Building Department

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • WHEN MUST I GET MY PLANS REVIEWED AND STAMPED BY THE DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS DIVISION?
    • Permits for a new residential or commercial building, additions to commercial buildings, or any change of use in commercial properties require that plans be submitted to the following before they are submitted to the local Building Department:
      Development and Environmental Regulations Division
      Permitting and Planning Division
      1 N University Dr Suite 102
      Plantation, FL 33317
      (954) 357-6666
      www.broward.org/environment

  • WHEN DOES THE CITY REQUIRE A PERMIT?
    • FBC 105.1. – Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

  • WHEN IS A PERMIT NOT REQUIRED?
    • FBC 105.2 – No permit is required for general maintenance or repairs, which do not change the Occupancy and the value of which does not exceed fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500) in labor and material and/or as determined by the Building Official.

  • HOW MANY SETS OF PLANS DO I NEED TO SUBMIT WITH THE PERMIT APPLICATION?
    • When submitting plans*, all sets must be identical and must contain:
      • 3 sets of plans including 3 surveys/site plans.
      • 4 sets of plans for Signs
      • 4 sets of plans for Civil Engineered drawings
      • 2 sets of product approvals will be accepted
    • Signed and sealed when applicable.


  • WHY DOES A CONTRACT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE PERMIT APPLICATION?
    • The permit fees are based on the estimated value of the job and the contract shows the scope of work and cost of job.  The contract also indicates that the owner of the property has hired a particular contractor.

  • HOW CAN I SUBMIT A SET OF PLANS, BEFORE I HAVE HIRED A CONTRACTOR?
    • Plans may be submitted by owner, owner’s agent or architect for a preliminary review – by opening up a cost recovery account with a minimum deposit of $1,000.00.
  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PRELIMINARY REVIEW AND FAST TRACK PLAN REVIEW?
    • A preliminary review is when plans are submitted without a signed contract or a contractor and/or sub-contractors has not been selected (project still out to bid).  Fast track plan review is when a contractor has been selected and the contractor has a signed contract and has all sub-contractors permits and contracts.  Plans submitted under Fast Track plan review will be given first priority.  Fast Track plan review requires a cost recovery account.
  • HOW CAN A CONTRACTOR REGISTER WITH THE CITY OF PLANTATION?
    • The company must submit a current State Certified License or their State Registered License along with the Broward County Competency License, valid Certificate of Insurance for General Liability and Worker’s Compensation (must have City of Plantation listed as the certificate holder) or a valid Worker’s Compensation Exempt form.
  • DO I NEED A RE-NAILING INSPECTION ON A ROOF PERMIT?
    • No, however a Supplemental Fasteners Inspection Affidavit must be posted on the job.  The inspector will pick up the affidavit at the time of the tin-cap inspection
  • HOW CAN I REMOVE A CONTRACTOR FROM MY JOB?
    • You must submit a notarized letter from the qualifier of the permit you are removing from job.
    • If you cannot obtain a release letter, you must submit a Hold Harmless form signed by both the General Contractor and/or the owner of property owner, along with a financial statement.
  • HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO OBTAIN A PERMIT?
    • Minor permits can be issued the same day, large plans will take anywhere from a week to ten working days, depending upon the size of the job.
  • IF MY PLANS ARE DENIED, DO I HAVE TO COME INTO THE OFFICE TO GET THE PLAN REVIEW COMMENTS?
    • No, the comment sheets can be faxed to your office.  Your fax number should be entered on your permit application or you can also have them faxed to you by calling our automated inspection line (954) 587-4456 ext. 5000.  You can then make the necessary corrections and resubmit your corrected plans.

  • MUST I SUBMIT A NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT AT THE TIME I SUBMIT MY PERMIT?
    • No, an original or certified copy of the Notice of Commencement for jobs with an estimated value over $2,500, or $7,500 for A/C replacements, must be posted on the job at time of first inspection.  However, it may be submitted at time of submittal or prior to issue of permit.
  • WHY MUST I GET AN OWNER’S SIGNATURE ON THE PERMIT OR CONTRACT?
    • The owner’s signature is required to ensure that the owner has actually agreed to hire a particular contractor.

  • WHAT IS YOUR FAX NUMBER? 
    • Contractor Registration: (954) 797-2270
    • Permit Counter: (954) 797-2624
    • Plan Review/Director: (954) 797-2273

  • HOW DO I GET TO PLANTATION’S BUILDING DEPARTMENT? 
    • If you are coming from up north, take I-95 south to Sunrise Blvd; take Sunrise west to NW 65th Avenue, make a left going south, past two traffic lights make your first left at NW 70th Terrace, the Building Department is located next to the Police Department on the right at 401 NW 70th Terrace. Google Maps
    • If you coming from the south, take I-95 north to I-595 go west to University Drive, go north on University Drive, past the Broward Mall to NW 5th Street, make a right on 5th Street to 70th Terrace, the Building Department is located on the right, next to the Police Department at 401 NW  70th Terrace. 
  • HOW CAN I OBTAIN COPIES OF PLANS FOR MY HOUSE?
    • You can come into the Building Department, Microfilm section and fill out a request.  A twenty-five dollar deposit is required, the research should be done within one week and you will be notified to pick-up your plans.  You will need a copy of your warranty deed to show proof of ownership or notarized authorization letter from the owner.  The cost is $3.00 per page.   You will receive a refund, if your total cost is less than your deposit or if it is more, you will be required to pay for the extra pages.
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON ELEVATORS