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Building
Permit FAQ
We have tried to answer some of our most commonly
asked questions about building permits below. This list applies to Florida
only and is by no means comprehensive. Although we make every effort to
provide accurate information, we can not guarantee its accuracy. You should
confirm any information below with your local building department as they
handle building permits for your area. Keep in mind that building permit
requirements may vary from location to location even within Florida. Click
on any question to go to the answer on this same page. (For
General FAQ click here. Or you can learn more about
engineering for our materials packages.)
Can I buy materials without a building permit? Do I need a building
permit?
Just because I need a building permit, do I have to have a building
permit?
When should I
apply for a building permit?
Is permitting
difficult?
What do I need for a building permit?
Are there
other issues besides building permits?
Can I buy materials without a building permit? Do I need a building permit?
Yes, you can
definitely buy materials without a
building permit. We sell aluminum
building materials just like a lumber
yard sells wooden building materials.
You don't need a building permit to buy
materials at a lumber yard and you don't
need a building permit to buy materials
from us.
Whether or not
you need a building permit depends on
what you doing. If you are building
something like a screen room or car port
or other structure then you will almost
certainly need a building permit. If you
are installing something like an awning
over a window or vinyl windows in your
screen room, then you may not need a
building permit. Many people decide for
themselves whether they need a permit
based on what they are doing. For
instance, if they are building a screen
room then they need a permit, but if
they are adding vinyl windows to a
screen room, which is cosmetic only,
then they don't need a permit. If you
are not sure whether you need a permit,
it is always best to check with your
local building department as they have
the final say as to whether a permit is
required.
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Just because I need a building permit, do I have to have a building
permit?
Since you will be
building your own structure, that is
your decision to make. For legal and
liability reasons, we have to recommend
that you follow the law.
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When should I apply for a building permit?
We recommend you
apply for a building permit before
purchasing any materials. However, you
will first need to design the structure
which you will be building. You will not
be able to get a permit without details
of what you will be building.
When you work
with us, we first provide you an
estimate based on engineering
requirements. From there we can modify
if necessary to meet any additional
criteria you have. Once you know how the
structure will be built and what it will
cost, you can then apply for the
building permit.
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Is permitting
difficult?
Usually not. We
have heard plenty of horror stories, but
if you follow the instructions of your
local building department the process is
generally not complicated. Horror
stories usually arise when people don't
follow the rules. What usually causes
complications for homeowners with
aluminum structures is providing the
building department with 2 sets of
signed and sealed engineering drawings.
And that is where we differ from those
companies that just sell building
materials. We can provide you with
engineering drawings for virtually all
of the projects we sell.
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What do
I need for a building permit?
If it is
something simple like installing an
awning or vinyl windows, it may be as
simple as paying a fee to the building
department for a building permit. Check
with your local building department to
find out.
If you are
building a structure such as a screen
room or patio cover, for example, they
will usually require more. Typically you
may
need 2 sets of signed and sealed
engineering drawings which we can often
provide. You will also need to
let the building department know exactly
what you are building and where it will
be located. Usually you will provide a
site plan of your property to show where
the new structure will be located. As
part of the approval process, your local
planning and zoning department will
check the location of your proposed
structure to make sure it conforms to
site requirements and you are not
building into restricted areas or even
into your neighbor's property. (We
actually had a customer try to build a
car port across the property line into
his neighbor's property, if you can
believe it.)
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Are there other issues
besides building permits?
Usually not. But
there are 2 other things besides
building permits which sometimes arise.
The first issue
is a homeowner's association and
additional rules they may have.
Sometimes there are design
considerations above and beyond what is
required by building code. You will need
to find out what your HA may require and
follow their rules in addition to the
building code.
The second issue
applies even less frequently. It has to
do with historic or other districts. In
those types of districts, modifications
to structures may be highly regulated.
This affects very few homes.
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