Building Division Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I obtain a copy of the elevation certificate for my home?
Call us at (941) 575-3324. We may have one on file and be able to provide you a copy.  If we do not have one on file, you will need to hire a surveyor to complete one for you.

2. How does the Building Division prepare for a storm event?
Increased Readiness (Hurricane Watch) is implemented. The Code Compliance Officers join with the Building Inspectors as teams and are assigned a specific zone. They will be looking for loose roof tiles, unsecured building materials, overloaded dumpsters or trash containers, and any other loose materials which could become airborne. When any of these are noted, the office staff is contacted. The office staff will then notify the responsible party, whether it is a contractor or the property owner. If, after 48 hours, the site is not cleaned up or secured, the contractor or property owner is contacted again and informed that the site may be secured by City means and that they will be billed accordingly.

The next step is Pre-Storm Activities (Hurricane Warning). The Building Inspector/Code Compliance teams continue to patrol their assigned zones. Some of the office staff may be assigned to the Emergency Operation Center while others remain by the phones in the Building Division. All patrols and assignments continue as necessary until such time it becomes unsafe to remain.

3. How can I find out the status of my permit?
When a permit is applied for, the number is given to you or your agent before leaving our office. You can track your permit online from plan review to final inspection by going to our website – click on Building Permits On-Line and enter your permit number.

4. How much are permits?
Permit fees vary by type. The fee schedule is available on our website or you can obtain one at our office.

5. Did my inspection pass?
You can check the website (see #3) or speak with a Permit Tech at 575-3324, and select opt. 1.

6. Do I pay my contractor before or after the final inspection?
Check your contract – the payment requirements from contractors vary.

7. How much are impact fees?
Impact fees are calculated by the Zoning Division in Urban Design. They can be reached at 575-3372.

8. Is my contractor licensed?
Contact our office and a Permit Tech can tell you if a contractor is registered to work in the City of Punta Gorda, verify current insurance and inform you of complaints or violations on your contractor.  REMEMBER: Always check the background of a contractor you want to hire BEFORE you sign a contract!

9. How do I find out the setbacks on a property?
Contact the Zoning Division in Urban Design at 575-3372.

10. How do I get licensed to work in Punta Gorda?
The Certificate of Competency application is available on our website - click on Building and then Building Forms, or you can get one from our office during regular business hours. The requirements vary depending on the scope of work you perform.

11. How long will my permit take to be approved?
This depends on the work being done. Permits requiring review by only the Building Division currently run up to 5 working days. Permits that require review by multiple divisions, usually large multi-family and commercial jobs can take 2 -3 weeks, or longer is there are a lot of permit applications in house.

Building Permit Flowchart - Click Here

Building Division
City Hall Annex
126 Harvey Street
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
Tel. (941) 575-3324
Fax. (941) 575-3347
buildingdept@ci.punta-gorda.fl.us