Storm Recovery Permitting Guide

After a hurricane or tropical storm, what should you expect during recovery?

The guide helps you quickly determine:

  • Which repairs need a permit
  • Which repairs don’t require a permit
  • How to apply, where to go (online or in-person), and whether expedited or reduced options are available
  • Documentation needed
  • Special local rebuilding standards like elevation rules for flood-prone areas
  • How to schedule inspections
  • Debris Removal guidelines during a state of emergency
  • Fee Freeze Information

 Repairs that require a permit:

  1. Structural repairs (roof, trusses, load-bearing walls), electrical, plumbing, pools, mobile homes, commercial, mechanical (HVAC) (including elevation/anchoring of equipment).

 Repairs that MAY NOT require a permit:

  1. Minor non-structural interior finishes; like-for-like shingle patching under 100 square feet; interior door replacement, kitchen cabinet replacement only with no change in configuration, retractable awnings, playground equipment, temporary tarps/boarding for safety. Final determination will come from the Building Department.

City of Belleview Development Services Fee Schedule

How to Apply:

  1. Email (preferred) or in-person.
  2. Forms
  3. Where: In Person - Physical Locations:
    1. Primary – Dennis Monroe Public Works Complex, 5525 SE 119th St., Belleview, FL 34420
    2. Per the City of Belleview Storm Preparedness Handbook, the back-up center is located at 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview, FL 34420, and hours of operation will be posted here on our homepage, if enacted after a storm.

Documents Needed for Permit Approval:

  1. Scope of work
  2. Contractor license/insurance
  3. Estimate(s)
  4. Photos of damage (before clean up and/or water recedes) 
  5. Elevation certificate if in a flood zone
  6. Site plan, as needed
  7. The required documents can vary depending on the scope of work; please contact the Building Department. 

 Floodplain Rules that Still Apply:

  1. Post-storm rebuilding must comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and local floodplain ordinances, including elevation requirements for Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement (SD/SI) (FEMA 50% Rule). All structures located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SHFA) are subject to the SD/SI Rule. If you live in a floodplain, the FEMA 50% rule requires that if repairs or improvements to a structure in a flood zone cost 50% or more of the structure’s market value, the entire structure must be elevated or rebuilt and brought into compliance with current floodplain management regulations.  City inspectors will determine if your property is substantially damaged.
  2. Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement projects (See City Code of Ordinances)
  3. We will issue SD/SI determination letters by May 1 and provide them via email, if requested.
  4. All work in flood zonesmust comply with:
    1. BFE + 1 foot Freeboard elevation requirements
    2. Machinery/Equipment elevation
    3. Belleview ordinance standards

 Permit Timeline:

  1. Apply for a permit with the required documentation.
  2. The building department will review all documentation and notify the applicant of missing information.
  3. After the review is completed, the permit will be approved and issued.

How to schedule an inspection once your permit has been issued:

  • Call (352) 245-7021 or
  • Email Development Services Staff 

Fee Freeze During Emergencies:

For 180 days following a state of emergency, counties/municipalities cannot increase building permit or inspection fees in affected areas.

Questions? Contact Us:

Please contact us at 352-245-7021 or email the Building Department at dsstaff@belleviewfl.org.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday; Building Department: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM unless otherwise posted during an event. After landfall/passage, we will use our best efforts to open a 40-hour/week permitting office as soon as reasonably practicable.