Commercial Building

New commercial building (not multifamily)

Required Forms & Documents

All documentation: If applying in person, 2 original signed/sealed sets required; if applying online, 1 original signed/sealed set required

• Application Package for a Commercial Building Permit 
• Notice of Commencement (1 copy signed and recorded): Any improvement for which the direct contract price is greater than $5,000. Must be submitted prior to scheduling the first inspection.
• Drawings/Plans/Engineering: Must convey the full extent of proposed work – legible and of sufficient clarity. Drawings/plans need to be signed and sealed. If applying for a permit in person, plans must be wet or embossed with a signature. If applying for a permit online, plans must be digitally signed and sealed with a third-party verification (see User Information).
• Energy Calculations: Energy calculation forms as per the Energy Conservation Code
• Product Specifications: Please provide the complete number for materials (e.g. windows, doors, roof covering, siding, soffits, etc.) to include the number after the decimal point – not the revision “R” number (i.e. 251 is the general number with several different configurations – complete number would be 251.1, etc.). Product approvals can be researched at floridabuilding.org/pr/pr_app_srch.aspx (FL #s) or miamidade.gov/building/pc-search_app.asp (NOA #s)
• Elevation Certificate (Under Construction): Prepared by a registered surveyor, is required if the property is within a Special Flood Hazard Area. The certificate must be submitted for approval prior to roof sheathing inspection. The document may be emailed to FloodInfo@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
• Elevation Certificate (Final): Prepared by a registered surveyor, is required if the property is within the Special Flood Hazard Area. The certificate must be submitted for approval prior to requesting any final inspections. The document may be emailed to FloodInfo@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
• No Impact Certification: Required only if the development is in the regulatory floodway. The certification shall demonstrate that the proposed development would not result in any additional flooding.
• Survey 
• Site Plan
• Commercial Data Summary Sheet
• Commercial Design Standards Worksheet
• CCU or State of Florida Department of Health (FDOH): Either a Charlotte County Utilities (CCU) application, an approved septic permit from the FDOH, or a letter from the utility company that provides service to that location
• Landscaping & Tree: Landscaping plans (3 sets) and tree paperwork
• Additional Paperwork: Site plan approval may be required prior to application for building permit. Additional stormwater permit may be required.
• Subcontractor Worksheet: Required if contractor is hiring a subcontractor to perform any electric, mechanical, plumbing or roofing
• Deferred Submittal Agreement Affidavit: Only required if there is a deferment in submittal. A complete list of submittals to be deferred is required at the time of the building permit application. The deferred submittal items shall not be installed until the deferred submittal documents have been approved. All deferred items must be approved before framing inspection.
• External Agency Approval: Other requirements will be specified during the site plan review process

Fees

• Pre-Application: $200
• Building Flat: $200 (if ICC valuation less than $50,000)

• Address Assignment: $15
• Zoning Review: $65
• Tree Review: $80
• Landscaping Review: $80
• Right-of-Way Review: $90
• Line & Grade: $310
• Building: 0.005 x ICC valuation if more than or equal to $50,000 in valuation - less the pre-application fee
• Surcharge: 0.025 x building fee; minimum of $5

• Garbage: Payable for condo units.
• Impact Fee: Based upon type of business and location. Call Zoning at 941.743.1964.

Note: Payments by check should be made payable to either "CCBCC" or Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners. Payments are also accepted by Mastercard or Visa credit or debit cards.

Eligible Licenses for This Permit

• Owner-Builder: Not more than $75,000 in cost. Must not rent or sell the property within one (1) year of completion of the permit.
• Certified Building: 3 stories or less
• Certified General
• Registered Building: 3 stories or less
• Registered General

Department Reviews

• Addressing: Verify that a property has an address and, if it does not, one is created
• Building: A review of the proposed work to ensure that the structure will be in compliance with the applicable structural requirements of the Florida Building Code. This also includes wind loads and flood loads.
• Electrical: Ensure that the proposed structure or component will comply with the electrical provisions of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Fire: Ensure that the proposed structure or component will comply with the National Fire Prevention Code (NFPA)
• Landscape: Verify that the proposed work is in compliance with the approved landscape plan or to approve a proposed landscape plan (commercial only)
• Mechanical: Ensure that the proposed structure or component will comply with the mechanical provisions of the Florida Building Code.
• Natural Resources: Verify that the proposed work will not impact a protected species (such as scrub jays, gopher tortoises, etc.). This includes coastal lighting impact on sea turtles.
• Plumbing: Ensure that the proposed structure or component will comply with the plumbing provisions of the Florida Building Code
• Right-of-Way: A review the proposed work for impacts to the county right-of-way (ROW) and/or easements and determine what, if any, inspections will be required.
• State of Florida Department of Health (if applicable): Ensure approval for septic system
• Stormwater: Review of the existing stormwater system to determine if sufficient, If not, then a separate stormwater permit will be needed
• Tree: Verify that trees proposed for removal are not heritage trees and ensure that the required amount of trees needed to be planted are indicated on the required drawings
• Utilities: Ensure that the applicable regulations are followed in relation to connecting to water or sewer service provided by Charlotte County Utilities (CCU)
• Zoning: A review the proposed work for compliance with the land development regulations. This includes zoning, setbacks and any other regulations pertaining to the location and type of structure.

Inspections