Monday, June 27, 2011

Fire Systems Permit




Anyone seeking a Fire Systems Permit must secure the typical commercial permits for construction as well as the following based on the exact project:

Fire Alarm System:
-2 Sets of Design Plans, signed/sealed if over $5,000 valuation
-2 Sets of Specifications/Technical Documents

Fire Sprinkler System:
-2 Sets of Design Plans, signed/sealed over 50 heads
-2 Sets of Hydraulic Calculations
-No permit is required for relocating up to 3 heads

Fire Suppression System
-3 Sets of Design Plans, signed/sealed for over $5,000 valuation
-3 Sets of Specifications/Technical Documents

Exhaust Hoods:
-2 Sets of Design Plans, (pre-engineered) not signed/sealed
-2 Sets of Specifications/Technical Documents (pre-engineered)
-2 Sets of Construction Plans (Site Built) signed/sealed

Standpipe System:
-2 Sets of Design Plans, signed/sealed for over $5,000 valuation
-2 Sets of Hydraulic Calculations

Fire Pump:
-2 Sets of Design Plans, signed/sealed for over $5,000 valuation
-2 Sets of Hydraulic Calculations

Fire Protection System Demolition:
-2 Letters of Intent (all removals/disconnects)
-Scope of Work Statement

Paint Spray Booth
-2 Sets of Design Plans, (pre-engineered) not signed/sealed
-2 Sets of Specifications/Technical Documents (pre-engineered)
-2 Sets of Construction Plans (Site Built) signed/sealed

Tank Installations - Any Type:
-2 Sets of Design Plans, (pre-engineered) not signed/sealed
-2 Sets of Specifications/Technical Documents (pre-engineered)
-2 Sets of Construction Plans (Site Built) signed/sealed

Tank Removal - Any Type:
-2 Sets of Site Plans
-2 Letters of Intent
-Scope of Work Statement

For more information on this and all other permits you might need, contact us at Your Permit Solution!


Source: City of Melbourne

Monday, June 20, 2011

Permit Types - Floodplain Development Permit


Floodplain Development Permit


1) When is a Floodplain Development Permit Required?

A floodplain development permit is required for all development‐related changes on a property located in the A and V zones of the Town's FEMA Flood Map, that will alter the drainage characteristics of a property affect any equipment servicing the property, or that constitutes a “Substantial Improvement” under Town Ordinance and FEMA Regulations.

This includes but is not limited to:
‐ Construction of new structures
‐ Modifications or improvements to existing structures.
‐ Site Work that will alter the property’s drainage including: Excavation, Filling, Paving, Drilling, Driving of piles, Dredging, Land clearing, Grading, Landscape Improvements, Permanent storage of materials.
‐ Equipment upgrades or additions (A/C units and Generators).
‐ Vertical Additions or Improvements that are a “Substantial Improvement” per Ordinance and FEMA definitions.


2) Can I submit for my Floodplain Development Permit (FDP) at the same time as my Building Permit?

Yes – A Floodplain Development Permit is an additional permit that is required along with the Master Permit for the work being done. It is like any other Sub‐Permit.


3) What happens if my Floodplain Permit is not approved?

If Your FDP is not approved you will need to submit all items requested for review and they must be correct and current.


4) Why is the Town requiring these permits ?

For many years the Town has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS) program by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). These programs require a substantial amount of work to maintain the discounts our citizens receive on their flood insurance policies. The fees collected will help to defray the cost of the Town’s participation in these programs. In addition it will insure that the Town’s Floodplain Development ordinance is enforced correctly.


5) What Inspections are required for this permit?

There are three inspections required for this permit. They are: 1) Site Inspection, 2) Ground Rough Inspection ‐ before the slab pour, 3) Final Inspection.


6) Who can be issued a Floodplain Development Permit?

The Floodplain development Permit will be issued to the contractor who is issued the Primary permit for the work being performed at a location.


7) Can I submit “Revisions” to my Floodplain Permit once it is issued?

Yes – This is like any other permit issued by the Town. If there are changes that need to be made a revision is required and may be submitted.

For more information on this and other types of permits, contact Your Permit Solution!


Source: Town of Palm Beach

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Fence and Retaining Wall Permit


If you're thinking of adding a fence or retaining wall to your residential or commercial property, here are few things you should know!

1. A Plot Plan must be submitted - showing an accurate drawing for the size, shape and dimensions of the lot that the fence or wall will be built on. Be sure to indicate where the fence/wall is to be located.
  • Two copies are required for residential fencing
  • Three copies are required for retaining or rockery walls
  • Five copies are required for commercial fencing
  • Height of the fence/wall and materials must be included in the plan
2. If an Architectural Committee is present in the area, approval is required in the form of a written report prior to plans being submitted to the building department.

3. Exemptions
  • Fences used for landscaping that are less than 30" in height are exempt from a building permit if not located within the sight triangle.
  • You may replace up to 100 linear feet of fence boards from damaged fence without a building permit. It must be similar fencing and in the exact same location.
  • If your lot includes more than one acre of land, the Development Code allows agricultural uses of the land and if you use strictly range fencing (t-bar and wire only), you DO NOT need a fence permit. If, however, you use wood or any other type of materials, you are then required to obtain a building permit.
For more information on Fence and Retaining Wall Permits, contact Your Permit Solution!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Permit Types - Elevator Permit

Elevator Permits



Florida law requires every registered elevator company to have a permit issued by the Bureau of Elevator Safety before installing, altering, or relocating any type of vertical conveyance licensed by the bureau.

