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Does
this work require a building permit or not?
By Robert C. Solera, Assistant Administrator Building & Code Enforcement
and Licensing Department
If you are asking the question above, then you probably need a building
permit. The City of Sunny Isles Beach Building Department is a source
of protection for our community from unscrupulous or unlicensed contractors,
and helps to inform our residents of their rights and responsibilities
before undertaking any home repairs, improvements, or additions.
It is the duty of the Building Department to ensure that life safety
issues are the number one priority. Any alteration or repair under Section
104.1 of the Florida Building Code requires a permit with limited exceptions.
Construction not only affects the owner but also their neighbors (for
example, repairs or remodeling in condominium units).
Generally, a permit is required for the erection or construction of
any structure. Additionally, permits are required for all additions,
reparations, improvements, alterations, and the extension and covering
of a structure. This includes, but is not limited to, the installation,
alteration, and/or reparation of any electrical wiring and electrical
equipment, plumbing fixture or water source line, mechanical equipment
and any gas supply system.
While a permit is open and construction is ongoing, the Building Department’s
inspectors follow up on each phase of the construction, remodeling
or alteration of your project by conducting scheduled inspections.
This ensures that the work is being done according to the approved
plans which reflect the current building and zoning codes.
Work performed without
a permit when one is required, can result in fines – including double permit fees – and
serious consequences when life safety issues are ignored. A $35.00
permit obtained prior to
commencing a job, could end up costing the property owner $450.00 with
fines and other fees.
Basically, the only work not requiring a permit includes interior painting
and carpeting, and redoing the interior of closets. Tiling in single-family
homes does not require a permit unless it involves plumbing in bathrooms.
Tiling in condominiums does require a permit.
The City’s permitting process allows residents to know if the
contractor they just hired or intend to hire is a certified professional.
Be aware that governmental agencies do not issue “handyman” licenses.
State and County issued contractor licenses are very specific as to the
type of work that a professional is authorized to perform, and each license
provides this information. In fact, it is a property owner’s right
to request proof of this license
Watch for the following warning signs to help spot unlicensed persons
posing as a contractor:
requests most of
the cost paid upfront or requests a large “down
payment”
- unwilling or unable to give you a written contract
- unwilling or
unable to show proof of proper licensing or insurance (liability
or
workmen’s
comp.)
- unwilling or unable to obtain a permit or might be hesitant
to apply for a permit
- might only work after normal business hours
(nights and weekends)
- requests to be paid in cash or, if by check, made
payable to a person instead of a business
- might not display
a “contractor
license number” on
their vehicles, business cards, contracts or advertisements,
if there is
a number you can verify it with the State who issues these
numbers call
The Building Department
and Code Enforcement and Licensing Department are working together
with
various condominium associations to make sure
that unscrupulous “contractors” do not take advantage of
you.
You may contact the Building Department (305.947.2150) with any questions
regarding whether or not a permit is required, a contractor is required
to do the work and if the contractor is registered.
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