James Friedrichs, Building Official for the County, shared a PowerPoint presentation with the BOCC on 05/24/16, comparing residential and commercial permits over the past fiscal year. With four permit technicians and two plan reviewers, his department issues more than 46 permits daily. This means more than 12,000 permits were approved in the past year. Review times have significantly decreased. Permits for single family homes can be approved in 3-5 days, Friedrichs said, and even commercial permits are being approved faster.
Last year Representative Ingoglia sponsored a bill called the Residential Master Building Permit Program (FL – HB1151), which was signed into law by Gov. Scott. The law states, “Each local government shall create a residential master building permit program by December 1, 2015, for use by builders who expect to construct identical single-family or two-family dwellings or townhomes on a repetitive basis. The master building permit program must be designed to achieve standardization and consistency during the permitting process and to reduce the time spent by local building departments during the site-specific building permit application process.” So, the county was basically required by the state to expedite the permitting process for builders that construct identical homes.
Eight inspectors perform field inspections, with each completing about 17 inspections on a daily basis for a combined total of 135 a day, or 35,000 in a year. Friedrichs’ department also investigates complaints of unlicensed contractors or work done without a permit. He estimates that $60,000 in fines and penalties could be assessed by the end of the fiscal year.
The Building Division is also tasked with tearing down buildings that are deemed unsafe, and the cost for each demolition varies depending on the size and composition of the buildings. Friedrichs states they are overwhelmed with the number of structures to remove and called it “a reactionary process,” and equated it with putting out fires rather than being proactive. With the $175,000 set aside for that project, only $8,000 remains.
Though his department has removed 34 structures, Friedrichs stated that additional removals will have to wait until the next fiscal year which begins in October, unless the BOCC approves additional funds. Commissioner Nick Nicholson suggested adding the request to a future BOCC agenda, and providing County Administrator Leonard Sossamon with an estimate of how much will be needed.
Comparing permits between last fiscal year and the current year, new residential home permits have increased approximately 23%, while commercial construction permits have only had a 9% increase. Permits to improve or alter residences have gone up by 25%, but permit requests for improvements to commercial structures have actually decreased by 3%.
Between 2000 and 2016, the construction of new family homes and commercial buildings peaked in 2005 and 2006, with a swift drop in 2007, where it has remained. Over the past three years, there has been a steady increase in permit activity in both commercial and residential areas. Last fiscal year, Friedrich stated the Building Division received $133,234,472.00 in fees. So far this year, Friedrich’s department has received $88 million, and he estimates that they will surpass last year’s figures.
Road impact fees are now being collected effective March 1, 2016, which will contribute to this figure. For a single family residential home, a fee of $1269 is assessed.
On 5/29/16, the IT service was scheduled to “migrate” to the Property Appraiser’s office, which will allow the Building Division to notify contractors of any changes. The electronic plan review is also expected to be available to contractors and engineers within a short time frame.
Friedrichs discussed the recent construction projects at Cortez Commons on SR 50, as well as several other retail stores and apartment complexes that are in progress. Future initiatives include public service announcements to inform the public about the permitting process and to encourage them to hire licensed contractors. Questions regarding permits for additions or alterations to their property should be directed to the Building Division.