FAQs • Belleview, FL • CivicEngage

Do I need a building permit?: Generally, when any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, 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, a permit is required.
When purchasing a home or property, it is in your best interest to ensure that all structures have been properly permitted. You are legally responsible for any un-permitted structures. Use our Permit Tracker to verify that the structures on your property have a valid permit.

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Building Permitting

1. Do I need a building permit?: Generally, when any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, 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, a permit is required.
When purchasing a home or property, it is in your best interest to ensure that all structures have been properly permitted. You are legally responsible for any un-permitted structures. Use our Permit Tracker to verify that the structures on your property have a valid permit.

To apply for a Building Permit with the City of Belleview, Contractors must first register with the city and provide copies of their Workers Compensation, General Liability Insurance, and State Licensure. (This step does not apply to homeowner-builders) You may access the Contractor Registration Form online by clicking here.
Once registered, a complete application packet must be submitted either in person, or via email. Our permit packets include checklists indicating which documents will be required for each type of permit. All Forms and Applications may be found here. If the proposed project involves large-scale plans, the Building Official may require printed copies of the plans to be provided for review.
Payment is due with application submittal. Should you submit your application in person, cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted. If you submit your application via email, city staff will respond to your email within 1-2 business days with an invoice and a link to make your payment online.
Application review will begin once payment is received. If an application is found to be incomplete city staff will contact you within 3 full working days from the received date.
Once review is complete and the permit is issued, city staff will notify the contractor/owner-builder. You may check the status of your application/permit online by clicking here.

3. What will I need to file for a permit?: That depends on the nature of the project. At a minimum you will need to complete a building permit application. Other documents you may need include architectural plans, product approvals, site plan, or engineering details. If you do not own the property, you will need a notarized letter from the owner allowing you to do the project, show a lease that allows you to do the project, or have the owner sign the permit application. Please call our office or come by and explain your project to us, and we can go from there.

4. If I get a permit, can I do the work myself?: Yes, you may work on a home or business that you both own and occupy. You must continue living in, or operating your business in the building for at least one year after the project is complete. This exemption to the Florida Statutes is specific to owner-occupied buildings and does not apply to rental properties. A licensed contractor is required for all permitted work on rental property (residential and commercial).

5. What happens after the permit is issued?: The list of required inspections is located on the bottom of the permit card. You can schedule inspections by calling the Building Department at (352) 245-7021 x 2105 no later than 3:00 PM the business day before the requested inspection. Inspections are performed Monday through Thursday. It is the applicant's (Owner Builder/Contractor) responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are requested prior to proceeding with work on the project. For new dwellings and changes of use: once all fees are paid and all required inspections are completed, the applicant will be issued a CO (Certificate of Occupancy).

6. Why are permits required?: One of the major benefits of obtaining a permit is having technical resources at your side: the Certified Building Inspectors and Certified Building Officials/Plans Examiners. Belleview’s building inspectors, officials, and plans examiners have years of trade experience and code training to help assure your project meets Florida Building Code standards. This assures sound, safe design and construction. They can answer questions, provide guidance before you start your project, and save you time, money, and frustration.

7. Does someone need to be there when the inspector arrives?: If the inspection requires the inspector to enter your building or if there are animals on the property, someone must be there to meet the inspector. A ladder must be provided if the inspector needs to access a roof or attic.

8. Do I need to file a Notice of Commencement for my job?: If your project value exceeds $2,500 (HVAC-$7,500) a Notice of Commencement is required to be filed with the Marion County Clerk of Court prior to building inspection.