Follow your Homeowner Association Guidelines and the Zoning District requirements in Miami-Dade County prior to beginning any work. Explore the Interactive Land Management Geographic Information System (GIS) Map to determine your zoning district and locate your property using the address or folio number.
For more information, check How to Apply for a Permit and Homeowner’s General Permit information.
Visit Permit Exemption to verify if the work to be performed requires a permit.
- Do you need to update, change, or add a contractor to your building permit?
This may apply to an application in-progress or a pulled permit.
For application in-progress, you need to submit a new notarized application signed by the owner/owner’s agent and the new contractor. You may use the Portal to complete your request using your process number.
For a permit that has already been granted, provide the following:
- A new permit application
- A completed Hold Harmless Form
- Waiver of 10-Day Notification Period, if applicable
- Submit via portal
- The demolition of residential and/or commercial structures requires the following items; all items are required. Incomplete and illegible application and documents will not be accepted. Please note there is an additional form required for Owner-Builder permits.
Please note, if you have legally removed all impervious surfaces from your property under a County approved permit which is now closed, you may be eligible for a reduction in your Miami-Dade County Stormwater Utility bill. Send a copy of your closed demolition permit to SWU@miamidade.gov for review, or call 305-372-6688 for information. Please be aware, this applies only to properties in Unincorporated Miami-Dade County, with folios beginning with "30."
What are Residential requirements?
Depending on the structure to be demolished, permit requirements may vary if structure is attached to the home, as opposed to detached.
- Total demolition/detached structure to be demolished.
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Category 15 (residential)
- Total square foot of the structure to be demolished.
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Demolition of a structure attached to the main residence.
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Category 02 (residential)
- Total square foot area to be demolished
- A completed Contact Sheet
- Provide detail drawing(s) of the attached area to be demolished, including site plan providing the location, electrical and plumbing connections to be removed, and the proper calculations (if applicable).
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
Depending on the structure to be demolished, permit requirements may vary if structure is attached to the main structure, as opposed to detached.
Total demolition/detached structure to be demolished- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Category 15 (residential)
- Total square foot of the structure to be demolished
- A completed Contact Sheet
- Provide detail drawing(s) of the attached area to be demolished, including site plan providing the location, electrical and plumbing connections to be removed, and the proper calculations (if applicable). Drawing(s) must be signed and sealed by a design professional (architect or engineer).
- All demolition and renovation projects for commercial facilities require review for asbestos and approval from the Division of Environmental Resources Management:
- An asbestos survey must be completed for all demolition projects and all renovation projects over 160 square feet
- An Affidavit for Asbestos Survey must be completed prior to the start of the project to proceed with plan review approval
- A completed Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation form must be submitted for plan review at least 10 working days prior to start of a demolition or asbestos renovation project
- A copy of the asbestos survey report must be submitted with the completed Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation for all demolition projects.
- If an elevator is being demolished, check Elevator Safety & Regulations.
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Category 01 (residential)
- Total square foot area to be demolished
- A completed Contact Sheet
- Provide detail drawing(s) of the attached area to be demolished, including site plan providing the location, electrical and plumbing connections to be removed, and the proper calculations (if applicable). Drawings must be signed and sealed by a design professional (architect or engineer).
- All demolition and renovation projects for commercial facilities require review for asbestos and approval from the Division of Environmental Resources Management:
- An asbestos survey must be completed for all demolition projects and all renovation projects over 160 square feet
- An Affidavit for Asbestos Survey must be completed prior to the start of the project to proceed with plan review approval
- A completed Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation form must be submitted for plan review at least 10 working days prior to start of a demolition or asbestos renovation project
- A copy of the asbestos survey report must be submitted with the completed Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation for all demolition projects.
- If an elevator is being demolished, check Elevator Safety & Regulations.
Once your demolition permit has been issued, subsidiary electrical and plumbing permits may be required. You may obtain a subsidiary permit using one of the following submittal options:
- Option 1 – E-permitting for Contractor
This web application allows qualified contractors to submit applications, pay fees, and print permit cards for swimming pool subsidiary and stand-alone permits for electrical and plumbing/gas trades. Contractors no longer need to come in-person to the Permitting and Inspection Center to apply and receive these types of permits. Review the E-permitting guidelines.
