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1. Why do I need a building permit?

The purpose of a building permit is to control the quality of construction to help ensure that our city continues to be a safe, beautiful area in which we all can live, work and play. Also, the evidence of a building permit is often necessary to obtain financing from a lending agency and may be required to close a sale of your property to show that any improvements that have been made are in compliance. Fire and liability insurance damage may also not be paid in some cases where improvements have been made without a permit.

2. How do I apply for a permit?

Planning and Development Documents and Forms Page

Consult the residential or commercial permit checklist, fill out the corresponding permit application, and submit all required information and documentation to the Planning and Development Department, City Hall, 11 North 3rd Street.

3. How long will it take to review my application?

Processing time varies with the complexity of your project. Some projects can be permitted over the counter. Others require extensive review and can take an average of 10 days. Most minor project permits can be issued within three working days. The Building Inspection Division staff will contact you when the permit is ready for you to pick up.

4. What type of work will I not need a permit for?

Permits are not required for any work that is considered cosmetic, such as carpeting, replacing cabinets, painting, some siding replacement, and some minor repair of work. It is best to call 904-247-6235 to clarify if a permit is needed.

5. How much will my permit cost and what forms of payment are accepted?

Building permit fees are calculated based on the size, type, and valuation of the construction proposed. You can get an estimate of permit fees from staff, prior to submitting your application. Other fees may apply such as water and sewer tap fees, and right-of-way permit fees. All fees are due when the permit is issued. Currently, we accept cash, check, and/or money order. Checks should be made payable to "City of Jacksonville Beach".

6. When am I allowed to work on my building project?

Building activity is allowed between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. Work is not allowed at any time on Sundays, New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. (reference Ordinance Number 7535)

7. What does the permit fee cover?

The cost of the permit includes the permit fee, plan check fee and required inspections.

8. Can a homeowner pull a permit?

Under an exemption to the law, a homeowner is allowed to pull a permit when acting as his own contractor for certain kinds of projects. You will need to verify with the Building Inspection Division that your project qualifies. The homeowner is legally responsible as the contractor and liable for employees hired to work on the project. Hiring a licensed professional, more often than not, will save you time and money.

9. Where can I obtain a copy of my current boundary survey?

In most cases, a copy of the boundary surveys is included in the Title Closing documents at the time of Title Transfer. Copies of the survey may be obtained from the surveyor who performed the original work.

10. Is an as-built (final) boundary survey required for my building project and what information should be included on the survey?

Residential As-Built Survey Guidelines (PDF)

Upon completion of certain land-disturbing activities, including but not limited to new construction, additions, and accessory structures, and prior to scheduling a final inspection, an updated as-built (final) survey may be required.

11. How do I select a contractor?

We cannot recommend contractors. You should talk to other property owners for whom the contractor has completed work. You may want to ask about the quality and timeliness of the work completed or if problems occurred after completion, did the contractor respond to their calls.

Be sure the contractor has a permanent business location (which may be their own home), is a licensed contractor, and has a telephone. After you have narrowed your list, you may want to check with your local Better Business Bureau. Obtain at least three estimates. Remember that the lowest bid may not always be the best choice. You can verify if a contractor is licensed and find out if any complaints have been filed against them by contacting the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395.