A. General.
1. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of this section is to set forth a well-defined application process, review criteria, and uniform procedure for the processing of permit applications, to ensure that certain buildings, structures, and systems comply with the respective requirements and standards described in the Florida Building Code, including the City Administrative Amendments thereof, and these Land Development Regulations.
2. Applicability. A building or other structure shall not be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered (including substantial improvements as defined by Chapter I, Article II), unless a building permit is issued by the city. A building permit shall not be issued by the Building Official or designee unless the application complies with the requirements of this article and the Florida Building Code, including the city's Administrative Amendments. All permit applications for new buildings, building expansions, major modifications or certain other improvements, must be consistent with any applicable and corresponding site plan, master plan or record plat.
3. Scope. The Florida Building Code is based on national model building codes and national consensus standards which are amended where necessary for Florida's specific needs. The code incorporates all building construction-related regulations for public and private buildings in the State of Florida other than those specifically exempted by F.S. § 553.73. It has been harmonized with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which is developed and maintained by the Department of Financial Services, Office of the State Fire Marshal, to establish unified and consistent standards.
B. Submittal Requirements. Application forms for building permits shall be provided by the Building Division. Unless the Building Official or designee determines otherwise, the applicant shall submit completed forms, provide all documentation, including plans and exhibits required by such applications, and pay all applicable fees as adopted by resolution by the City Commission.
In addition to the information required on the applications, the permittee for any permit for construction in special flood hazard areas, which upon its completion would result in the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion, shall, prior to the issuance of such certificate of occupancy/ completion, submit a flood elevation or flood proofing certification after placement of the lowest floor and prior to further vertical construction, or in instances where the structure is subject to the regulations applicable to coastal high hazard areas, after placement of the horizontal structural members of the lowest floor and prior to further vertical construction. Within twenty-one (21) calendar days of establishment of the lowest floor elevation, or flood proofing by whatever construction means, or upon placement of the horizontal structural members of the lowest floor, whichever is applicable, the permit holder shall submit to the Development Department a certification of the elevation of the lowest floor, flood proofing elevation, or the elevation of the lowest portion of the horizontal structural members of the lowest floor, whichever is applicable, in relation to mean sea level. Said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a registered land surveyor or professional engineer. When flood proofing is utilized, certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect. Any work done within the twenty-one (21)-day calendar period and prior to submission of the certification shall be at the permit holder's risk. The Development Department shall review the flood elevation survey data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to continuation of the work. Failure to submit the survey or failure to make said corrections shall cause issuance of a stop-work order for the project.
C. Review Criteria. The building permit application shall comply with the following: Florida Building Code, including the city's Administrative Amendments; requirements of the respective zoning district regulations of Chapter 3, Article III; and site development standards described in Chapter 4. In addition, flood zone elevation certification shall be required for any type of application that, upon its completion, would result in the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
D. Approval Process. The application shall be reviewed by staff and action will be taken by the appropriate administrative official within the timeframe in accordance with state statutes. No building permits shall be issued prior to the payment of any of the applicable impact fees and/or land dedications that may be required pursuant to Chapter 2, Article VI, Impact Fees and Dedications.
E. State of Florida Fees.
1. Radon. This fee, when applicable is due prior to the issuance of the building permit.
2. Building Code Administrators and Inspection Fund. This fee, when applicable, is due prior to the issuance of the building permit.
F. Miscellaneous.
1. Revocation of Permits. The Building Division is authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued if there has been a violation of the provisions of this article or a misrepresentation of fact on the permit application and specified in the latest adopted Florida Building Code.
2. Certificate of Occupancy. No building or structure hereafter erected or structurally altered shall be issued a certificate of occupancy until the Building Official makes a finding that the building or structure has been erected or structurally altered in conformance with the provisions of these Regulations, and of all other applicable ordinances. Upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, an improved site must be maintained in compliance with the approved site plan.
3. Appeal. Any appeal of a decision made by a city official shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 1, Article VIII, Section 1 (Appeals from an Administrative Official).
(Ord. 10-025, passed 12-7-10; Am. Ord. 12-016, passed 10-2-12; Am. Ord. 17-029, passed 9-19-17)