- Option 2 – Portal or In-person submittal
Submit through the Portal or in-person at the Permitting Inspection Center with the following requirements:
- For Electrical:
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form), select the permit type and the electrical category on the form. If this is a sub-permit, include the swimming pool permit number on the application.
- A completed Electrical Fee Sheet. Fee sheets break down the cost of permit by category.
- For Plumbing and Gas Trades:
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form), select the permit type and the plumbing category on the form. If this is a sub-permit, include the swimming pool permit number on the application.
- A completed Plumbing Fee Sheet. Fee sheets break down the cost of permit by category.
- For Electrical:
You must create an account and register through the online registration system (MeetQ) to meet with Inspector Supervisor staff. Consults can be scheduled in-person, by phone, or virtually on the specified days and times listed on the MeetQ homepage. For further assistance, email RER-SPA@miamidade.gov or call 786-315-2100. - Total demolition/detached structure to be demolished.
View all DERM permits.
Guideline for Driveway Permits
You may apply for any public works permits here.
Required Documents
- Survey
- Picture of site’s current condition
- Detail/Measurements of driveway being installed or modified
- Construction Covenant recorded by Clerk of Courts required for driveways other than asphalt or plain concrete. For example, Brick Pavers, Stamped Concrete, and Concrete Design- (grass between small slabs) etc.
- If driveway is in an area controlled by a Housing Association (HOA) an approval document from that entity is required
- Water and Sewage bill, to verify that a septic tank is not currently on the property and currently not active
- If Septic tank is on property and active, proposed sketch of driveway will need stamp from the Health Department
General rules for Driveways
- The Downtown office only processes permits for updating existing residential driveways
- West Dade office will process driveway permits for commercial properties, non-existent residential properties - (currently in construction), and new driveways for existing properties
- Driveway Interior Width must be 10 to 20 feet wide
- Driveway only allowed in front of house and no more than two driveways/approaches allowed
- Driveway Interior edge must be a minimum of five feet from the property line. Flare outs are allowed on both sides of the driveway, maximum length of 10 feet, and can end at the property line
Required Inspections
- Base Inspection
- Public Works Final Inspection
- Request Inspections
For more information, please contact RERPW@miamidade.gov
- What is a master permit?
A master permit covers all phases of the project, including the electrical, plumbing, mechanical and roofing elements.
New construction/structures, remodeling, renovations, additions, garage conversions, layout/structural changes, repairs and/or to demolish an existing building requires a master permit. Additionally, following the master permit, you may also need to obtain subsidiary electrical, mechanical, plumbing/gas, roofing and window permits, which will require a separate payment after the master permit has been issued.
Different from a master permit, a stand-alone permit is any trade (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing or windows) permit pulled for a single category without the need for a master permit. See more at Common Permits and Certificates below.
What is required?
See below required items for a master permit. Incomplete and illegible application and documents will not be accepted. Please note there is an additional form required for Owner-Builder permits.
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Category 01 (commercial) and category 02 (residential)
- Total square foot area
- Value of the work to be performed
- A completed Contact Sheet
- Provide detailed drawing(s) of the project, including site plan providing the location, structure dimensions, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing/gas elements, and the proper calculations. Drawings must be signed and sealed by a design professional (architect or engineer). Drawings/plans may be submitted digitally signed and sealed in compliance with the guidelines for Digitally Signed and Sealed Documents.
- If you are constructing a Townhouse or Twin Home, the design professional of record must complete the Declaration of Townhouse and Twin Home Permitting Options.
- If your application is for minor repairs, permits may be submitted with a Scope of Work List for Minor Repairs in lieu of plans. Minor Repairs consist of:
- Restoring to good or sound condition a part or parts of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance
- Patching or restoration of damaged materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures for the purpose of maintaining such components in good or sound condition.
Once submitted, minor repair applications may be denied if the proposed work exceeds the minor repair criteria. Furthermore, upon inspection of the work, the inspector may determine that the scope of work exceeds the minor repair criteria and require a revision to the permit to include the submittal of plans.
