FREQUENTLY ASKED PERMIT QUESTIONS
How do I obtain a permit?
Applications for permits can be submitted at the Temple Terrace Building Department,
11250 N. 56th St. ( 2nd Floor). Our friendly staff will assist you in determining the type of permit you will need for your project. Homeowners and contractors alike are encouraged to ask questions about our permitting, inspection and plan review processes. Our staff members can guide you through the process and assist in obtaining additional information may be required to get a permit. Submittal requirements vary with the type work to be done, the location of the project, and whether it is commercial or residential in nature.
What are some common types of permits?
Commercial and residential construction permits are handled seprarately because of varying requirements. Some of the more common permits include:
| Building |
Electrical |
Mechanical |
Plumbing |
| Roofing |
Irrigation |
Infrastructure |
Pool / Spa |
| Fence |
Fire Alarm |
Fire Sprinkler |
Special Event |
| Screen Enclosure |
Landscaping |
|
|
When is a permit required to do work?
Anyone who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or desires to do the same to electrical, mechanical, plumbing or gas systems -- the installation which is regulated by technical codes -- shall first make application to the Building Department and obtain a permit.
You may do the following without a permit:
- Roof, re-roof or repair an existing roof of less than 501 square feet.
- Apply stucco or siding involving less than 501 square feet.
- Install fascia and soffit involving less than 101 linear feet.
- Construct or move an accessory building of less than 151 square feet
- Construct non-structural concrete slabs or install pavers involving less than 501 square feet. However, all work involved in City right of way shall require a plan review and permit.
- Minor non-structural work where the total for labor and material is less than $1,000, provided the work is not part of a larger overall operation segmented to evade normal permitting requirements.
- Any portable heating, cooling or ventilating appliance.
Can I check on the status of permits and inspections online?
We currently do not have the capability of placing this information online. For permit status or inspection results, please call the permit desk at (813) 506-6473. The staff can assist you with obtaining this information.
What building codes does the City of Temple Terrace use?
By state law we are mandated to use the 2004 Florida Building Code (building, residential, gas, plumbing, mechanical and existing building). The 2005 National Electrical Code (N.E.C.) is adopted for electrical applications by reference. The Florida Fire Prevention Code has been harmonized with the Building Code to establish unified and consistent standards.
Can homeowners pull building permits?
Yes, with certain criteria and restrictions being met. Homeowners are in essence acting as their own contractor and must directly supervise all work on the project. They are also responsible for the coverage of taxes and insurance on individuals working on their property. The address of the property must be the primary residence of the owner and it cannot be for sale or lease. The homeowner is responsible for hiring licensed contractors to do the construction work, except when the homeowner is a licensed contractor or is doing the work himself. We do not encourage the issuance of homeowner permits for electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems for safety reasons. We prefer that homeowners hire licensed contractors for this type work.
Can a contractor do any type work that I need done?
A contractor can only perform work listed under the scope of his license.
(e.g., a plumbing contractor cannot do electrical work; a mechanical contractor cannot construct a building).
With permits, who is responsible for scheduling inspections, correcting violations and paying reinspection fees?
The applicant of each individual permit is the responsible party. We discourage owners calling for inspections when a contractor has secured the permit to avoid confusion about the timing of inspections.
What incidental paperwork must I submit to obtain a building permit?
All submittals vary according to the type permit you desire. In just about every case, though, a current survey will be requested of applicants, whether they are a contractor or a homeowner. In the case of homeowner applicants, proof of ownership will most likely be requested as well. Each permit application contains information that outlines what submittals are required. The office staff can assist with this when applications are made.
What construction documents are required to be submitted for building permits? Do they require the stamp and approval of an architect or engineer?
Construction drawings depicting the proposed work are always required. The Florida Building Code requires that they be prepared by design professionals where required by statute. The building code does offer the building official some leverage to decide if engineered stamps are required. A general rule of thumb in the department is that if the work involves a foundation, wall or roof system, then we will ask that drawings be stamped. Plans for minor mechanical work generally are not required.
How does the inspection process work?
We have a phone line that is dedicated to scheduling inspections. If a permit holder calls for an inspection before 5 p.m., the inspection will be performed the following day. For those called in after 5 p.m., the inspection will be placed on the second business day’s schedule. Permits must be posted, and access to the work is required for personnel to conduct their inspection. Specific times are typically difficult to accomplish; however, if this is absolutely necessary, the permit holder should contact our office at (813) 506-6473 the morning of the scheduled inspection, and our inspectors will make every effort to accommodate the requested time.
Do I need a permit to install a security system?
Security systems generally require less than 50V to operate. For this reason, the National Electrical Code does not require the system to be guarded; thus, no permit or inspection is necessary.
At what stage of construction can I get an electric meter released for my project?
If a new electric meter needs to be installed on a project, the release of this meter is conducted when a final inspection is approved. Earlier releases are possible in some cases with the permission of the building official.
What constitutes a final inspection?
Final inspections are given when all the components of a permit are in place. Partial final inspections are not given.
How can I find out how much a permit cost?
A permit fee schedule is included in Chapter 25, Article VI, Land Development-Development Orders, of the City Code of Ordinances.
When do I have to file a Notice of Commencement?
Florida Statute requires that a Notice of Commencement be filed on any construction project with a cost in excess of $2,500. It is to be filed with Hillsborough County Clerk of the Court, with a copy of the recording provided to the building department, before the first inspection is performed. If an applicant provides a completed Notice of Coomencement at time of plan submittal, the building department will file it for you as part of the plan review process. The fee for this filing is then included in the plan-review costs for your project.
Is a Certificate of Occupancy required for any construction project?
No, Certificates of Occupancy (C.O.) is only issued when:
- The construction is new.
- The occupancy classification of a building changes
If you desire a formal certificate upon finalization of the inspection process, a Certificate of Completeness can be issued upon request.
I have a project that is almost complete. Can I get a Certificate of Occupancy?
C.O.’s are not issued unless all permits on the project are finalized and closed out. Under certain circumstances, properties may qualify for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (if life safety issues are specifically addressed and conditions warrant it). Certificates often are requested for loan closing purposes. Until all required inspections are approved, a C.O. cannot be issued.
