So, you’ve decided that you want to build a home (or renovate one). That is most certainly cause for celebration, but it doesn’t take away from the anxious feeling inside of your gut telling you, “the permit process is coming.” Dun, dun, dunnnnn.

While it can be overwhelming as you navigate through obtaining the right permits at the right time, it doesn’t have to be pull-your-hair-out stressful.

We’ve sat down and outlined a few of the basics behind the permitting process for you – a quick glance behind the curtains of the process within the City Beautiful.

The Tale of Two Permits

The process to file and secure a building permit in Coral Gables has changed, in part because of the pandemic but also due to some new protocols and procedures being put in place. While it does appear a bit more complicated from the onset, you can successfully start building or renovating your property under these two permits:

1. For proposed work that would affect the exterior of your home only (such as awnings, driveways, fences, paint, signs, windows, doors, additions, new construction, etc.), the city will want the Board of Architects to review it.

After that, it will go to the Building Division for code compliance review. This review could include a thorough examination of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, zoning, fire, historical, public works, and more.

2. For any proposed work to the interior, the process is a bit different. First, the Building Permit application is submitted directly to the Building Division for a code compliance review and then with a stamp of approval – you are off to the races!

Fun fact – interior upgrades do not require a review by the Board of Architects but if you are doing a tandem exterior and interior – then go back to No. 1. And if you’re doing new construction – yeah, also head over to No. 1.

The Final Review

So, now that you know what’s around the corner for you in the permit process, you might think that it’s over. Unfortunately, not so fast.

There is a whole world of permit inspections that go after the permit approval. Once the Building Permit is issued, a list of required inspections will be outlined on the Permit Invoice, and the appropriate department will then inspect the work. Who is responsible for getting these inspections in place, you might ask? The permit holder (owner/builder or contractor).

After approval, the status of your permit will finally go from “In Progress” to “Final” and you finally get to celebrate and start your renovation. Hurray!

While there are a few steps to go through to get your permit process moving forward, it will completely worth it (not to mention, necessary) when you get to live in your stunning new home.

Ready for your new home? We are. Contact us today for a free, no obligation design consultation.