Properties that have been damaged because of fire and/or properties that are under active enforcement action must first obtain approval from the Enforcement Unit to file a repair permit and be authorized to use a repair list as supporting documents.
What are the subsidiary and shop drawing requirements?
Once your master permit has been issued, subsidiary permits and/or shop drawings may be required. You may check your permit card for subsidiary requirements, inspections, and applicable completion holds. To obtain a subsidiary permit, you may use one of the following submittal options. If plans are required, you must submit them using option two. For shop drawing use option three:
- Option 1 – E-permitting for Contractor
This web application allows qualified contractors to submit applications, pay fees, and print permit cards for subsidiary permits that do not require plan review. Applications will also be accepted through Portal. Contractors no longer need to apply in-person to receive these types of permits. Review the E-permitting guidelines.
- Option 2 – Portal or In-person submittal
Submit through the Portal or in person at the Permitting Inspection Center for subsidiary permit that required plan review. Learn more at Common Permits and Certificates below. - Shop Drawings
In the event your complete details and calculations are not ready to be submitted for plan review at the time of your master permit application, you may be required to submit a shop drawing review for pre-manufactured materials like roof trusses or floor joists after obtaining your master permit.
The shop drawing will be reviewed and approved in the same manner as a building permit application. Shop drawing has its own applicable fees.
A completed Application for Shop Drawings (blue form) is required along with detail drawing/calculations of the pre-manufactured materials.
Submit documents through the Portal or in person at the Permitting Inspection Center for shop drawings. Learn more at Common Permits and Certificates below. - A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- On May 2, 2023, Miami-Dade County amended sections 21-28 prohibiting the operation of noise-producing construction equipment and machinery at or near residences, including multi-family residences, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. (with noted exceptions outlined in the Code). If the benefit to the public outweighs the noise the event creates after-hours, the Code allows for the issuance of a Temporary Noise Ordinance Waiver.How to apply for a Temporary Noise Ordinance Waiver (NOW)
If you must work during restricted hours, you must obtain a Temporary Noise Ordinance Waiver before commencing work. This waiver applies to work and construction activities "inside the property line," (i.e. no road closures) and requires an active Building Permit. All waivers will require the applicant to submit an explanation of how the requested work will provide a community need, public purpose or benefit.
Before completing the noise waiver application, the applicant must notify adjacent and adjoining properties of your request for waiver at least 72 hours prior to the commencement of the permitted work. This includes single-family residences, townhouses, duplexes, apartments and condominiums (the management office, not specific unit owners). The notification must be sent via certified mail. Please retain the confirmation receipt of the notification letters and submit them when filing your application.
You may apply for a Temporary Noise Ordinance Waiver online via the Miami-Dade RER Plan Status and Application Submission Portal. You will be required to submit and upload the following with your application:
- Noise Ordinance Waiver Application
- The stamped (and dated) USPS receipts of certified mail for the notification letters sent to neighboring properties.
Along with your application and required documentation, please note that fee payment is required at the time of submission. The fee for the waiver is $130 per waiver obtained. Once submitted, you may track the status of your request online with the RER Plan Status and Application Submission Portal.IMPORTANT: Copies of approved construction noise waivers must be on-site at all times and available if requested by any Police Officer or officials from Code Compliance, Public Works, or Building departments.Renewals/Extensions: If you need to extend your time, a new Noise Ordinance Waiver application must be submitted prior to the expiration of the previously approved one. What is required for a process number extension?
What is a permit extension?
The applicant may request, in writing, an extension to a process number by emailing a letter to RER-SPA@miamidade.gov with an explanation demonstrating the application was not abandoned and was being pursued in good faith. The extension must be signed by either the property owner, design professional or contractor of record.
A permit extension gives you an additional 180 days to obtain a valid inspection and may be requested under the following circumstances:
- Prior to the permit expiration date
- After your original permit has expired (if applicable)
- If you no longer qualify for a permit extension, and your permit has been "reissued," after the expiration of the permit reissue.
