BUILDING PERMITS
Any owner, authorized agent or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Department of the City of Temple Terrace to obtain the required permit before commencement of the work.
Temple Terrace now offers online permitting options where residents, contractors and others can check permit application status, pay permit fees, check inspection results and schedule or cancel an inspection. Please go to our Online Business section for access to the system.
Exceptions that do not require a permit for work:
- Roofing, re-roofing or repairing an existing roof of less than 100 square feet.
- Application of stucco or siding involving less than 501 square feet of coverage.
- Installation of soffit and/or fascia coverings involving less than 101 linear feet.
- Installation or moving of any premanufactured accessory structure or building involving less than 151 square feet. Zoning issues may apply.
- Non-structural slabs of less than 100 square feet.
- Work of a non-structural nature not involving electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing that is deemed to be less than $1,000 total aggregate cost by the building official. The work cannot be part of an overall operation segmented to evade normal permitting requirements.
- Ordinary minor repairs and maintenance to a one- and two-family residence or farm building under the supervision of the owner. This structure must be the primary residence of the owner; rental property is deemed commercial in nature and shall require permitting.
- Any portable heating appliance.
- Any portable ventilation equipment.
- Any portable cooling appliance.
- Any steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by code.
- Replacement of equipment parts that do not alter equipment approval or make it unsafe.
- Any portable evaporative cooler.
- Any self-contained refrigeration system.
- Any activities exempted by federal and state laws.
CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR
Here are some suggestions for choosing a contractor:
- Ask people you know for the names of contractors they have used and would recommend.
- Do not hesitate to check references, licensing and background information on a contractor by calling the Better Business Bureau of West Florida at (727) 535-5522.
- Make sure that lines of communication are strong between you and the contractor.
- Check to see if the contractor's license is current and valid by calling:
Temple Terrace Permit Office at (813) 506-6470
Hillsborough County Licensing Office at (813) 635-7308
- Check the contractor’s insurance coverage. A legitimate contractor should carry comprehensive policies to protect his business and your property, including liability, property damage and worker’s compensation.
These offices can verify if an individual or company is properly licensed and insured for your protection. Additional information can also be provided regarding the type of license that is held and the type of work that can be legally performed.
Understanding a Contract
Regardless of the relationship you have with a contractor, the details and agreements of the job should be in writing. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Ask for written quotes with details. It is advisable to obtainquotes from at least three different contractors. Too often one may provide information the others have failed to notice or mention. Remember the lowest quote is not always the best one. It could mean a misunderstanding of the project.
- Include building plans and specifications you want in the proposal and include them as part of any contract.
- Specify start and finish dates in the contract. Allow flexibility in these dates to cover bad whether and unavailable materials, understanding that these situations are beyond control of the contractors.
- Include in the contract a pay schedule for the work, and itemize prices for the work. Large down payments are not always a necessity. It is always recommended that a payment schedule be established prior to commencing the work to avoid confusion when it comes to money. You may want to include a clause in the contract that final payment will not be due until a final inspection is received by the city's Building Department.
- Have your contractor provide any warranties and guarantees in writing and signed by the contractor and/or manufacturers. They should include all terms and conditions.
- Make sure that you and the contractor sign all documents, preferably with multiple copies containing original signatures.
- DEMAND THAT THE CONTRACTOR POST A PERMIT BEFORE COMMENCING ANY WORK.
- INQUIRE ABOUT A NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT.
PERMITTING COUNTER HOURS
City Hall, 11250 N. 56th Street, 2nd Floor
Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PERMITTING |
| Permit Coordinator - Adelle Amison |
(813) 506-6473 |
FAX NUMBER (813) 506-6471
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