Building and Permitting Services,a division of theCommunity Development Department,helps to maintain public safety and compliance with applicable building codes and local standards for residents, contractors and developers by providing permitting and inspection services that include permit application processing and issuance; regulatory zone and plan review; and inspections.
Are you looking to do any sort of construction or renovation project? |
A building permit is required if you plan to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure. A building permit is also required if you plan to install, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, provided the installation is regulated by the Florida Building Code (FBC). Improvements or repairs not requiring a permit: Please referenceFlorida Building Code Section105.2 andLee CountyLand Development CodeChapter 6, Section 6-117 for information regarding improvements or repairs not requiring a permit. |
Use eConnect, our online permitting service delivery system to:
- Search and view permits
- Submit permit applications
- Upload (add) plans and other documents
- View status and Preview Comments (New feature for Permitting Records! Click the Icon belowfor details and instructions.)
- Download/print approved documents
- Pay fees
- Schedule inspections
Contractors are required to use eConnect.
Permitting Service Center:Location and Hours |
Important Notice: Hurricane Ian Emergency Permitting ProceduresFullPermitting services haveresumed online and in person,with hurricane damage repairs taking priority. Clickherefor more information about current operations, operational changes, and Permitting requirements. To receive in-person permit information, assistance, and plan reviews come to: Public Works Building (Downtown Fort Myers in the Lobby) Permit Office 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Hours of operation: Monday - Friday: 9am - 4pm
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Please Note: Permitting Projects |
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Quick Links
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| Guides and Forms | Plan Review | Reports | Building Inspections |
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| Current Codes and UsefulLinks | Fees | Contractor Licensing | Private Providers |
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| Disaster Recovery | eServices Guide | eConnect Registration | |
Join the virtual line for the permittingcounter
Wait where you want by getting in line virtually. There are three ways to join:
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| Download the QLess App Available on Android and iPhone | Text (239)299-7332 keyword: Lee County DCD | Visit the website |
1. Join the Line from anywhere
2. Move freely & wait wherever you want
3. Receive wait time updates onyour mobile device
4. Get notified when it's your turn to be served at 1500 Monroe St.
The PermitApplication Process
| | Determine the Permit Needed and Collect Your Documentation |
| | Use the Guides and Formspage to help you determine the type of permit you need, how to complete the application, and which document must be submitted with the application. Please note: Construction and renovation projects require different types of permits. Permit Guides and Forms |
| | Get eConnect Access |
| | After using the guides to determine information needed for the applicationprocess, prepare touse the online permitting service deliverysystem called eConnect. New users mustregister for aneConnectaccount.Instructions for New Users: Register for an Accountare included on the eConnect login page. Once registered, the systemis available to apply for services and to upload the required documents. Contractors are required to use eConnect. Review the eConnect User Guide for more details. |
| | Submit the Application |
| | Use eConnect to complete the online application and attach plans and other supporting documents online.Refer to the appropriate Application and Permitting Guide as yougo through this process.All applicants are encouraged to submit their applications electronically, however, Owner-Builders may still submit paper applications. |
| | Application Package Processing and Review |
| | Completeness Check: When first received, the application package is reviewed for completeness to check that all required documents, signatures and seals were submitted. The applicant must provide missing information before the application package can be taken in for review. Application Review:Complete applications may be forwarded to multiple functional areas for review.eConnect applications can be reviewed simultaneously by the required reviewers.Paper applications are reviewed by one person at a time and must be physically handed off among the required reviewers. Notice of Rejection or Approval:
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| | Check Status |
| | At any point in the project, applicants can view status, conditions and record details by searching the record numberwithineConnect. eConnect: Permit Search |
| | ReceivePermit |
| | Permit Issuance:
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| | Begin Construction |
| | Don't forget to post your approved permit and plans at the project site. |
| | Pay Fees |
| | All payments must be received prior to scheduling an inspection.We will email you payment instructions once the permit has been approved and verified. You can view any fees that are due and pay them using eConnect.Log into eConnect, locate your record number, select the menu option for Payments >> Fees, then click Pay Fees buttonand follow the instructions. eConnect: Pay Fees Payment Options:
Cash is not accepted; please pay by credit/debit card, check, eCheck, or money order. |
| | Schedule an Inspection |
| | Be sure all your fees are paid before scheduling an inspection. Different permits need inspections at certain points in the project. Permits must pass at least one inspection within 180 days from issuance or the permit will expire. To schedule an inspection loginto eConnect, locate your record number,select Inspections then select the Schedule or Request an Inspection button. eConnect: Schedule an Inspection |
| | Get your Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion |
| | Once all inspections have passed, and all outstanding conditional documents and fees have been satisfied,the Certificate of Compliance and/or the Certificate of Occupancy are issued, the permit is closed, and a notification email is sent to the applicant. Applicants may obtaincertificate info, log into eConnect.Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global Search or the Search Applications. Under the Permitting menu, click on the record number for your permit application. Select Reports at the top of the screen, select Certificate from the list and a new window will display the document; options to save or print will be displayed. eConnect |
