| Frequently Asked Questions about Building Inspection |
Can I fax my permit in? |
(ONLY CONTRACTORS CURRENTLY REGISTERED WITH THE CITY OF LAKELAND)
Yes, but only after you have completed our Fax Permit Authorization form (see Building Dept. forms). This is used to apply for a permit that does not require a set of building plans to be submitted. Examples are for electric, plumbing, mechanical, gas & roofing permits. |
How much does a permit cost? |
| See Building Dept. forms for various type fees depending on the type of permit applied for. Some fees are value-based and some are a fixed fee. |
Who do I make checks payable to? |
| City of Lakeland |
After obtaining a permit, what telephone number do I use to call in an inspection? |
| (863) 834-6250 (IVR System) |
How long does the permit process take? |
| This depends of course on the type of permit applied for and also the volume of permits received in a given time period. Our staffing is limited and as such we will process all permits as fast as practical. Most permits are processed within a one or two week time period. After submittal, you will be called if we need additional information or we will call you when the permit is ready. |
How many sets of plans do I need to submit for Residential construction? For Commercial construction? |
| See Building Dept. forms for detailed information. Usually residential is 2 sets and commercial is 3-5 sets, depending on the scope of work involved. |
What are the hours of operation? |
| The Building Inspection Division is open for business between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Please note that we stop processing permits each day at 4:00 P.M. |
What is a variance? What types of variances may be considered? |
| The Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals is empowered to grant variances from the terms of the zoning code where strict compliance would create a hardship. Typical variance requests are for relief from setback, lot coverage and building height requirements. The hardship must relate to special circumstances or conditions that are unique to the property and must not be purely economic or self imposed. Variances may be considered for maximum sign heights or sign setbacks but not to increase the number or area of signs. Variances may not be considered to allow a use of land that would otherwise be prohibited in a district. Requests for variances related to the subdivision and platting of land may not be considered by the ZBAA but may be considered by the Planning & Zoning Board during the platting process. |
How do I apply for a variance? |
Application for a variance is made through the Building Inspection Division, 834-6012. The deadline is the 5th day of the month. The case will be heard by the ZBAA the first Tuesday of the month following receipt of the application. A copy of the variance application can be found at: Link to Building Inspection Division for a variance application.
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What information do I need to provide with my application? |
| As part of your application, a legal description, site plan and justification statement addressing the criteria below will be required. The site plan can be either a survey or a hand-drawn site plan, drawn to scale. It must clearly show the location of all existing and proposed structures as well as all pertinent structure and setback dimensions. Proof of ownership, such as a copy of a deed or tax receipt or a printout from the Property Appraiser’s web site, is required. If the applicant is not the property owner, a notarized letter from the owner of record will be required stating that the applicant is authorized to apply for the variance. |
Is there an application fee? |
| The application fee is $350. This fee will not be refunded once the application has been advertised in the newspaper, regardless of whether the request is approved or denied. At the discretion of the Chief Building Official, the applicant may withdraw the request prior to advertisement and receive a full refund of the application fee. Legal advertisements for new applications are normally published one week prior to the ZBAA meeting. |
What are the criteria for approval? |
The ZBAA will consider the following factors when reviewing a variance request:- Are there special conditions or circumstances which exist that are unique to the property involved and which are not applicable to other properties in the applicable zoning district?
- Are these special conditions or circumstances the result of the applicant’s actions? Are they purely economic in nature?
- If granted, would the variance confer any special privilege that is otherwise prohibited by the provisions of the land development code? If not granted, would denial constitute an unnecessary and undue hardship?
- Is the requested amount of relief the minimum necessary for reasonable use of the property?
- Is the request in accordance with the general intent and purpose of the land development code? If approved, would it be injurious to the area involved or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare?
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How long is a variance good for? |
| A variance is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of approval. If work authorized by the variance has not commenced within that time period, then the variance may be deemed expired. |
Can I obtain assistance in protecting my home from flooding? |
The building inspection staff can provide resource materials to educate you about the many ways to protect your home from flooding.
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