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Building & Zoning

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1. What are permits and why do I need one?

Permits are the way the City of Lighthouse Point regulates construction. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction.

View a partial list indicating when a permit is required.

2. How much is a permit?

Please see our fee schedule, Fee Schedule Appendix A (PDF) for more information.

3. When don’t I need a permit?

Most major projects will require permits of some kind. This is necessary to ensure that all buildings meet minimum standards which protect its occupants and neighbors in everyday living and in the case of emergencies or natural disasters.

Some minor projects, such as painting, laying carpet and tile are allowed without obtaining building permits. However the construction of such projects should be in conformance with all applicable codes.

Check with the Lighthouse Point Building Department with any questions 954-943-6509.

4. What happens if I build without a permit?

If you begin construction without the required permit(s), a "Stop Work Order" will immediately be issued by an Inspector and a Notice of Violation will be issued by the City’s Code Enforcement Department. You will be required to apply for and receive the permit(s) for the work and pay additional fees (twice the amount of the original fee). 

After the permit has been properly issued, you will then be required to uncover any work which has been covered so that it may be inspected prior to the release of the "Stop Work Order", or the building official may allow an engineer or architect to inspect and take responsibility for the work. He would then have to write a letter to the building department accepting responsibility for the work and assuring the work complies with the code. 

In some cases, regulations or codes may not permit the type of construction that has been done. In this case, you may be required to replace or restore the area to its original condition prior to your construction.

5. Can I draw up my own plans?

No.

6. Who can obtain a permit?

Depending on the type of permit, permits may be issued to property owners (for work on owner-occupied single-family residences) or licensed contractors.

7. What do I do when the job is complete?

After your contractor has completed their work and prior to making a final payment, make sure the job has passed all required City inspections and has been "finaled out". 

Call the Lighthouse Point Building Department at 954-943-6509 for more information.

8. How do I determine the value of the job?

What it would cost to hire a contractor to do the work.

9. How long does the City keep my house plans?

The State requires house plans to be destroyed ten years from when a Certificate of Occupancy was issued. Other types of permits, such as re-roof, driveways, remodels, etc. have a ten year retention period. When plans meet their retention period, they are destroyed.

10. Can I pull a permit as an owner/builder?

If you reside at the residence, yes, for most types of permits. However, all electrical, roofing, and piling work must be done by a licensed contractor. 

Please know, that when a permit is issued as an owner/builder permit, the owner is stating that they know the Florida Building Code and Lighthouse Point Zoning Code, the order and types of inspections required for that type of permit, and that they may be responsible for any/all injuries/accidents/corrections that may result on the site.

11. Does my contractor need to be licensed, insured, and registered with the City to pull a permit, and if so, what does he need?

Yes, all contractors must be registered with the City before that can apply for a permit. They must submit a copy of their Occupational License, State License or Certificate of Competency, Workmen’s Compensation or the Workmen’s Compensation Exemption card, and General Liability with the Certificate of Insurance made out to the:
City of Lighthouse Point
3701 NE 22 Avenue
Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

12. How can I verify if a contractor is licensed?

Call the Lighthouse Point Building Department at 954-943-6509.

13. Can you fax applications or have my permit faxed?

No. Applications are available online on this website, under Online Forms, and may be downloaded. Faxed applications will usually distort the legal information, therefore, we do not accept an application that has been faxed in any way. Permits must be picked up, in person, so that we are able to give you all the required paperwork and collect all necessary fees.

14. What method of payments do you accept?

We accept cash, check (no starter checks), cashier checks, and credit card.

15. Do I need to be home on the day that my inspection has been scheduled for?

Yes, for most of the permits. The only permits that do not require someone to be home are:

• Boatlifts
• Decks
• Docks
• Driveways
• Fences
• Roofs
• Shutters

16. How much time do I have to complete my permit?

Demolition permits are valid for 60 days. All other types of permits are valid for 180 days. For every completed inspection, the permit will be extended either 60 or 180 days, depending on the permit type. If the permit should expire, a one-time renewal fee of $35 may be paid to extend your permit.

17. Do I need a permit to replace an existing fence?

Yes, even if you put the new fence in the same location as the previous fence.

18. What do I need to apply for a fence permit?

Needed to apply:

• Building Application - must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value
• If the fence is aluminum, decorative metal, or PVC, two copies of the current product approvals, with all components, connections, and method of anchorage highlighted or two sets of signed and sealed Engineer plans must be submitted
• If the homeowner is applying for the permit, an Owner Builder Affidavit will need to be completed and notarized
• If the survey is more than 12 months old, the owner will need to complete a Zoning Affidavit, which states that nothing on the survey has changed. If work was completed on the property that will alter the survey, a new survey will be required
• Two copies of the survey showing the footprint of the property and indicate the location and size of work to be installed

Please Note

If the fence is around a swimming pool/spa, it shall have self-closing/latching gates with the latches being a minimum height of 54 inches from the adjacent floor.

