FAQs

For what types of things do I need to obtain a building permit when doing work inside my house?

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove or demolish any building, structure or part thereof.

All new construction work requires a building permit.

All existing construction work, if altered, requires a building permit.

General maintenance or repair work which does not change the occupancy, and the value of which does not exceed $1,500.00 in labor and materials, may qualify as an exception to the requirement of obtaining a building permit. The following repair/replacement projects always require a building permit:

  • Water heater change-out
  • A/C change-out
  • Heat pump/heater recovery change-out
  • Tub/shower pan change-out
  • Electrical service change-out/repair
  • All repairs due to a fire

Residential permit requirements

You may contact a Building Department Chief Inspector prior to the start of a project to discuss building code requirements or possible exceptions to a building permit. 

  • Chief Structural Inspector: John Heller 954-344-1061
  • Chief Electrical Inspector: Mike Egezeino 954-344-1048
  • Chief Plumbing Inspector: Tim Fallon 954-344-1052
  • Chief Mechanical Inspector: Fred Stoeger 954-344-1189

As a homeowner, can I apply for my own building permit?

Yes, if you are competent to perform the work and if you meet the owner/builder exemption. You will be required to read, understand and certify compliance by completing the Owner/Builder Affidavit(PDF, 353KB) and Disclosure Statement. Our experience is that most Owner/Builders do not comply with these requirements on large or complex jobs but may on small miscellaneous permits (patio slabs/decks, fences, walkways, etc.)

WARNING: If you are allowed the exemption, you take all the responsibilities and liabilities as a contractor.

What do I need in order to apply for a building permit?

Click Here for Residential Permit Checklists

Click Here(PDF, 208KB) for Commercial Permit Checklists

How much does it cost?

The cost varies based on the permit type. View our Fee Schedule.

How long does it take to get a Building Permit?

If everything is correct, a building permit for additions/alterations can be obtained within 15 business days. Small miscellaneous permits are normally approved or rejected within seven business days.

How can I check the progress of a permit application?

You can check the progress of your permit application online. 

Click Here to check the progress of you permit application.  Search by permit number, then click on your permit. The “Permit info” tab will appear.  Select the “Reviews” tab to see the plans examiner’s comments.

How do I apply for my permit?

We have made the permitting process easy and convenient by providing three different ways you can apply for your permit. View.

First gather everything you need to apply: 

Then choose how you would like to apply:

  • Click here to apply online.
  • Click here for instructions on how to use our Drop Box.
  • Walk-through permitting is temporarily discontinued.

Is there a maximum dollar value up to which I can do work inside my house without a Building Permit?

No.  New work requires a permit, see question #1 for possible exceptions and Chief Inspector contact information.

Can I start work when I submit a permit application before it is approved?

No, not usually. In an emergency such as air-conditioning replacement, with the approval of the Building Official, work up to the first required inspection will be allowed (pending the approval of an Early Start Request Application(PDF, 466KB) )

How much time do I have to get the work done once a permit is issued?

Permits expire and become null and void if work is not started and an inspection requested within 180 days from the issuance date of the permit. After such work has commenced, the permit will expire when work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 90 days. Lack of an approved inspection within 90 days will validate the job has been suspended or abandoned. Otherwise, permit will remain in effect until the completion of the job.

Who is responsible for calling for an inspection when work is ready?

The permit holder or his/her agent.

I do not want to make final payment until I know all inspections have been approved. How do I find out if all of the required inspections have been approved?

You can check the status of your inspections online. 

Click Here to check the status of your inspections.  Search by permit number, then click on your permit. The “Permit info” tab will appear.  Select the “Inspections” tab to see if all required inspections have been “approved”.

How do I find out if I have any expired permits on my property?

You can search permit records online. 

Click Here to check for expired permits. Search by “site address” and enter your address.  If the address does not readily appear, try searching with just the house number.  Once you find the address, enter the full address (as it appears) in the search bar and search again.  You will see a list of permits and their status.

You may also request that we conduct the search for you by submitting an Open/Expired Permit Search(PDF, 218KB) form to buildingpermits@coralsprings.gov. (Fees apply)

What are the most important things I should know about hiring a contractor?

Does your contractor have a valid State License or Certificate of Competency?

  • Click here to search for a state license
  • Click here to search for a Broward County Certificate of Competency
  • Click here to search for a Miami-Dade County Certificate of Competency

Does your contractor have complaints filed against his license?

  • You can check with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for public complaints against a contractor's license.
  • Click here to search for your contractor’s license. When his license displays, click on “View License Complaint”.

Can your contractor provide references?

Does your contractor have expired permits on other jobs?

  • Click Here to check for expired permits. Search by “contractor” and enter your contractor’s name. If the contractor does not readily appear, try searching with just the first few letters of the name or company name.
  • You may want to choose a contractor with a strong reputation for fulfilling their contract and returning after the job is done for warranty issues.
  • Compliance with the Building Code is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner. Be sure that all inspections have been approved and that you are satisfied with the work before you make final payment to a contractor. Make sure your contract does not conflict with this.