FAQs
Is a building permit required for every improvement or change I make to my house or property?
State law requires that each municipality or county enforce the requirements of the Florida Building Code when a structure is built, altered, added to, removed or otherwise changed. In addition, there are local zoning laws to govern the location, height, and - in some cases - the color of structures and assure adherence to community standards. The permitting process promotes safety and quality, helping to make sure your contractor is doing his or her best.
The Building Department's technical staff reviews plans for proposed work and, by issuing approval, indicates that Florida Building Code requirements will be met. The department's field inspectors observe the work as it progresses to assure that the project is being done in accordance with the approved plans, and is safe and sound. Work conducted without permits cannot be inspected and certified, and may therefore be incorrect, incomplete and/or hazardous.
Aesthetic, non-permanent improvements such as paint, wall and floor finishes, furnishings, etc. generally do not need building permits. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, please contact the Building Department at (954) 572-2363 for guidance.
How long does it take to get a permit approved?
By law, building permits and the accompanying plans must be reviewed and approved by the applicable building disciplines, i.e., Structural, Electrical, Mechanical (air conditioning, etc.), Plumbing, and - for commercial and multi-story residential buildings - Fire. Simple permits, such as those required to install a fence or re-roof a house, generally take only two days, if the plans and permit application requirements are correct. Permits for single-family homes (construction, alterations or additions) may be approved within two to three weeks, again, if the plans and permit application requirements are correct, and do not need to be returned to the architect for correction. Delays are most often caused when plans are not promptly corrected and resubmitted for review. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the contractor, architect or engineer to submit completed or corrected plans in a timely manner.
I've just discovered that the previous owner of my home performed alterations that were not permitted. What must I do to correct the violation?
First and foremost, please contact the Building Department. Generally, there is no penalty to you. Rather, it is our goal to assist you with the correction process in order to assure that the work will be made safe and meet the requirements of the Florida Building Code. Most often, an architect or contractor can create an "as-built" drawing including any changes required to comply with the Code, and submit it for permitting - albeit after the fact. We will perform the necessary inspections and, upon completion, issue final approval. This is an important step that will establish a legal record and prevent any future sale of the home from being jeopardized due to non-permitted work.
Can I pull permits as a homeowner, or must I hire a contractor?
Florida Statute Section 489.103 provides for an exemption to the requirement for construction work to be performed by a licensed contractor. As a homeowner/builder, you must supervise all of the work yourself, or hire licensed subcontractors only. You may not hire an unlicensed contractor to perform the work. When you apply for a homeowner/builder permit, you must execute an affidavit that affirms you are acting as your own contractor and must comply with all codes, ordinances, etc., as if you were a licensed contractor.
What is a C.O.?
C.O. is the abbreviation for Certificate of Occupancy, which is the legal document that permits the human occupancy of a building. All new construction, additions or building that changes occupancy classifications requires the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy before the space is inhabited. The City's Building Official is the only person authorized by law to issue a Certificate of Occupancy.
Will my neighbor know that it was me that called and reported a code violation at his/her property to the Code Enforcement Division?
The Code Enforcement Division investigates all complaints reported. Anonymous complaints are not recommended, as it is difficult for the division to keep the complainant up to date on the case's status. City records are public information and, as such, the public has the right to view code enforcement complaints and learn who the complainant is. However, many neighbor-against-neighbor complaints could be easily resolved with good old-fashioned communication.
Is there a reason the Code Enforcement Division can't resolve complaints immediately?
Yes: The answer is due process of law. All Code Enforcement offices throughout the state must abide by the rules and processes prescribed in Florida Statute 162. This statute provides for due process of notification, reasonable time to comply, a hearing process, and penalties for non-compliance. The City of Sunrise utilizes a Special Master who hears cases on a monthly basis and has the power to assess fines for non-compliance. In all cases, the Code Enforcement Division is committed to assisting violators in resolving problems in a timely manner. In cases of public nuisance, Notices to Appear in Civil Court may be issued immediately, but may not be heard by a Court Judge for 45 to 60 days.
Can I place signs on the street if I am having a yard sale?
Sunrise residents are permitted to place no more than two yard sale signs on their own property. Signs that are taped or wired to trees or sign posts, or placed in the medians or roadsides are not allowed, and will be removed and disposed of by Code Enforcement Officers. There is a City Code Enforcement Officer on duty every weekend.
|
|
10770 WEST OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD