Building Permits

The Building Department is responsible for the issuance of building permits for new construction and renovations. The applications are reviewed for compliance with zoning codes, the Florida Building Code and other regulatory agencies. Inspections by qualified, licensed inspectors are required to insure the compliance of construction with code requirements. The City of Sunny Isles Beach would like to stress that it is against state law to do business with an unlicensed contractor.

Building Permitting

Our building permit process is fully digital. All permit applications must be submitted online through your portal account. This account gives access to the entire permitting process including plan review, comments, issuance of the permit, inspections, and the permit closeout once the job is complete.

 

Appointments

Our Building Department serves walk-in customers and takes appointments. Appointments are encouraged for customers with multiple projects.

Walk-in customers must obtain a number by 3 pm in order to be served.

Schedule Appointment

Schedule Building Permit Appointment Schedule New Construction Appointment

Check-in Process

  • When arriving at the Government Center, visitors should park in the ground floor parking lot. The parking garage is for employees only.
  • Visitors must enter the Government Center through the main front entrance (not the parking garage). All visitors are required to check-in with City staff on the 1st floor main lobby of the Government Center. Visitors must have their driver’s license (or some form of photo identification) with them.
  • Visitors will be required to take a photo for the visitor badge (this photo can be saved in our system, for future visits, for your convenience).
  • Once all steps are completed, visitors will be issued a visitor badge, which must be worn at all times while in the facility.

Helpful Tip: Download the mobile app “Sine Pro” ahead of time to expedite your check-in process via your mobile device. You can begin the process as soon as you are in the parking lot of the Government Center. Upon entry, (you will only need to show confirmation of your check in and) your visitor badge will be issued.

  

Permitting Information

The Sunny Isles Beach Building Department is here to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures. Building permitting can often seem complex and daunting, however, it is an important and necessary process, which allows the building department to ensure the safety of all our residents and visitors. The information below can be used as a guide to assist you in deciphering this process. Information on why and when building permits are needed, where they can be obtained, how to keep your best interests at the forefront, and online resources to help ease the process are featured.

Building Permits

What is a building permit?

A Building Permit is the formal approval by the designated government agency, which gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications that comply with the requirements of the Florida Building Code and other applicable federal, state, county, and local codes. In short, a building permit is a license that grants the owner authorization to construct or alter a structure.

Why do I need a building permit?

A permit brings you the service of the Building Department Plans Reviewers and Inspectors who are experts in their field. In addition to giving advice, they approve each phase of your project, checking to see that the work is done in accordance with the code and approved plans. Working without a permit is illegal, can result in fines, can be a life safety hazard to you and your neighbors and can cause problems if and when you sell/refinance your house. Your permit also allows our certified inspectors to protect you and the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety, and welfare. By following code guidelines, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends, or future owners.

When do I need a building permit?

The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the Building Department at 305.947.2150. Discuss your proposed project with the building department staff before beginning work to determine whether you need a permit. Even if a permit is not needed, the SIB Building Department staff can answer construction and renovation questions and may provide valuable advice that can save you time and money in the long run.

The above list is not all-inclusive. Please call your building department at 305.947.2150 to verify if a permit is required for your project.

Where can I get a building permit?

SIB residents can obtain their permits from:

Sunny Isles Beach Government Center
SIB Building Department, 3rd Floor
18070 Collins Ave., 3rd Floor

Permit Forms & Applications

For more information call the Building Department at 305.947.2150.

What fees are required?

The building permit fee structure is as follows:

Take the total cost of your job or project and multiply it by the percentage in the appropriate tier below to figure out the cost of your building permit.

* Fee tables below are for estimating purposed and do not include all fees that apply to your permit. For a comprehensive fee schedule please see the cities fee schedule. Additional fees include DBPR, Community Affairs, Training and Technology, and other applicable fees.

Residential Fees

Minimum fee: $25 applied to the job value up to $1,000.

Tier 1: Job value between $1,000 and $50,000. 2.75% of Job Value

Tier 2: Job value between $50,000 and $100,000. 2.50% of Job Value

Tier 3: Job value exceeding $100,000. 2.00% of Job Value

Commercial Fees

Minimum fee: $25 applied to the job value up to $1,000.

Tier 1: Job value between $1,000 and $100,000. 2.75% of Job Value

Tier 2: Job value between $100,000 and $1,000,000. 2.50% of Job Value

Tier 3: Job value between $1,000,000 and $100,000,000 2.00% of Job Value.

Tier 4: Job value exceeding $100,000,000. 0.50% of Job Value

Is a licensed contractor required for my project?

Yes. If you live in a Condominium Building, you must always hire a licensed contractor to do any type of work. You can only act as your own contractor (called an owner-builder) on a single family or a duplex residential project, but you are still responsible for meeting the requirements of Florida Statute Section 489.103(7). Florida Statutes only exempt homeowners when they are building a single or two family residence to live in themselves. If they intend to sell the property within one year after obtaining the final Certificate of Occupancy, then they are no longer exempt.

What happens if I have been cited for beginning construction prior to obtaining a permit?

You will be required to obtain “After the Fact” permits. If the construction conforms to the code and your plans are acceptable, the permit will be issued and appropriate inspections will be made. If the construction does not conform to the code, you have two options:

  1. the work completed must be brought into compliance to the specifications of the code or
  2. the work done illegally must be removed, and you must have a permit to demolish the illegal structure. Inspections should be made to ensure that it has been demolished and the property cleared.

The Permitting Process

The Permitting Process: Steps 1 – 6

  1. Talk to your SIB Building Department Staff
    Your Building Department staff wants your project to be a success and will help you avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money. You will be asked some basic questions. (What are you planning to do? Where?) The Building Dept. staff will advise of any requirements, and if necessary, refer you to outside agencies/departments for their approval. Miami-Dade Fire Department and Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) are two agencies that will typically be involved in the review of your project. Building Department Staff will provide you with the resources and information needed for compliance with the applicable building codes. You will then receive an application for a building permit. Remember, you can always ask the Building Dept. to schedule a pre-construction meeting by calling 305.947.2150.

  2. Submit an Application
    At this stage, you will document the “Who, What, When, Where, and How” of the job, by submitting an SIB permit application along with any layouts drawings, or plans of the proposed work.

  3. Review Process
    The SIB certified plans examiners will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with local requirements and the applicable building codes. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit will be issued. If not, the plan examiners will issue comments and may suggest solutions to help correct the problem.

  4. Receive Permit
    Once your application has been approved, whoever was designated as the point of contact on the permit application will be contacted to receive the permit. When you receive the permit card you will have legal permission to start the project. It is important to verify that any contractor you hire has obtained a permit prior to starting the project. A fee, based on the size of the job, and based on the City’s approved fee schedule, is collected to cover the cost of the application, the review, and the inspection process. Typically, our minimum permit fee, per trade, is $125. Download a complete copy of the Building Department’s fee schedule. Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and heating or air-conditioning work.

  5. Inspections
    On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, the approved plans, and all applicable federal, state, county, and local codes. Again, you will have access to the expertise of the City’s inspectors to help you with questions or concerns regarding the project and to minimize potentially costly mistakes. Depending on the size of the project, the number of inspections may vary. Your contractor will be responsible for calling progress inspections throughout the course of the job. Inspections that are called in before 3:00 pm are typically performed the following business day.

  6. Final Approval
    At the end of your project, the Building Official provides documentation when construction is complete and code compliance has been determined. Enjoy your new surroundings with the peace of mind and the knowledge that they meet the safety standards in your community. It takes everyone in a community to keep our homes, schools, offices, stores, and other buildings safe for public use. Your safe construction practices help protect you, your family, your friends, and your investment.

Online Permitting & Inspection Services

Did you know you can access your permit & inspection information and status updates online? After the initial permit application is completed in person at the Building Department, homeowners, contractors and developers may now track a permit with an online account. This account gives access to the entire process including plan review, comments, issuance of the permit, inspections, and the permit closeout once the job is complete.

All of the information is in real time, meaning a processing number is issued for the permit as soon as the contractor has met with the permit clerk and updates are entered. Inspection results are also available as soon as an inspector enters the information onsite. This system gives complete, instant access to permits from the time of application through completion of the project. You will receive immediate email updates throughout the progression of your project.

Create your online account

Most Common Types of Permits: Requirements

Indoor Permitting

Air Conditioning Replacement

  • Completed, signed & notarized permit application and fee sheet
  • Proof of Ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, Tax Bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • 2 sets of the AHRI Document and Mounting Details
  • 2 sets of structural calculations
  • For work in Condominiums: Condominium Association’s approval letter (An original letter on the Association’s letterhead which is dated and signed by the Board)
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractor

Flooring Permit

  • Condominium Association’s approval letter (an original letter on the Association’s letterhead which is dated, signed and notarized by the Board)
  • Completed, signed & notarized permit application
  • Proof of ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, Tax Bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • 2 copies of unit’s floor plan
  • 2 copies of sound control specifications for material and thickness to be used
  • Doors: If any door will be cut at the time of installation, the Building Dept. must be notified. A separate permit may be required.
  • Balconies Waterproofing: A separate Waterproofing permit is required. Contractor must be an approved applicator of the waterproofing material to be used and must submit a letter from the waterproofing company stating this approval. An approved waterproofing material is required. Two (2) copies of the Notice of Acceptance shall be attached to permit plans/documents. Information about approved products and approved laboratories can be found on the Miami-Dade County website. Waterproofing inspection is required.
  • For Bathrooms / Lavatories / Laundry Rooms / Vanity sink areas: Plumbing Permit is required
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractor.

New Construction / Interior Remodeling

  • Completed, signed & notarized permit application
  • Proof of Ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, Tax Bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • 2 complete sets of signed and sealed plans
  • Plans must be reviewed and approved by W.A.S.D., DERM (Dept. of Environmental Resource Management), Miami-Dade County and the Fire Dept. (Review by these agencies applies to new construction, additions, changes in use only)
  • 2 signed and sealed copies of the property’s spot survey and proposed elevation certificate (for new construction only)
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractor

Outdoor Permitting

Asphalt, Driveway, & Sidewalks Permit

  • Completed, signed & notarized permit application
  • Proof of ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, Tax Bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • 2 sets of drawings showing location of the driveway, drainage & work specifications
  • 2 sets of a recent survey
  • Commercial condominium buildings require layout of parking
  • For work in Condominiums: Condominium Association’s approval letter (An original letter on the Association’s letterhead which is dated and signed by the Board)
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractor

Exterior Painting Permit

  • Completed, signed & notarized permit application
  • Proof of ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, Tax Bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • 2 copies of color samples for exterior paint submitted for approval (WARNING: Do not purchase paint until approved by Zoning Department)
  • 2 copies of the building elevations or pictures of structure showing areas to be painted
  • For Work in Condominiums: Condominium Association’s approval letter (an original letter on the Association’s letterhead which is dated and signed by the Board)
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractor

Fences Permit

  • Completed, signed & notarized permit application
  • Proof of ownership
  • Proof of ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, Tax Bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • 2 copies of site plan & recent survey
  • Fence specifications (i.e. type and height) must be indicated on the permit application
  • Property owner & contractor must comply with SIB Ordinance 2001-125 for vacant properties
  • If Solid Fence: 2 copies of signed & sealed wind load calculations prepared by a Structural Engineer or Registered Architect
  • For Work in Condominiums: Condominium Association’s approval letter (an original letter on the Association’s letterhead which is dated and signed by the Board)
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractor

Patio Deck Permit

  • Completed, signed & notarized permit application
  • Proof of ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, Tax Bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • 2 sets of drawing showing location of deck and deck specifications
  • For Work in Condominiums: Condominium Association’s approval letter (an original letter on the Association’s letterhead which is dated and signed by the Board)
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractor

Pool Permit

  • Completed, signed & notarized permit application
  • Proof of ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, Tax Bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • Building, Plumbing, Electrical & Mechanical permits required for pools
  • 2 copies of recent survey, site plans, and signed & sealed pool plans
  • 2 copies of Soil Test
  • Fence permit required
  • County Health Dept. to be notified in writing of proposed resurfacing work by contractor. Copy of letter must be submitted to the Building Department
  • For Work in Condominiums: Condominium Association’s approval letter (an original letter on the Association’s letterhead which is dated and signed by the Board)
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractor

Storm Shutters, Windows & Doors Permit

  • Completed, signed and notarized permit application
  • Proof of ownership (Deed, Closing Statement, tax bill, or Corporation’s Annual Report)
  • 2 copies of the product’s Miami-Dade County Product Control approval (May be obtained from manufacturer, contractor, or Miami-Dade County)
  • 2 signed and sealed copies of calculations for site-specific wind pressure prepared by a Structural Engineer or Registered Architect
  • 2 copies of unit/building layout showing shutter type and location for installation
  • Shutter Installation: 2 signed & sealed copies of the Shutter Product Approval Authorization form from Shutter Company
  • For work in Condominiums: Association’s Approval Letter (an original letter on the Association’s letterhead which is dated and signed by the Board)
  • Copy of the contract document signed by the owner and the contractors

The Importance of Hiring Licensed Contractors

Guidelines to Help You Make the Right Decision When Hiring a Contractor

Search contractor license: www.MyFlorida.com/dbpr

Search Miami-Dade County licenses: miamidade.gov/Apps/RER/BCCOContractorMenu

While hiring an unlicensed contractor may provide a quick fix in the short term, it can result in serious and lasting consequences, including further damage to your property. By hiring a licensed contractor, you will have peace of mind knowing that the project will be done by someone who has taken the time to acquire the appropriate education & proper workers’ compensation and/or liability insurance. Remember the first step in adding value to your home is hiring the right contractor to complete the project.

