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We know the building permit process can be intimidating at times. That’s why the City of Miami Beach Building Department has developed this Interactive Permit Guide. Select a category below to go to the virtual tour of the most common property elements. The pop-up info box will guide you to “additional information” regarding necessary plan reviews and inspections for some of our most common permits. Your project will still need to undergo a formal permit review. Please check back periodically for changes.
Single Family Home
Interior
Replacement of ductless range hoods do not require a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor. Range hoods using ducted ventilation will require a permit.
You can replace up to two bathroom fixtures such as vanity sink, toilet or bidet without needing a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
If the work is linked to a master building permit, a permit IS required even if it includes only one (1) fixture.
Whether you’re installing Hardwood, Marble or Ceramic Tile, you’ll be glad to know that a permit is not required. If the work is linked to a master building permit, a permit IS required.
Before replacing your sink, consider its depth if you have a garbage disposal. Replacements do not require a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
If the work is linked to a master building permit, a permit IS required even if it includes only one (1) fixture.
You can replace up to two fixtures without a permit so, lighten up and change out those old lamps. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
If the work is linked to a master building permit, a permit IS required even if it includes only one (1) fixture.
Switching out your receptacles? You can replace up to two of them without requiring a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
If the work is linked to a master building permit, a permit IS required even if it includes only one (1) fixture.
Have you considered updating your bathroom? Shower and tub installations shall be done by licensed contractor and require a permit.
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is an easy project to start and adds value to your home. Plus, you don’t need a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
If the work is linked to a master building permit, a permit IS required.
Single Family Home
Exterior
The most common types of fences found in Miami Beach are Chain-link, Wood and Masonry.
Seawalls are considered Special construction and require approval from the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) in addition to a Building permit.
Windows and doors are considered part of the building and shall be wind and impact resistant as well as energy efficient.
Floating docks float on the surface of the water with the use of dock floats or plastic barrels. Stationary docks rest on top of pilings that are mounted into the seafloor.
Designing the right irrigation plan can mean the difference between efficient, responsible watering and poor water management resulting in the waste of a valuable resource.
Whether it’s concrete, pavers, stone or wood, decks provide a path to enjoying your backyard.
There are two types of swimming pools; In-ground and Aboveground. All pools are required to have an approved safety barrier.
A/C units must meet the energy “load” of the home. Factors such as the number of windows and the amount of insulation in the walls and ceiling are used to determine the unit size.
Portable generators are mostly gasoline-powered and are started manually. Standby generators are powered by natural gas or propane and start automatically during power outages.
In South Florida, standard roofing materials must withstand the intense pressure found in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZs).
Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal. They both absorb raw energy from the sun and use it to create usable energy; PV Systems for electricity, Thermal Systems heat water or air.
Multi-Family
Interior
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is an easy project to start and adds value to your home. Condominium units require a permit and work to be done by a Licensed Contractor.
Mini splits offer flexibility in interior design options. The indoor air handlers can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall.
You can replace up to two bathroom fixtures such as vanity sink, toilet or bidet without needing a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
Switching out your receptacles? You can replace up to two of them without requiring a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
Before replacing your sink, consider its depth if you have a garbage disposal. Replacements do not require a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
You can replace up to two fixtures without a permit so, lighten up and change out those old lamps. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor.
Replacement of ductless range hoods do not require a permit. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor. Range hoods using ducted ventilation will require a permit.
Have you considered updating your bathroom? Shower and tub installations shall be done by licensed contractor and require a permit.
Smoke detectors shall be interconnected and have a battery backup component. If installing a wireless system, at least one device shall be hard-wired.
Tankless units heat water only when you turn on the faucet. Besides saving space, you lower energy costs by eliminating the need to keep gallons of hot water in a storage tank.
Ventless Dryers or All-in-One Ventless washer dryer combos offer an alternative to standard installations when space is a concern. Work shall be done by a licensed contractor and will require a permit.
Multi-Family
Exterior
Windows and doors are considered part of the building and shall be wind and impact resistant as well as energy efficient.
Living in a lush and vibrant tropical community means having the right plants and trees to accent the look and feel of Miami Beach living.
Large construction projects often take a toll on the availability of parking spaces. To alleviate this, permits over $250K require an approved Parking Plan.
There are two types of swimming pools; in-ground and aboveground. All pools are required to have an approved safety barrier.
Handrails are intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support. Guards minimizes the possibility of a fall from the walking surface to a lower level.
There are three types of chillers: air, water and evaporative condensed. There are four subcategories in each: reciprocating, centrifugal, screw driven and absorption chillers.
Commercial
Interior
Fire alarms in night clubs/bars shall be connected to the sound system and special effects lighting. If a detector is activated, the music and lighting cut off so the horn can be heard.
Exits and exit access doors must have “Exit” signs that are visible from any direction of egress travel. Exit signs can be internally or externally illuminated.
Tanks of fire suppressants connected to pipes that lead to a sprinkler system resting above the cooking area. These units can be activated manually and automatically by a heat sensor.
Designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a sanitary disposal system.
There are two types of systems. Type 1 exhausts grease, oil, and smoke in addition to heat, moisture, and odors. Type 2 exhausts only heat and moisture as well as cooking odors.
All new buildings, additions to existing buildings, or a change made in the occupancy or use shall obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion prior to the building being occupied.
Restaurants with more than 10 seats (including the sidewalk café), shall have at least one male and one female restroom and shall be ADA compliant.
Commercial
Exterior
Cell phone towers and communications equipment on rooftops must withstand the intense wind pressures found in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZs).
Besides providing shade from the sun or cover from rain, awnings/canopies shall meet the design and load requirements provided in the Florida Building Code.
There are three types of chillers: air, water and evaporative condensed. There are four subcategories in each: reciprocating, centrifugal, screw driven and absorption chillers.
Signs are regulated for the type of materials used, resistance to wind loads when placed outside or for their design to provide accessible signage. .
Sidewalk Cafes are an extension of a restaurant and are characterized by tables, chairs and canopies or umbrellas and are located on the public right of way; which require a permit.
Windows and doors are considered part of the building and shall be wind and impact resistant as well as energy efficient.
Civic Access is a next-generation service site for permitting, planning, business tax receipts, and code compliance. Submit your request online and check back for the status of your permit application, and building plan, or even request an inspection.
The City of Miami Beach Building Department is committed to providing the highest quality services to our community by uniformly enforcing building codes in a timely manner, continuously improving through innovation and streamlining services, collaborating with city departments, and improving our professional competencies.