19. Do I need a permit to replace windows, doors, garage doors, front doors, etc.?

Yes.

20. What do I need to apply for a window/door permit?

Retrofit Windows (Windows of the Same Size and Location):

• Building application - must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value.
• If no impact rating: Shutter permit shall be required with a valid product approval.
• In case of existing shutter, provide the permit number.
• Include a footprint of property and indicate the location and size of work to be installed. All bedrooms shall be indicated.
• Two copies of the current product approvals. Must highlight all components, connections and method of anchorage.
• Two sets of the completed product approval review form.

Non-Retrofit Windows (New Location and/or New Size):

• Building application - must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value.
• If no impact rating: Shutter permit shall be required with a valid product approval.
• Include a footprint of property and indicate the location and size of work to be installed. Location of all bedrooms shall be indicated.
• Two (s) sets of the completed product approval review form.
• Two copies of the current product approvals. Must highlight all components, connections and method of anchorage.
• Two signed and sealed sets of drawings by a Professional Engineer/Architect.

21. Do I need to pull a permit to replace or add to my driveway?

Yes, even if you are keeping the exact same footprint as the previous driveway.

22. What do I need to apply for a driveway permit?

Needed for all driveways:

• Building Application - must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value.
• Indicate the dimensions of the driveway. These dimensions will be required at the property line and the street line.
• Two copies of the survey showing where the driveway work will be done.

On a circular driveway, the dimensions needed are:

1. Distance from the side lot line to the first part of the drive.
2. Distance of the first driveway width.
3. Distance between the two driveways.
4. Distance of the second driveway width.
5. Distance from the side lot line to the first part of the drive.

On a straight driveway, the dimensions needed are:

1. Distance from the side lot line to the first part of the drive.
2. Distance of the driveway width.
3. Distance from the driveway to the other side lot line.

If the survey is more than 12 months old, the owner will need to complete a Zoning Affidavit, which states that nothing on the survey has changed. If work was completed on the property that will alter the survey, a new survey will be required.

23. Do I need a permit to install a pool and pool deck?

Yes.

24. What do I need to apply for a pool and pool deck permit?

Please note that all of the following documents must be submitted at one time in order for the applications to be accepted:

• Application for a fence/gates, if a fence/gates was not previously permitted. - Indicate on the survey the location and height of the fence. See instructions on pulling a permit for fences for further requirements.
• Building Application for the deck.
• Building Application for pool - must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, Gallons of the new pool, and Job Value.
• Electrical Application-must include job value.
• If the survey is more than 12 months old, the owner will need to complete a Zoning Affidavit, which states that nothing on the survey has changed. If work was completed on the property that will alter the survey, a new survey will be required.
• Mechanical Application (if installing a Heat Pump) - must include job value.
• Plumbing Application - must include job value.
• Two copies of the Pool Safety Act indicating what type of safety device will be used.
• Two copies of the survey, showing the location of the pool and deck, with all the setbacks and elevations.
• Two sets of plans signed and sealed by the Designer of Record for the pool and deck.

25. What do I need to apply for a re-deck/dock permit?

Applying for a re-deck/dock permit:

• Approval from the Department of Environmental Protection, located at 115 South Andrews Avenue, 2nd Floor, Fort Lauderdale. Take both sets of plans for their approval.
• Building Application - must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value.
• If it is a new dock, two sets of signed and sealed drawings from the Designer of Record.
• If the survey is more than 12 months old, the owner will need to complete a Zoning Affidavit, which states that nothing on the survey has changed. If work was completed on the property that will alter the survey, a new survey will be required.
• Two copies of the survey showing the dimensions of the dock.

26. Do I need a permit for a generator?

Yes.

27. What do I need to apply for a generator permit?

Generator permit requirements;

• Electrical Application - must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value.
• If the survey is more than 12 months old, the owner will need to complete a Zoning Affidavit, which states that nothing on the survey has changed. If work was completed on the property that will alter the survey, a new survey will be required.
• Plumbing Application - must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value.
• Two copies of the survey showing the location of the generator.
• Two sets of plans for the generator.

28. Do I need a permit to install a shed?

Yes.

