Commercial Shell

Construction of a new commercial building shell only. Buildouts are handled under a separate permit and cannot be applied for until the shell has been completed unless the buildout is being done by the same contractor.

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 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: Full drawings including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing specifications. 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 (if applicable): Energy calculation forms must be signed by preparer and owner-agent 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)
• Site Plan 
• Survey 
• Subcontractor Worksheet: Required if contractor is hiring a subcontractor to perform any electric, mechanical, plumbing, or roofing
• 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.
• 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 requesting the lintel inspection. The document may be emailed to FloodInfo@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
• No Public Utility Structures On-Site Affidavit 
• Fire Hydrant Accessibility/Location Affidavit
• Public Sewer, Private Septic & Water Service Affidavit
• 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 and Trees: Landscaping plans (3) and tree paperwork

• External Agency Approval: Other requirements will be specified during the site plan review process
• Additional paperwork: Site plan approval may be required prior to application for building permit. Additional stormwater permit may be required.

Fees

• Pre-Application: $200

• Address Assignment: $15
• Zoning Review: $65
• Tree: $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 $4

• Impact Fee: Based upon type of business and location

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

• Certified Building
• Certified General
• Registered Building
• 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

• Dependent upon the project location and scope of work. Inspections will show on job card.