Recovery permits guide and office

This guide explains which storm repairs need a permit and how to get one fast, for both homes and businesses. Permits protect you: they make sure repairs meet the Florida Building Code, keep your insurance valid and protect resale value.
 

Post-storm permit office

After a hurricane or tropical storm that directly affects Pinecrest, the Village will open a permit office for at least 40 hours a week as soon as it is safe to do so.

Location

Address

Hours

Status

Building Department, Municipal Center

12645 Pinecrest Parkway

Normal: permit processing Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; inquiries 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Open

[CONFIRM: alternate permit office location]

[address]

[CONFIRM: post-storm hours, at least 40 per week]

Opens after a direct impact

 

Repairs that do not need a permit

  • Temporary protection to prevent further damage: roof tarps, boarding windows and doors, removing wet carpet and drywall.

  • Cosmetic interior work such as flooring, cabinets and drywall finishing with a total value under $7,500 in a single-family home, if the Building Department approves an exemption request through eTRAKiT and the property is not in a flood hazard area.

  • Non-wind-resistant fences such as chain-link up to 6 feet (a zoning permit is still required).

 

Repairs that need a permit

Repair

Residential

Commercial

Roof repair or replacement

Yes

Yes

Windows, doors, shutters

Yes

Yes

Structural repairs (walls, framing, foundations)

Yes

Yes

Electrical, including meter or service mast

Yes

Yes

Plumbing and gas

Yes

Yes

Air conditioning and mechanical

Yes

Yes

Wind-resistant fences, sheds, carports

Yes

Yes

Pools, spas and pool barriers

Yes

Yes

Permanent standby generator

Yes

Yes

Demolition

Yes

Yes

Any work in a flood hazard area, regardless of value

Yes

Yes

Emergency repairs: if power cannot be restored because your meter or service mast is damaged, a licensed electrician may make the repair right away and apply for the permit immediately after. [CONFIRM: Village emergency repair window, e.g. next business day]

 

How to apply

  1. Hire a licensed contractor (or apply as an owner-builder for your own home). Check licenses with the Florida DBPR at 1-800-342-7940.

  2. Apply online through eTRAKiT: choose Apply / New Permit, select the permit type, enter the job value and address, and upload plans, photos and the contract.

  3. Or apply in person at the permit office during posted hours, with two sets of plans and an application signed and notarized by the owner and contractor.

  4. Watch for an email saying corrections are needed or the permit is approved for payment.

  5. Pay and activate the permit, print the permit card and keep it on site.

  6. Schedule inspections through eTRAKiT or the inspection line at 305-234-2111.  

 

Commercial properties

Commercial repairs follow the same steps. Some projects also need approval from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue or the Division of Environmental Resources Management; get your Pinecrest permit number first, then submit to the County. County procedures

 

How the Village speeds up recovery permits

  • [CONFIRM: expedited review for storm repairs, e.g. same-day roof permits]

  • [CONFIRM: simplified application for like-for-like repairs]

  • Building permit and inspection fees will not increase for 180 days after a hurricane or tropical storm emergency is declared.

 

If your property is in a flood zone

Repairs to buildings in a flood hazard area always need a permit, and major damage may trigger a substantial damage determination. See Substantial damage letters

 

Questions

Building Department, 305-234-2121, building@pinecrest-fl.gov.

 

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