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FAQ About Building Construction Permits in West Palm Beach

The town of West Palm Beach, Florida has specific national and state code requirements that are enforced for construction activities under the supervision of the building division. These minimum standards and mandates are in placed to keep the public, civilians, visitors, and employees safe during construction. Any work that relates to repair, demolition, and/or alteration requires a construction permit in West Palm Beach.

In the remainder of this article, we will cover some of the most frequently asked questions about construction permits in West Palm Beach. Continue reading to learn more.

Which Type of Work Requires a Building Permit in West Palm Beach?

In short, nearly all construction within West Palm Beach, Florida requires a construction permit. Here’s a few examples:

  • Enlagement/additions
  • Alteration
  • Repair
  • Moving
  • Demolition
  • Change of Occupancy
  • Electrical, Gas, Mechanical, or Plumbing

Put another way, any construction work except carpet, wallpaper, or interior decoration, such as painting, requires a construction permit.

commercial construction in west palm beach

How to Request a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?

You can request the CO by sending an email with the subject line “CO Request” or “CC Request” to ds@wpb.org. Make sure to include the master permit number, address, and contact information in your email body. You are expected to receive a response in 1 – 2 business days.

How to Disengage a Contractor?

To discharge your contractor, you can send a letter of discharge to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department. Include the details such as your contractor’s name, permit number, and property address along with the reason for the decision, if applicable. Please note the action in no way gives you the privilege to grant the work permit to a different contractor.

How to Check the Status of a Permit Application?

You can check the progress of your permit application on the Citizen Services website. Please note that the average turn-around times on a permit vary; revisions can take 1-2 days, while permits can take up to 2 weeks. Furthermore, you can add 1-2 weeks to your response time if the item needs to be reviewed by a Public Works Engineer, and an additional 1-3 days if it has to be reviewed by the Fire Marshall.

How to Schedule an Inspection?

There are two ways to schedule a site inspection. The first is to book an inspection via the Citizen Services website. Please note that an account may need to be activated, and to do so, you may need to forward an email with the contractor license number, business name, and contact information. The second way is to use the automated Interactive Voice Recognition System or permit system online to cancel, reschedule, or book a site inspection.

What Happens if I Receive a Stop-Work Order?

Here are the steps to resolve and revoke a stop-work order:

  • Email ds@wpb.org
  • Include your name, contact number, and an attachment or picture of the stop-work order in the body of the email
  • Use the property address as the subject line

Please note that you are responsible for the permit even if the work was not carried out directly or done before you purchased the property. If the work started without acquiring a permit, a penalty could be imposed. Failing to comply with the stop-work order will impose further penalties and could even lead to a possible lien on your property.

Taylor Builders: West Palm Beach Commercial Construction Contractors

If you are looking for the best commercial construction contractor in West Palm Beach, then Taylor Builders has you covered. Our skills, expertise, knowledge, and efficiency allows us to tackle all manner of jobs. We specialize in ground up commercial construction in West Palm Beach and South Florida. Contact us for a quote and to learn more about our commercial construction services.

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