29. What do I need to apply for a shed permit?

Manufactured Utility Shed (Maximum Size 10 Feet Long by 10 Feet Wide by 7 Feet High):

• All sheds require a reinforced concrete slab with thickened edge of 8 inches by 8 inches with Number 5 bar
• Building Application - Must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value
• Include a survey showing the footprint of the property, and indicate the location and size of shed to be installed
• Shed shall not be located in the setbacks established by zoning regulations
• Two copies of the current product approvals. All components, connections, and method of anchorage must be highlighted

or

• Approved tie-downs on engineering plans.
• Roof of shed shall be designed for a live load of not less than 15 pounds per square foot (718 Pa)

Hand Framed Shed:

• Building Application - Must include Lot, Block, Subdivision, and Job Value
• Engineer plans: signed and sealed
• Include a survey showing the footprints of property and indicate the location and size of shed to be installed
• Roof of shed shall be designed for a live load of not less than 15 pounds per sq foot (718 Pa). The deflection of any structural member shall not exceed L/80
• Shed shall not be located in the set backs established by the zoning regulations

Sheds Larger Than 10 Feet by 10 Feet by 7 Feet:

• Shall be designed as a regular building to comply with Florida Building Code

30. Now that I have a building permit, what do I need to do?

Inspections

Now that you have your building permit and you have begun construction, you will need to have some inspections. The type of construction that you are doing will determine when an inspection is needed, the type of inspection, and the number of inspections. For example, installing a wood, aluminum, or vinyl fence requires at least one structural and one zoning inspection. 

Red Tag

The structural inspection is to assure compliance to the Florida Building Code and the approved set of building plans. The zoning inspection is to assure that the fence meets the requirements of the City as to its location and height. If the completed construction work is the same as the approved set of plans, it should pass all of the inspections the first time. If the work is not installed per the approved plans, it will fail and will need corrective work done. When the work fails an inspection, a "red tag" will be issued from the applicable Inspector. The "red tag" will state what needs to be corrected prior to calling in for a re-inspection.

Other types of construction work may require one or more of the following types of inspections: 

• Electrical 
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Structural 
• Zoning

Completed Projects

A construction project will not be considered completed until it passes all required inspections. If a contractor is doing the work for you, it is important to make sure all inspections have passed before submitting final payment. If you have any questions regarding your building permit, call the Building Department at 954-943-6509.

31. How do I get an inspection?

If you have a contractor doing the work, they will call in for the inspections as they proceed with the construction. If you are doing the construction yourself as an owner/ builder, then it is your responsibility to call in and request the type of inspection that is required.

There is a dedicated telephone line for building inspections, 954-784-3449, that can be called Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, to schedule an inspection or to find out the status of any inspection on your property. You can also check the building permit card, which is required to be conspicuously displayed on site, for the status of any inspection. If you call for an inspection before 3 pm, usually an inspection can be set for the next day. Occasionally an inspection may have to be scheduled for the following day due to the Inspector’s availability.

If you have any questions regarding getting a building permit, scheduling an inspection, or the zoning requirements for a construction project, please call 954-943-6509.

32. What do I need to submit for a City New Residence/Addition building permit?

Learn about things you’ll need for submitting a new residence or addition to a building permit.

33. When do I need a building permit?

Usually, most projects that are adding or replacing structures to your property will require a building permit. This can include: 

• Building a new house
• Construction of additions
• Construction of sheds
• Docks
• New fence or replacing an existing fence
• Patios
• Repairs to seawalls
• Replacing air conditioning systems

Believe it or not, there are some things that do not require a building permit, but still need to have zoning approval.

If you are not sure whether or not you need a permit, call the Building Department at 954-943-6509.

34. What do I need to apply for a permit to enclose a patio, balcony, Florida room, or screen room?

Enclosing patio, balcony, florida room, screen room permit requirements must have all of the following in order to accept application:

• Building application: 
  • Must include address, job value and description of work, signed and Notarized
  • Provide Homeowner association affidavit and/or approval
  • Two copies of survey and/or floor plan:
    • Egress required for all existing and new bedrooms
    • Ground slab Finish floor elevation (must be above FEMA flood elevation)
    • Show all rooms and interior partitions
    • Provide Electric plan showing new receptacle and smoke detectors as required by code
• Energy calculations: showing type of insulation, glass to be used to meet Code and/or Air conditioning alteration
• Product approval review form completed (Room name/use, Notice of Acceptance(NOA) number and pressure, Design pressure, Egress and shutter requirement)
• Special inspector form if required
• Structural calculations for the exterior envelop (foundation, walls, uplift/shear attachments)
• Two copies of all Products approvals and all applicable sections highlighted

35. Do you need a City permit to install a Chickee/Tiki Hut constructed by members of the Seminole or Miccosukee tribes?

Yes.

36. Is it true that members of the Seminole or Miccosukee tribes are exempt from obtaining a City permit and can construct a Chickee/Tiki hut anywhere on my property.

No, a City permit is required to ensure zoning laws are followed.

Tiki Huts often Violate South Florida Zoning Rules

If you are not sure whether or not you need a permit, call the Building Department at 954-943-6509.