The process of renewing/reopening a permit that expired without a final inspection. After permit reissuance, you have 180 days to close the permit. A permit is closed when a final inspection demonstrates that all permit requirements have been satisfied. You may apply for a permit reissue when:
- Your permit has been expired for more than 90 days
- No longer qualifies for a permit extension.
See below required items for permit extension. Incomplete and illegible application will not be accepted.
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Indicate the permit number to be extended
- Select “Extension” under “Change to an Existing Permit” section.
See below required items for permit reissue. Incomplete and illegible application and documents will not be accepted.
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Indicate the permit number to be extended
- Select “Reissue” under “Change to an Existing Permit” section
- Provide original approved plan(s) of the project. You may obtain the approved drawing(s) using Building Plans and Microfilm.
- What is a permit revision?It may be necessary to submit corrections or design changes to your permit. These are known as revisions. Noted revisions will not extend your permit.When can I submit a permit revision?A permit revision may be submitted any time before final inspection. Once a permit has been finalized, it cannot be revised. If changes are necessary, a new permit must be applied for.What is required?Before applying for a revision, verify the permit has not been finalized or expired. See below required items for permit revision. All items are required. Incomplete and illegible application and documents will not be accepted.
- A completed Application for Plan Revision (blue form):
- Description of the revision
- A completed Contact Sheet
- Provide revised detail drawing(s) of the project, including updates and modifications. Drawing(s) must be signed and sealed by a design professional (architect or engineer) and may be submitted digitally signed and sealed in compliance with the guidelines for Digitally Signed and Sealed Documents.
- A completed Application for Plan Revision (blue form):
Visit the Public Works Online Permit System, then create a new account or log in to your existing account to apply for a Public Works permit.
Read more information about Public Works Plan Review:- What are sign regulations?
All outdoor fixed signs or inside signs that can be seen from the street require a permit before they are erected (Sec. 33-86). All signs must meet building and electrical standards (Sec. 33-87). Check below for more information:
- Learn more about Flat Wall Sign Mounting Guidelines
- Check Sign Regulation for additional information.
See below required items for a sign permit. All items are required. Incomplete and illegible application and documents will not be accepted. Please note there is an additional form required for Owner-Builder permits.
Depending on the type of sign you may require:- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Select the category for your permit:
- Electrical 03: Illuminated exterior signs and awning signs
- Electrical 27: Exterior or interior outline lighting and all illuminated signs inside a building or mall
- Building 51: Exterior non-illuminated signs, copy changes
- A completed Contact Sheet
- Select the category for your permit:
- A completed Zoning Improvement Application (green form):
- Balloon signs and painted wall signs (painted directly onto a wall)
- A completed Contact Sheet
- Provide detail drawing(s) of the sign, including site plan providing the location, structure dimensions, electrical elements, and the proper calculations, if applicable. Provide good quality photograph of proposed sign location.
For detached signs, provide detailed site plan to include all structures, drives, parking, landscaping, roads, easements, location of proposed sign, location, and size of any other existing detached signs, north arrow, site dimensions and sign setbacks from property lines and center lines from all road rights-of-way for proposed sign. Provide electrical (if applicable) and structural sign construction details and data, sign copy and dimensions. NOTE: all signs over 24 sq. ft. require calculations and a registered engineer’s seal.
For billboards, provide detailed site plan to include all structures, drives, parking, landscaping, roads, easements, location of proposed billboard, location of any other billboard within 600’, north arrow, site dimensions, setback dimensions from property lines and center lines from all road rights-of ways for proposed billboard. Provide structural sign construction details, data, and dimensions. All billboards require calculations and a registered engineer’s seal.
For balloon signs, if balloon sign is to be ground mounted, provide detailed site plan to include: all structures, drives, parking, landscaping, roads, easements, location of proposed balloon with setbacks indicated to property lines and to center lines of road rights-of-way, site dimensions. If balloon is to be roof mounted, provide building elevation only, showing location of balloon and height above roof. Provide fastening details, sign copy and balloon dimensions. Note, a bond in the amount of $2,500.00, payable to the Department of Planning and Zoning is required with the submission. This bond check will be held in our office pending verification that the balloon has been removed after the 17-day period provided for in Section 33-99 (balloons). At such time the bond check will be returned to you.
