.

What is required?

Three (3) sealed sets of plans are required which include: a property boundary survey, with a legal description of the property; a site plan showing the proposed buildings, driveways, parking spaces and layout of the site; a landscaping and lighting plan (if applicable); and construction plans in conformity with the South Florida Building Code.

Where do I start?

Development Management staff will indicate on the yellow routing form, called Minor Review Application and Development Order, which agencies must review and approve your application. You will then "hand carry" your plans and documents to the applicable agencies for their review and signatures. This procedures must be completed and all required signatures must be obtained within six (6) months of the date of the initial application. Some agencies will charge a review fee.

How long will this take?

The time needed to complete the Development Order review varies from project to project. It is possible to complete the Development Order process within two (2) weeks. However, if your project will be serviced by a septic tank, Health Department review may require additional time. If your project is located in an independent drainage district, the review may take longer as well. The Department of Planning and Environmental Protection can provide drainage district information.

After all required approvals have been secured, return to the Development Management Division and pay impact and application fees, if required. A Development Order will be issued which will authorize you to apply for a building permit. Review for compliance with the South Florida Building Code, including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire safety will occur AFTER the building permit application has been filed with the Building Code Services Division.

Please contact the Building Code Services Division regarding building permit application requirements and time frames for obtaining a building permit.

2) MINOR BUILDINGS - NO DEVELOPMENT ORDER

Most minor buildings are reviewed by the Zoning Code Services Division, prior to filing an application for a building permit at the Building Code Services Division. Typical projects in this category include "small scale" construction by homeowners or general contractors such as swimming pools, decks, patios, fences, sheds (under 250 sq. ft.), exterior above-ground renovations, residential driveways, interior renovations which do not add dwelling units or change the occupancy of the building, and other minor additions to single family homes. (Please note that storage tanks are reviewed by the Development Management Division.)

Please consult with the Zoning Code Services Division for information about what is required for minor buildings.