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What if I disagree with building code interpretations by the building official?
The owner of a building, structure or service system, or his duly authorized agent, may appeal a decision of the building official to the construction board of adjustment and appeals whenever the building official rejected or refused to approve the mode or manner of construction proposed to be followed or materials to be used in the installation or alteration of a building, structure or service system, when an equally good or more desirable form of installation can be employed in any specific case or when the true intent and meaning of Chapter 90, City of Venice Ordinance or any of the regulations thereunder have been misconstrued or incorrectly interpreted.
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How many members are on the board?
The Board is composed of seven members and three alternates. The members consist of individuals with knowledge and experience in the technical codes, such as design professionals, contractors or building industry representatives.
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What does the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals oversee?
The Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals hears appeals of decisions and interpretations of the building official, considers variances of the technical codes and conducts hearings regarding certificates of competency and/or licensing.
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What do I need to submit for review by the Architectural Review Board?
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If my property is located within an Historic or Venetian Themed district, what type of improvement will require a Certificate of Architectural Compliance?
All new construction and exterior alterations within the Historic or Venetian Theme districts must comply with the architectural review district regulations and any and all color changes must comply with the color requirements.
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How do I know if my property is located in an Historic or Venetian themed district?
You can locate your parcel on the City of Venice Architectural Districts map or you may contact the building department at (941) 486-2626 and staff will look up your property address.
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What does the Architectural Review Board oversee?
The Architectural Review Board is responsible for the review and approval of architectural elements within the city's Historic and Venetian Theme districts. The Architectural Guidelines Handbook and Appendices provides information pertaining to the specific design standards required in these districts.
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Where do I apply for a contractors license?
For information on qualification requirements and where to apply for a certified contractor license visit contractors-licensing.org.
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What is the difference between a certified, registered and specialty contractors license?
A "certified" contractor is any contractor that possesses a certificate of competency issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulations and is allowed to contract in any jurisdiction in the state of Florida without having to fulfill the competency application requirements of that jurisdiction. A "registered" contractor is any contractor who has registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulations and is allowed to contract within the jurisdiction where fulfillment of the competency application requirements were met. A "specialty" contractor is any contractor who is allowed to contract within the jurisdiction where a certificate of competency was issued. For more information on certified and registered contractor licensing see DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board FAQ.
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Can I register with the City if I do not have a contractor or specialty license?
No, you must hold a valid certified contractor, registered contractor or specialty contractor license before you can register with the City of Venice to contract and perform work within the city.
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Is there a registration fee?
Yes there is a registration fee for state registered contractors and specialty contractors. However, there is NO registration fee for state certified contractors. Please refer to the Contractor Registration Formfor applicable registration fees.
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How do I register with the City?
To register with the City you must complete the Contractor Registration Form, provide a copy of your contractor license, a copy of your workers compensation insurance with the City of Venice as a certificate holder or proof of your exemption, a copy of your liability insurance with the City of Venice as a certificate holder, and pay any applicable fee as shown on the registration form.
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Can I check the results of an inspection?
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What do I need to have on the jobsite for my inspection?
You will need to have your permit with any 'approved for compliance' drawings or construction documents posted in a conspicuous place. Also, you will need to make sure access to the work area is provided and any animals are restrained.
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How do I schedule an inspection?
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What codes apply to my plans/constrcution documents?
The Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023), that includes Building, Existing Building, Residential, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Plumbing, Accessibility and Energy Conservation, 2020 National Electric Code, the 2020 Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Statutes Ch. 553, Construction Standards and Ch. 633, Fire Prevention and Control, Florida Administrative Rule 15C-1, Mobile Home and RV Installation, Florida Administrative Code Rule 9B.1, Manufactured Buildings, and the City of Venice Ordinance Ch. 90, Building and Building Standards are currently applicable to your construction documents.
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Do I need to pay a plan review fee?
Yes, plan review fees are required. However, plan review fees are paid at the time of permit issuance unless a preliminary plan review is requested before a contractor is hired. In this case, plans may be submitted by the owner, the owners agent or architect and the plan review fees will be required at time of submittal.
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How long does a plan review take?
Plan review time will vary depending on the scope of work and the clarity and accuracy of the drawings and/or construction documents. Most minor plan reviews can be processed in one or two days, most single family residence plan reviews can be processed in ten to fifteen days and most commercial plan reviews can be processed in thirty days. However, plan review turnaround times are expedited using the City's 'Online Permitting' service as plans and associated documents are distributed simultaneously upon submittal.
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Who will be notified if the plans are deficient?
The applicant will be notified by email if the plans and/or construction documents are deficient.
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What plans are required to be signed and sealed?
Generally, for commercial and multi-family construction, all plans must be signed and sealed. However, a licensed P.E. is not required for mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings if the value of the system is less than $125,000 and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system does not exceed a 15 ton per system capacity or is designed to accommodate 100 or fewer people; an aggregate service capacity of 600 amps or less for residential and 800 amps or less for commercial is proposed; the plumbing system is design with fewer than 250 fixtures. For detached one- and two-family residential construction, owner-occupied structures will need a licensed design professional or contractor to sign plans for wind load calculations.
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When is plan review required?
A plan review is required anytime construction drawings, specifications and/or other documents are needed to show that the location, nature and extent of the work proposed will conform to the provisions the Florida Building codes and all other relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. A plan review is NOT required for the replacement of existing mechanical units or water heaters, re-roofs (except for residential properties with a valuation of $300,000 or more) and minor electrical, plumbing and mechanical repairs.
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How long will my permit be valid?
Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within six months after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of six months after the time the work is commenced. If work has commenced and the permit is revoked, becomes null and void, or expires because of lack of progress or abandonment, a new permit covering the proposed construction shall be obtained before proceeding with the work. Work shall be considered to be in active progress when the permit has received an approved inspection within 180 days.
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Can I check the status of my permit application?
Yes, you can check the status of your permit application using the City's 'Online Permitting' service.
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How long does it take to process an application?
Processing time will vary depending on the scope of work and the clarity and accuracy of the drawings and/or construction documents. Most minor reviews for applications such as window replacement will be processed in one or two days, a single family residence will normally be processed in ten to fifteen days and a commercial building will normally be processed in thirty days.
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Are impact fees required?
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Where do I apply?
You can apply for your permit using our 'Online Permitting' service. The Building Department is no longer accepting paper permit applications.
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Who can apply for a permit?
The owner or owners authorized agent. An owner may apply for a building permit in accordance with F.S. 489.103(7) if the requirements for an Owner/Builder Exemption are met. The owners authorized agent must be a state registered, state certified or specialty contractor and must be registered with the City of Venice. Where the aggregate contract for labor, materials and all other items is less than $5000, any person licensed under Part I of Chapter 475 F.S. may act as the owners agent when contracting for repair, maintenance, remodeling or improvement pursuant to that license.
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What work requires a permit?