For painted wall signs (painted directly on the wall), provide detailed building dimensions (height of wall, width of wall), overall sign dimensions, sign copy, building orientation (N, S, E, W).
- Other applicable requirements:
- ALL signs over 24 sq. ft. require calculations and engineer’s seal
- No detached sign can be installed to overhang into a driveway or required parking space unless there is a minimum clear distance of 16’ above grade
- If subject property is across the street from, or abuts a municipality, approval from that municipality is required prior to submitting plans/application
- If signage is approved by public hearing, provide a copy of the resolution that approved the signage
- Provide a copy of the Certificate of Use (CU) for the business to operate at the proposed location, OR a building permit number if alterations/construction is being done at the proposed location.
- If location is in a shopping center or warehouse, provide the CORRECT ADDRESS AND/OR BAY, SUITE NUMBER (if applicable) on the application for the unit being permitted.
Check your status through the Portal using your process number, or contact the permit counter at RER-SPA@miamidade.gov or 786-315-2100.
What about inspections?
When you are ready for inspection, please use one of the following methods to schedule one business day prior to the day you want to have an inspection (before 4 p.m.) Monday through Friday:
- Schedule online
- Automated System at 305-591-7966
- Contact the Permit Counter at 786-315-2100
Need assistance?
You must create an account and register through the online registration system (MeetQ) to meet with Zoning and/or Structural staff. Consults can be scheduled in-person, by phone, or virtually on the specified days and times listed on the MeetQ homepage. Changes to Septic Tanks and Septic Systems Standards
On July 7, 2022, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 22-83, which institutes more rigorous standards for new and replacement onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDSs) commonly referred to as “septic tanks” or “septic systems.” Ordinance No. 22-83 provided that the requirements governing the type of OSTDS to be installed would not become effective until January 1, 2023, in response to industry feedback and public outreach during development of the ordinance.
This period allowed for proper planning and transitioning by property owners, engineers, contractors, and the OSTDS industry to the new standards. Until that date, building permit applications that have already been approved by DERM to be served by septic tank may include septic models under the existing standard. In keeping with the educational campaign mandated by Ordinance No. 22-83, development applicants are being advised that no building permits will be issued after January 1, 2023 for septic systems that do not conform to the advanced treatment standards adopted via Ordinance No. 22-83.
Hence, development applications (including plats) for parcels served by septic tanks that have not obtained building permits by January 1, 2023 will be required to conform to the advanced treatment standards adopted via Ordinance No. 22-83, regardless of when the application have been submitted.If you have any questions, please contact the DERM Water and Wastewater Section at 305-372-6789.
The State of Florida Department of Health regulates the construction, modification, and operation of all septic tanks. For assistance, call 786-654-6620 or email hrsdoh@FLHealth.gov.- Application for Onsite Sewage and Disposal System Construction Permit (08/09
- Application for Onsite Treatment and Disposal System Construction Permit (08/09)
- Existing System and System Repair (08/09)
- Site Evaluation and System Specifications (08/09)
- Site Plan Instructions
Miami-Dade County regulates septage haulers. Call Industrial Facilities at 305-372-6600 for an updated list of permitted haulers.
- When would I need a supplemental permit?After a permit has been obtained, a supplemental permit may be required if during your inspection it is determined that the fee code used originally was undervalued, and consequently, additional fees are required to complete the scope of work.What is required for a supplemental permit?See below required items to obtain the supplemental fee. Incomplete and illegible application will not be accepted.
- A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
- Indicate the permit number
- Select “Supplement” under “Change to an Existing Permit” section
The Water & Sewer Review Checklist for Commercial Building Permit Approval provides a general list of items required for approval of a building permit.
For additional information, visit the Water and Sewer Department.
Online Options
Permit Submission PortalPermitting and Inspection Center
Edward A. Rojas
Permitting and Inspection Center
11805 SW 26th Street,
Miami, FL 33175
311