Residential Building Permit
Residential building permits are issued for single family residences, duplexes, manufactured homes, and townhouses. Keep in mind that a townhouse includes adjacent residential units that meet the following criteria: a.) Each unit is on a separate parcel with a unique parcel identification number; b.) Each dwelling unit with walls that adjoin another unit are fire rated; c.) Each unit is structurally independent; and d.) Each unit will be required to be sprinklered if 3 or more townhouse units are connected and they are 3 or more stories in height. Mobile homes are not issued residential building permits. They have a separate mobile home permit. Permits are also required for alterations and changes of occupancies. Please remember that alterations and changes of occupancies typically follow a separate process.
Online Data Application Requirements
Prior to applying for a permit please go to the Leon County Property Appraiser's website and do two things.
First, you'll need your parcel identification number. Use the search tool at the Property Appraiser's website to find your specific property. You can search by owner name or street address. That will take you to a page which is specific to your site. You'll find the parcel identification number near the top left corner of that page. For a lot in a subdivision, the parcel identification number is typically 6 numbers, followed by 1 letter, followed by 4 numbers. For a parcel not in a subdivision, the parcel identification number is typically 13 numbers with no letters.
Second, you'll want to verify that the property is located in the City limits. At the Property Appraiser's website, do a search for your specific property. At the bottom left corner of the page for your property, please click on the words "Property Info Sheet", which you'll find under the heading "County Links". That will take you to a page that summarizes your specific parcel. Under "General Information" at the top left, you'll see a row titled "City Limits". "In" means that your property is in the City limits. "Out" means that it is not. For properties located outside of the City limits, please contact the Leon County Development Services Department for building permits at 850-606-1300.
Project Details
Please note that the required project details will vary based on each project's unique characteristics.
- Description of Improvement
- New
- Addition
- Alteration/Repair
- Building Classification
- One Family Detached
- Duplex
- One Family Attached (# of attached units)
- Other
- Total Cost of Improvement
- Number of new driveway connections
- Water and Sewer Account Information - A Building Permit Application may be submitted; however the information below will be required prior to the approval of the Building Permit. The information below is required for new construction or connections to City water or sewer. Please note if a utility account has not been established work orders for utilities to be installed will be delayed. For Utility account information please contact Utility Business Customer Service at 850-891-4968 or you may visit Your Own Utilities.
- Utility Account: Use Master Utility Account or Create a New Utility Account
- When to Ship Work Orders: Ship order @ Permit Issuance or Delay & Ship work order until...
- Delay Until Date
- Utility Account Number
- Utility Account Holder's Name
- Utility Account Holder's Telephone Number
Project Checklist, Affidavits and Information Sheets
- Checklists
- Affidavits
- Information Sheets
Trade Permits
Accompanying sub-trade permits are required. Depending on the type of work being done, permit types could include electrical, gas, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, fire alarm, fire sprinkler and hood suppression permits.
Review Time Frame
- 7 work days for a permit issued under the Residential Guarantee Program (RESGP)
- 5 work days for minor projects (< $25,000)
- 14 work days for major projects (> $25,000)