In order to be proactive with the current COVID 19 health crises, the City of Auburndale Community Development Department is requesting several changes to assist everyone in staying healthy.
Inspections
List of inspections that are currently virtual
After careful consideration, Auburndale Inspections will not be entering occupied homes to complete inspections of projects such as windows, doors, water heater replacements, and mechanical change outs. Inspections that require access to the interior of an occupied home will either be postponed or be completed virtually.
Inspectors can complete a virtual inspection via video conferencing software such as Google Duo or Facetime. Virtual inspections will only be completed via a live video conference – pictures will not be accepted. Please call the Building Department at 863-965-5530 to schedule a virtual inspection.
If a virtual inspection is not feasible for a customer, the inspection will be postponed until it has been deemed to be safe to enter occupied homes.
Plan Submittal and Permit Applications
Plan Submittals and Permit Applications are encouraged to be submitted electronically.
Smaller projects (20 MB or less) may be emailed to permit@auburndalefl.com.
Larger projects may be submitted via a file share program such as Dropbox, One Drive, or Google Drive. Please email the link where the plans have been uploaded to permit@auburndalefl.com so that the Building Department may download them. Please include the project address in the project file.
Quick Links
State Licensing Information
About
Construction Services registers licensed contractors doing work in the City, issues building permits, reviews all construction plans, and inspects all buildings under construction in Auburndale. Construction Services also issues all business tax receipts for businesses located in the City. If you have a question about whether a project needs a building permit, we encourage you to call 863-965-5530. For additional information, read our frequently asked questions below.
Permit Utilization Report
Chapter 553.80 (7) (b), Florida Statutes states that by December 31, 2020, the governing body of a local government that provides a schedule of fees shall create a building permit and inspection utilization report and post the report on its website. The information in the report shall be derived from relevant information available in the most recently completed financial audit. After December 31, 2020, the governing body of a local government that provides a schedule of fees shall update its building permit and inspection utilization report before making any adjustments to the fee schedule. The report shall include:
- Direct and indirect costs incurred by the local government to enforce the Florida Building Code, including costs related to:
- Personnel services costs, including salary and related employee benefit costs incurred by the local government to enforce the Florida Building Code. $606,234.79
- Operating expenditures and expenses. $216,724.85
- Permit and inspection utilization information, including:
- Number of building permit applications submitted. 1,635
- Number of building permits issued or approved. 1,599
- Number of building inspections and reinspections requested. 6,777
- Number of building inspections and reinspections conducted. 6,777
- Number of building inspections conducted by a private provider. 1
- Number of audits conducted by the local government of private provider building inspections. 0
- Number of personnel dedicated by the local government to enforce the Florida Building Code, issue building permits, and conduct inspections. 4.5
- Other permissible activities for enforcing the Florida Building Code as described in subparagraph (a)1.
- Revenue information, including:
- Revenue derived from fees pursuant to paragraph (a). $1,565,798.48
- Revenue derived from fines pursuant to paragraph (a). $0
- When applicable, investment earnings from the local government’s investment of revenue derived from fees and fines pursuant to paragraph (a). $0
- Balances carried forward by the local government pursuant to paragraph (a). $168,187.22
- Balances refunded by the local government pursuant to paragraph (a). $0
- Revenue derived from other sources, including local government general revenue. $0
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT KIND OF WORK REQUIRES A BUILDING PERMIT AND WHAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT?
Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code states that a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing, system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes.
Work that requires an inspection to verify compliance with the applicable technical code requires a construction permit.
Separate electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits may be required even if a building permit is not required. Following are examples of work that does and does not require a permit. These examples are not all inclusive, and there will be situations that are not addressed here. If you have a question as to permit requirements, call our office at 863-965-5530.
Work Requiring a Construction Permit:
- Construction or demolition of any building, regardless of size.
- All new construction, including additions, and any alterations, renovations or remodels involving structural elements or involving any electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems.
- Alterations, renovations, remodels or modifications to any commercial structure affecting occupancy classification, means of egress, fire resistance ratings or handicap accessibility.
- The installation, alteration, replacement, extension, or repair of any irrigation, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, or solar system using potable water or with any associated electrical work. Including the change out of A/C equipment, electrical service changes, or the addition of electrical outlets or circuits. Excluding minor service, repair, fixture and appliance replacement.
- Conversion of any non habitable space to habitable space including the enclosure of garages, carports, porches or similar structures, and the replacement of screening or vinyl windows with glass or solid walls.
- Although bona fide non residential agricultural structures are not required to comply with the building codes, a “farm building permit” is required for land use and fire code enforcement.
- All foundation remediation work.
- Any change in occupancy as defined by the building code.
- Docks, piers, sea walls and bulk heads.
- All fences including all masonry walls and fences with masonry pilasters.
- Retaining walls required for structural support or protection.
- All concrete slabs on grade greater than 100 square feet in area, and within 10 feet of the home or principal structure, or intended as a slab for construction. Excluding sidewalks and portions of driveways not in the right of way. All elevated concrete slabs. All surface constructed uses such as patios, decks, driveways, sidewalks etc. must meet setback requirements.
- Tents for public assembly or use, or having electrical service.
- Additions or accessory structures to mobile homes or park trailers.
- Mobile home and park trailer set ups. Owners of a park trailer situated on a rented lot will not be able to permit either additions or set ups as owner builders.
- In ground swimming pools and spas. Above ground swimming pools and spas more than 24” deep.
- Pool/spa repairs, renovations and remodels involving structural elements, electrical work or additional equipment.
- All re-roofing, including mobile home and park trailer site built additions but not including the coach itself.
- Decks, walkways, platforms, stairs and landings. All decks and platforms must meet setbacks.
