If you’re planning any new additions, renovations, or remodels in the DeLand area, it’s almost guaranteed you will need to apply for building permits and schedule appropriate building inspections.
While there are a few exceptions – adding patio pavers, replacing appliances, repairing/replacing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC equipment – almost any project requiring construction or trades work of any type must run through the local building department.
Florida Law Requires Building Permits For Most Home Improvements
Whether you’re building a new addition in the city of DeLand or on land in Volusia County proper, you will need to apply for building permits through the local building department. With minor exceptions, most city and county building codes are taken directly from the state’s codebook.
Florida Building Code 101.3 states:
“…code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength… and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.”
Therefore:
“…a permit shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every public and private building, structure or facility or floating residential structure, or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings, structures or facilities.”
New Additions That Require a Building Permit
You or your contractor needs to submit plans and apply for building permits on any project that includes the remodeling or renovation of any room/space in the house or adding a new space/room/square footage onto the home or other existing structures on your lot.
You must also apply for permits when adding accessory structures or buildings to the property, including but not limited to:
- Aluminum construction
- Accessory structures (other than aluminum)
- Accessory dwelling units (like a granny unit or guest house/addition)
- Barn/storage shed
- Fence
- Retaining wall
- Slab foundation
- Swimming pool
In other words, if you’re planning anything but the most basic cosmetic home improvements, you should schedule an appointment with the local building inspector to ensure you comply with current building codes.
Applying For Building Permits in DeLand
If you’re working with a local, licensed contractor for the design and/or build-out of your new addition, they’ll handle all of the permitting for you. Reputable local builders have solid professional relationships with the building departments in their area. Once we’ve finalized the plans for your new addition and are in contract, we will do all of the building department work for you.
If you’re planning to build all or the majority of a project by yourself or with the assistance of competent friends, you’ll need to complete the full permit submittal and inspection process on your own. In that case, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with the building department for a detailed list of what you need to do.
Failure to pull correct permits, schedule inspections in chronological/build-out order, etc., can mean having to rip out completed work until you pass inspections and rebuilding again.
Basic Building Permit Facts
- Cost: Permit fees vary depending on the permit type and scope of the project. You can click here for a current list of fees, but they are subject to change. All fees are nonrefundable.
- Timing: Most building permits are granted within ten working days of a complete and accurate submittal. They last for 180 days, after which they expire if you don’t pay extra to renew them.
- Upon receiving the permit: Each permit card lists the specific inspection points which must be followed in order. You’ll also receive instructions on how to schedule inspections. Never proceed with any additional steps until the prior item is inspected, approved, and signed off by their inspector(s).
- Do you need a contractor? If you own and occupy the home you do not need to hire a contractor. However, keep in mind that each phase of the permitting process requires inspection and sign-off by the inspector. If you are not a licensed contractor yourself, it’s almost always best to hire a professional to ensure the work is done correctly the first time around. If you own a home but do not live in it, you must hire licensed contractors to perform any work to avoid potential litigation.
What Happens If We Don’t Get a Permit?
If you move forward with any new additions or other permit-required home/property improvement projects without a permit, you risk severe penalties. First, the Building and Zoning Code Compliance department will issue a warning, and you may be subject to certain additional fees.
At that point, the homeowner must file for an “after the fact” permit. Then, inspectors will come out and inspect the job from the ground up, which can mean demolition work you’ll have to repair and replace. In addition to these extra fees, further fines may be levied.
Fogle Constructors Does the Permitting Work For You
Are you planning new additions to your DeLand home? Make sure to get the job done right and without permitting hassles. Contact Fogle Constructors, at 386-279-0901, to schedule a consultation, and we’ll do all of the permitting work for you!
