Agencies›Municipal

Building Department

The first stop for every permit.

The local building department is the primary gatekeeper for construction permits. It reviews plans for code compliance, issues permits, and schedules inspections — every jurisdiction has one, and each operates differently.

What they regulate

  • Building permits for new construction, additions, and alterations
  • Plan review for structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work
  • Inspection scheduling and certificate of occupancy issuance
  • Contractor and subcontractor license verification

What triggers their review

  • Any permitted construction activity
  • Change of use or occupancy
  • Major repairs to structural, electrical, or plumbing systems
  • Pool and spa installations
Typical turnaround
3–21 business days for plan review; varies by jurisdiction and complexity

What causes delays

  • —Correction cycles requiring re-submittal
  • —Backlog at the permit counter
  • —Incomplete or non-compliant drawings
  • —Missing contractor license or insurance documentation

How Cleard handles Building Dept

  • Submitting complete, compliant permit packages the first time
  • Managing correction cycles and re-submittals
  • Coordinating inspection scheduling to keep crews on schedule
  • Tracking permit status across all active jobs

Trades that commonly need Building Dept review

General ContractorsPool BuildersHVAC ContractorsRoofing ContractorsElectrical ContractorsPlumbing ContractorsHome BuildersCommercial Builders

Other agencies in the approval chain

Zoning / PlanningLand use approval before the permit.
DERMEnvironmental clearance for construction near sensitive areas.
WASD / UtilitiesWater and sewer clearance for new connections and modifications.
DOHHealth department approval for septic, pools, and food service.
SFWMD / ERPStormwater and wetland permitting for larger projects.
FDEP / CoastalState permits for construction near the coast and water.
ACOEFederal permits for work affecting navigable waters and wetlands.
HOA / ARBCommunity approval before the permit.
Impact FeesOne-time infrastructure charges assessed at permit issuance.
Fire MarshalFire code compliance review for commercial and multi-family.

We handle Building Dept so you don't have to.

Cleard manages the full approval chain — every agency, every submittal, every correction cycle.

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All agencies·Building Dept