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Building & Zoning

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1. How do I obtain a permit?

Applications for permits can be submitted at the Temple Terrace Building Department,
11250 N. 56th Street ( 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 that 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.

2. What are some common types of permits?

Commercial and residential construction permits are handled separately 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

3. 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.

4. You may do the following without a permit:

1. Roof, re-roof or repair an existing roof of less than 100 square feet.
2. Apply stucco or siding involving less than 501 square feet.
3. Install fascia and soffit involving less than 101 linear feet.
4. Installation/construction or moving of any pre-manufactured accessory structure or building involving less than 151 square feet. Zoning issues may apply.
5. Construct non-structural concrete slabs or install pavers involving less than 100 square feet. All work involved in City right-of-way shall require a plan review and permit.
6. Minor non-structural work where the total for labor and material is less than $1,000, as determined by the Building Official, provided the work is not part of a larger overall operation segmented to evade normal permitting requirements.
7. Any portable heating, cooling or ventilating appliance.

5. What are the building codes the City of Temple Terrace use?

By state law we are mandated to use the latest edition of the Florida Building Code (building, residential, gas, plumbing, mechanical and existing building). The latest edition of the 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.

6. 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 on the permit 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 require that homeowners hire licensed contractors for this type work.

7. 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).

8. 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.

9. What incidental paperwork must I submit to obtain a building permit?

All submittals vary according to the type of 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.

10. 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. See link below for required submittals. 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.

Required Submittals

11. How does the inspection process work?

You have two options for scheduling inspections, either by phone or online. A phone line (813-506-6464) is dedicated to scheduling inspections. Requests made prior to 8 am on the current business day will be scheduled for that day. Requests made after 8 am will be scheduled for the the following business day. To schedule an online inspection go to link below and follow the instructions. Permits must be posted, and access to the work is required for inspectors to conduct their inspection. Specific times are typically difficult to accomplish. If this is absolutely necessary, the permit holder can 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.

Online Inspections

12. Do I need a permit to install a security system in my home?

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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. How can I find out how much a permit costs?

Permit fee schedule.

16. When do I have to file a Notice of Commencement?

For any direct contract valued greater than $2,500 ($7,500 to repair or replace an existing heating or cooling system) a recorded NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT is required prior to the first inspection. It is to be filed with Hillsborough County Clerk of the Court, with a copy of the recorded document provided to the building department.

17. Is a Certificate of Occupancy required for any construction project?

No, Certificates of Occupancy (C.O.) are only issued when:

1.The construction is new.
2.The occupancy classification of a building changes.
If you desire a formal certificate upon finalization of the inspection process, a Certificate of Completion can be issued upon request.

18. 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. Certificates often are requested for loan closing purposes. Until all required inspections are approved, a C.O. cannot be issued.