Before an elevator permit can be issued, the registered Elevator Company doing the installation must do the following:

1. The company must obtain and review the construction plans for compliance with Florida law. These do not have to be turned in to the bureau but the company will be required to affirm that the plans they are using are in compliance.

2. The company must obtain the appropriate application form. If multiple conveyances (elevators, etc) are being installed, separate forms are required for each.

3. The Affidavit of Elevator Code Compliance must be obtained and completed. This form must be signed by a qualified agent of the elevator company doing the installation.

4. All required documentation and fees must be submitted to the appropriate department.

5. Once construction is completed, the conveyance must pass an inspection prior to beginning use.


For more information on this and other types of permits, contact Your Permit Solution!



Source: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Permit Types - Electrical Permit

Electrical Permit




An electrical permit is required to do the following:
  • install or alter any permanent wiring or electrical device
  • run additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light fixture, install a receptacle for a garage-door opener, or convert from fuse box to circuit breakers
  • install or alter low-voltage systems such as security alarms or stereo or computer systems
For homeowners, a permit is not required to replace electrical devices or to perform the maintenance on an existing electrical installation.

If you are not sure if you need a permit, call the building department responsible for your area.

Permits are issued by Building Codes Division (BCD) field offices or your local building department, depending on the jurisdiction responsible for your area.

  • Drawn plans are not necessary to get a permit to do residential electrical work.
  • Drawn plans are not necessary to get a permit to perform residential electrical work, unless the service involves 400 amps or greater. Some building departments require a plan review for service over 400 amps.
  • An electrical inspector or office staff member can help you make sure you have all the necessary information for the proposed project. If everything is in order, you can usually leave with your permit.
  • Electrical permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.
Any work performed under a permit must be inspected by a certified electrical inspector. You may call the inspection request line at the building department in your area within 24 hours of completion of any phase of the project. A minimum of 24-hours' notice is usually required for inspections.

When you call, you will be asked for the permit number, homeowner's name, project address, type of inspection needed, and date on which the inspection is desired. Be prepared to furnish detailed directions to the job site and a detailed description of the electrical work performed.
Unless all of the work is outside and accessible, an adult needs to be at the site to provide access for the inspector.

For more information on how to acquire an electrical permit, call Your Permit Solution!

Source: Permits Protect

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Permit Types - Demolition Permit


A demolition permit is an official document from a regional government agency which allows someone to demolish a structure and clear the debris from the lot the structure is located on.

People must usually apply for demolition permits when they want to completely raze a structure, or demolish a significant portion of a structure which will be left standing. These permits are usually issued by building or planning departments.

There are several reasons why a demolition permit is usually required:

1. Safety - Buildings should only be torn down by skilled and licensed professionals, ensuring that all necessary safety precautions are taken.

2. Hazardous Materials - Asbestos and fallen debris are major concerns during demolitions.

3. Proper Clean-up - All debris and fallen materials should be cleaned up quickly and efficiently.


People applying for these types of permits must declare the company and procedure that will be used, and they must demonstrate that utilities to the building have been turned off and capped, and that there is a plan in place for handling hazardous materials.

Since demolition usually generates a substantial pile of debris, many people must also apply for an obstruction permit which will allow them to place dumpsters near the site, and to block the sidewalk or street temporarily to keep people safe from falling debris.

Fees for demolition and obstruction permits are usually separate, and it is a good idea to apply for both at the same time.

The demolition company may agree to handle the demolition permit application as part of the services they provide but the property owner remains responsible for confirming that a demolition permit has been obtained before any work can begin.

Demolition permits are also a matter of public record, and property owners may want to be aware that applications can often be contested by people who oppose the demolition for various reasons, ranging from a desire to preserve historic property to concerns from others in the neighborhood.

For more information on this any any other type of permit, contact Your Permit Solution!


Source: wiseGEEK

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Be Wary of Asbestos


In general, asbestos refers to the naturally hydrated silicas which are found in rocks of two mineral groups:

-Serpentine, or white asbestos which accounts for 95% of the asbestos utilized in the US.
-Amphibole, which includes brown and blue asbestos.


Asbestos fibers are noncombustible, resistant to corrosion and degradation, have relatively high tensile strength, are chemically and thermally stable, and have low thermal and electrical conductivities. These properties make the fibers desirable for use in the manufacture of many industrial and commercial products. It has been estimated that asbestos fibers have been used in over 2,000 products.

Asbestos use in the United States has declined steadily over the past several years due to the ban that was imposed in 1975.

Renovations and demolitions of facilities that may have asbestos are required to submit a Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation form. Contact Your Permit Solution for more information on obtaining the necessary permits.



Impacts of Asbestos

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and has been known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare form of chest and abdominal cancer) and asbestosis which is an irreversible, non-cancerous respiratory disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue.

The chances of contracting these diseased is increased significantly in smokers. To date there is no scientific evidence that asbestos is harmful when in contact with human skin.

The presence of asbestos in a building does not necessarily mean that the health of its occupants is endangered. Exposure is unlikely as long as the Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) remains intact and undisturbed. Potential exposure to asbestos occurs when building maintenance, repairs, renovations or other activities disturb or damage the ACM, causing a release of asbestos fibers.

If you've got construction coming up and have concerns about asbestos in your building, contact Your Permit Solution today for help!