Permits, Inspections & Certificates

Permits

Permits are required to be issued prior to the start of a project. This includes but is not limited to constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy of a building or a structure. This also includes remodels, decks, carports, sheds and installations or alterations of building systems such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, roofing, irrigation, and insulation

Apply for a permit.

This is not a complete list of items that may require a permit through the Building Services Division. It is the owner’s or the owner’s authorized agent’s responsibility to ensure that all required permits are issued prior to the start of any work and that the permit remains valid during the duration of the project.

Your project may also require permits from other entities, such as FDEP.

If you are not sure if your project requires a permit, contact the Building Services Division for more details.

The City of Panama City assesses a permit fee for each proposed project. To estimate costs, see the link to the fee schedule.

A preliminary inspection may be required to examine buildings, structures and sites for which an application has been filed before a permit is issued.

After issuance, a valid copy of the building or trade permit shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project, preferably posted facing the addressing street.

Issuance of any permit shall not be construed as authorization to violate, cancel, alter or set aside any provisions of applicable governing codes.

PERMIT EXTENSIONS OR RENEWALS

Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 6 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months after the time the work is commenced.

A permit extension or renewal must be requested in writing, and justifiable cause must be demonstrated. A fee will be assessed for such an extension or renewal.

Inspections

Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection. Such construction or work shall remain exposed and provided with access for inspection purposes until approved.

Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of the code.

Schedule an inspection.

Certificates

A building or structure or portion thereof shall not be used or occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been issued, and a change in the existing use or occupancy classification shall not be made.

A certificate of completion is issued when a certificate of occupancy is not applicable, such as when a reroof or building system alteration has been completed and found to be in compliance.

To apply for a certificate of occupancy, the building or structure must be shown to be in compliance with all applicable codes, which may include approval from various divisions and departments within the City of Panama City.

Final submittals may be required, and if so, they must be submitted prior to the consideration of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or a certificate of completion.

A certificate of occupancy or completion shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of the code or any other adopted ordinances.