- Portable carports with rigid roofs.
- Replacement of doors and windows including garage doors.
- Sheds greater than 48 sq. ft. in floor area or more than 6 feet high or that contain electric or plumbing.
- Plumbing re-pipes.
- Flagpoles greater than 35 feet in height.
- Installation or replacement of security bars on doors and windows.
Work Not Requiring a Construction Permit:
- Soffit and fascia replacement, and installation of cosmetic siding and stucco.
- Installation or replacement of screening or vinyl windows with like in an existing structures. Replacement of vinyl windows with glass or solid walls requires a permit.
- Interior remodels, renovations, or repairs on mobile homes, park trailers or RVs.
- Minor roof repairs less than 25 sq. ft.
- Retaining walls, for landscaping purposes only, not exceeding four feet high.
- Minor electrical, plumbing, mechanical repairs and service which does not alter the existing system.
- Handicap ramps for one or two family residences do not require a permit, but must meet setbacks.
HOW LONG IS A PERMIT VALID AND HOW CAN THEY BE EXTENDED OR RENEWED?
Short Answer: A building permit expires 6 months after date of issue or date of last approved inspection, whichever is most recent.
Section 105.4 of the building code states that work must start within six months of permit issue and the job must have received an approved inspection in the last 180 days for the permit to remain valid.
A Permit may be extended for up to 180 days by requesting an extension prior to the expiration date. The request must be in writing and give justifiable cause.
Permits which have been expired for 90 days or less can be renewed by requesting renewal, in writing, and giving justifiable cause. An extension fee as provided for in the City user fee manual will be charged.
Permits which have been expired for 91 to 180 days can be renewed by requesting renewal, in writing, and giving justifiable cause. All applicable construction permit fees, as paid at original permit issue, will be charged. This is to include building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas, driveway, irrigation and mobile home set up permit fees.
Permits expired for over 180 days can not be renewed. A new permit application, payment of all permit fees and compliance with all current codes and regulations will be required.
A backlog of expired permits may result in suspension of permitting privileges until they have been re-opened and final inspections have been approved.
AS A LICENSED CONTRACTOR HOW DO I REGISTER WITH THE CITY TO BE ABLE TO PULL PERMITS?
A State Certified contractor needs to provide copies of his state license, his Business Tax Receipt from the jurisdiction of his office, Liability Insurance in the amount required by law with the City of Auburndale listed as a certificate holder, Workers comp insurance in the amount required by law with the City of Auburndale listed as certificate holder, or Workers Comp Exemption.
A State Registered contractor will need to provide the same documents as above plus they need to provide a $5000.00 bond and a copy of their Municipal Board of Examiner’s card and $15.00 registration fee.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BUILDING PERMIT?
Once the application is filled out and the appropriate drawings are submitted the Building Official reviews the applications in the order in which they come in. Depending on the number of applications in the office it may take up to one week to get the application approved and the permit issued.
DO I HAVE TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR OR CAN I DO THE WORK MYSELF?
The state requires that all work must be done by a licensed contractor, however there is an exemption from the law that says a homeowner living in the house may act as his own contractor if the residence is for his own use and not for sale or lease.
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO REPLACE A WATER HEATER?
If the water heater is not being relocated and the heat source is not being changed a permit is not required.
WHY DO I NEED A PERMIT?
A permit is needed to ensure your construction project is built right, will be safe and will last. Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with building and zoning codes, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without a permit and inspections.
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO PUT UP A SMALL SHED?
Yes. A permit is required for any shed to ensure the shed is installed correctly and safely and that it meets building and zoning codes.
Local Business Taxes
Any person who maintains a permanent business location or branch office within the City of Auburndale for the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, profession, or occupation is required to obtain a local business tax receipt. More information about the City’s Local Business Tax can be found on municode’s website by clicking here : Local Business Tax Code, or by calling 863-965-5530.
Business Tax Receipt Application
Any person who manages or engages in any business, profession, or occupation in the city for a temporary time period shall be required to purchase a temporary local business tax receipt.
Temporary Business Tax Receipt Application
WHAT IS A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT?
A Business Tax Receipt is what used to be known as an Occupational License. The State of Florida renamed it to reduce confusion. Only the State may issue a license and the fees collected were a tax for Counties and Cities so it has been renamed a Business Tax Receipt.
DO I NEED A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT?
If you have a business that has a physical presence in the City of Auburndale you need a Business Tax Receipt from the City of Auburndale.
MY BUSINESS IS OUT OF MY HOME, DO I NEED A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT?
Yes, if your home is inside the city limits of Auburndale you need a Business Tax Receipt from the City of Auburndale.
HOW DO I GET A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT?
A Business Tax Receipt application is filled out and presented to the building department with the appropriate documents: a State License, if required; a fictitious name filing, if required; state sales tax number and a Polk County Business Tax Receipt. The application is reviewed by the Building Official and the Fire Marshall and a safety inspection is performed at the location before the Business Tax Receipt is issued. A safety inspection is not required for a home based business.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT (OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE?)
1. State License
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
(850) 487-2252
www.Myfloridalicense.com
Please check with the DBPR if you will need a license for your profession. The DBPR will require a license for such businesses as: automobile repair/sales, cosmetology, food/lodging, real estate, etc.
2. Fictitious Name Filing
Department of State, Division of Corporations
(850) 488-9000
If you do not use your full name (first and last) in your business name, the State of Florida requires you to file.
3. Sale Tax Number
Department of Revenue
(863) 499-2260
230 S. Florida Avenue #401
Lakeland, FL
4. Polk County Business Tax Receipt
Polk County Tax Collector
(863) 534-4731
Bartow
430 E. Main Street
OR
Lakeland
930 East Parker Street, Suite 261
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