  • Before hiring a contractor, ask to see a state-issued license. Depending on the type of work, some contractors may only need a Miami-Dade County license. You can call the Sunny Isles Beach Building Department at 305.792.2150 to find out what type of licensed contractor is required for your project.
  • Make sure a contractor’s license is current and active by calling the State at 850.487.1395 or visiting MyFloridalicense.com. You can also verify a contractor’s information by calling the SIB Building Department.
  • An occupational license does not qualify an individual to act as a contractor.
  • Ask for references. A legitimate contractor will be happy to provide you with the names & contact information of recent customers.
  • Get written estimates from several licensed contractors. Make sure the estimate includes the work the contractor will do, materials involved, completion date, and total cost.
  • Beware of contractors who claim to be the fastest of cheapest. Hiring them could result in poor workmanship, inferior materials or unfinished jobs.
  • Avoid paying cash.
  • Avoid any contractor who requires payment in advance. Arrange to pay after work is completed or in agreed-upon installments.
  • Don’t sign off that the work is complete until all work is finished to your satisfaction and all permits are cleared via a final inspection and/or a Certificate of Completion from the Building Department.
  • If your contract exceeds $5,000 become familiar with the Florida Construction Lien Law. You can find details at www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/0713.html.
  • Beware of contractors soliciting business door-to-door, who frequently travel in unmarked trucks & vans. They usually give a post office box address instead of a street address.

Building Recertification

Building Recertification

Read more about Building Recertification on our webpage.

 

Permitting FAQs

What work hours can construction be performed?

Except as provided herein, no person or entity shall operate construction tools and equipment except between the following hours:

A. Standard time: 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

B. Daylight saving time: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

C. Prohibited acts: No construction activities shall take place on Sunday and on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

 

How do I know when my inspector will arrive for scheduled inspection?

Option 1:

Access your project through the Online Portal: https://ci-sunnyislesbeach-fl.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home

  • Select "My Applications"
  • Click on the permit from "Active tab"
  • Click on "Permit Inspections" and look for the inspection you scheduled.

Note: Your requests for inspections (date and time) are not guaranteed. An e-mail will be sent to confirm the scheduled date and estimated time.

Inspections requested before 3:30 PM will be scheduled for the next business day, provided there are no pending fees and all contractor's licenses are up to date. A phone number must be entered in the "comments" section of the inspection request in the Online Portal.

Option 2:

Call Sunny Isles Beach Building Department staff to obtain a time window for your inspection at 305.792.1735.

 

What is the Boiler Certification Program?

Learn more about the Boiler Certification Program at our webpage.

What Flood Zone is my property located in?

Learn more at our Flood Protection webpage.

What if my permit is expired?

If your permit is about to expire please contact the Building Department about a permit extension.

In person, come to the Building Department, located at the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center, 18070 Collins Avenue, 3rd Floor.

Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Or, contact us by phone at 305.947.2150

If your permit has already expired please apply for a renewal by submitting a revised permit application with the renewal box checked under the Change to Existing Permit section.

Submit using the Online Portal for the same permit type you are renewing.

Staff will review the request and once approved you will now use the new permit number to complete your inspections.

 

When is Notice of Commencement needed?

FS 713.13 (e)

Require the applicant to file with the issuing authority before the first inspection a copy of the notice of commencement if the direct contract is greater than $5,000. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “copy of the notice of commencement” means a certified copy of the recorded notice of commencement, a notarized statement that the notice of commencement has been filed for recording along with a copy thereof, or the clerk’s office’s official records identifying information that includes the instrument number for the notice of commencement or the number and page of book where the notice of commencement is recorded, as identified by the clerk.

Note: In the absence of the filing of a copy of the notice of commencement, the issuing authority or a private provider performing inspection services may not perform or approve subsequent inspections until the applicant files by mail, facsimile, hand delivery, or any other means such copy with the issuing authority.

Notice is recorded through the Miami-Dade County Courthouse East.

You have three options for recording your documents in the Official Records:

  1. You can bring your original documents in person, along with the appropriate fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Miami-Dade County Courthouse East. Hours are M-F 9-4 PM.
  2. You can mail your original documents along with the appropriate fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Please mail documents for recording to:
    Office of County Recorder
    22 N.W. 1st Street – 1st Floor
    Miami, Florida 33128

You can Record your document through one of our approved vendors. With this option, you retain your original document and the recorded image is available the next day.

 

Building Department

Phone

 

Fax

305.792.1567

 

Email

 

Location

Government Center - 3rd Floor
18070 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, FL
33160

View Map

 

Hours

Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Walk-in customers must obtain a number by 3 pm in order to be served.

 

Building Resources

 

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