FAQs • Hollywood, FL • CivicEngage

When do I need a tree permit?: An approved tree removal permit from Engineering Division is required for all properties.

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Building

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1. When do I need to get a building permit?: You need a building permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove or demolish any building, structure, or any part thereof, or any equipment, device or facility therein or thereon and if the work entails changes in the use or occupancy of a building. A structure can be but not limited to a driveway, patio deck, walkway, fence, retaining wall, shed, gazebo, trellis, antenna tower, fountain, spa or a pool.
If you are unsure if a permit is required, please contact the Building Division and direct your question to Chief Structural, Electrical, Mechanical or Plumbing Inspector. Examples

2. How do I apply for a permit?: You can apply for a building permit by submitting the Building Permit Application (located on the forms & application page) along with the required pdf documents to the Building Division via email at ePermits@hollywoodfl.org.

3. Can I apply for an Owner-Builder Permit?: Yes, as long as you own the one-family or two-family residence, and the residence is used for your own use or occupancy. You cannot sell your house or duplex for one year after having a final inspection on any Owner builder permit. Additional restrictions may apply. Please review Florida Statutes 489.503 (6) for additional information.

4. As a contractor, what documents are required to register with the city?: Contractors are required to have the updated Contractor's Record Management Form, signed and notarized, with a copy of the following: the qualifier's driver's license, an occupational license or business tax receipt, state certification or state registration, along with the Broward County Certificate of Competency and certificates of insurance or exemption.
The certificates of insurance or exemption must show the City of Hollywood as the certificate holder.

5. How long will it take to issue my permit?: Pursuant to the Florida Building Code, processing of permits is performed within a maximum of 30 working days after the plans and / or specifications are submitted and are reviewed in date order. When the application is approved, the Building Division shall notify the applicant that a permit is ready for issuance. If the application is rejected, the Building Division will notify the applicant that additional information or corrections may be required. This period does not include review time for Planning and Zoning, Engineering, and Fire Departments.
Please note that all resubmitted plans with corrections / or changes are also subject to the maximum 30 working days and are re-reviewed in date order.

6. Can I make changes to my permit after it has been issued?: Yes, a fee will be charged for the plan review process for all disciplines that need to review the change.

7. How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance?: Prior to submitting the request form to obtain a CO or CC, all inspections must be “PF” – Passed Full and the permit must be in closed status.

8. Do I have to display my permit card?: Yes, the permit card or a copy of it must be displayed during the hours of work in progress and available to the inspector for all inspections.

9. Can I replace my screen with impact windows and doors?: No, installation of impact windows will result in an addition to the living space and will be considered as an addition and will need to comply with the requirements of an addition.

10. Do I need a Soil Bearing Certificate for my addition?: The code requires a Geotech report to be submitted with the permit recommending the procedure to obtain the required bearing capacity, and then a soil-bearing certificate after the compaction is done to certify the achievement of the soil bearing capacity.

11. Do I need approval from my Homeowner's Association (HOA)?: It is recommended that you check with your homeowner's association before beginning any renovation/construction project.

12. Do I need to install smoke detectors in my existing house when doing an addition?: Yes, when doing an addition, the existing smoke alarm system must be upgraded to include one smoke detector in each bedroom and outside the bedroom areas.

13. Do I need a permit to enclose a patio or carport with an existing roof?: Yes, a permit is required. This type of enclosure is considered an addition and requires drawings prepared by a Florida registered professional (Architect / Engineer).

14. Do I need a permit to replace my fence with the same fence?: Yes, whether destroyed by an act of nature or just changing the type of fence.

15. Does my Building Permit expire?: Issued permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days or if abandoned for a period of 90 days. When a permit expires the permit holder is to submit the expired permit form and pay a fee to reactivate the permit. Prior to the issued permit expiring a onetime extension of 180 days from the initial expiration date can be added for a fee if the request for the extension is made prior to the expiration date of the initial permit.

16. Does my permit application expire if not issued?: A permit application will become null and void 60 calendar days after the last notification that a review has been done if no action is taken as in new documentation being submitted or having the permit issued. The permit application can be extended for corrections or to be paid for a single period of 60 days after the initial expiration date if the request is in writing for a good reason and is submitted prior to the initial expiration date. If the application does expire the Process Fee is non –refundable and would be required to be paid again.

17. Do I need a permit to replace my screen enclosure?: Yes, a permit is required with proper drawings and details. Only a repair of screen fabric is allowed without a permit. Any metal repair or replacement requires a permit.

18. Do I need to register the alarm with the Sheriff's Department?: No, but you need to complete a registration form with the City (available at through the Finance Department) and we will forward the information to the Police Department.
Alarm Registration

19. Is there a fee for the burglar alarm registration?: Yes. Please visit our security alarm registration page for a list of fees.

20. How do I make changes to my permit while it is still under review?: Submit a letter of transmittal to the applicable discipline with the revision and all supporting documents.

21. Do my plans need to be signed and sealed by an Architect / Engineer?: Yes. In most cases the plans are required to have the Engineer's or Architect's signature and seal.

22. How many copies are required?: All documents are required to be submitted digitally. One copy is needed- unless otherwise requested by the Plan Examiner. After review and approval a digital copy will be emailed, when the permit is issued.

23. How do I know if my contractor obtained a Building Permit?: An official permit card is issued by the City of Hollywood Building Department. The permit card and attached documents must be available and accessible (outside the property) to the inspector during all inspections. You can review permits issued on your property from 1988 to present, by logging onto the City of Hollywood's website. Building Permit Search

24. If I file a special inspector form, why can't the City inspector do my inspection?: Standard Code policies, requires a professional to perform the mandatory inspection. In most cases, the special inspector is required for work that requires continuous inspections.

25. Is a permit still required for a wireless alarm / battery operated alarm?: No, a permit is no longer needed if the alarm is wireless or battery operated.

26. What Building Code is used in the City of Hollywood?: The City of Hollywood follows the follows the Florida Building Code 7th Edition(2020) with the Broward County Administrative Provisions and is located in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) with all structures considered in Exposure Category C, unless Exposure Category D applies, as defined in Section 26.7 of ASCE 7.
Florida Building Code

27. When do I need a tree permit?: An approved tree removal permit from Engineering Division is required for all properties.

28. What documents do I need to obtain a permit for additions / renovations?: Documents for an addition are identical to the ones required for new construction. A Florida registered Architect / Engineer is required to sign and seal the drawings.

29. Do I need a permit to do landscaping?: New construction requires a landscape sub-permit as an addendum to the building permit. The clearing of a lot for future construction requires an approved, tree removal permit from the Planning Department.

30. What signatures are required on my application?: All permit applications must be signed and notarized. If the permit is being applied for by an owner-builder, then the property owner will have to sign and notarize the permit application. If there is a qualifying contractor doing the work- the property owner's signature is not required, the permit application will only need the contractor's notarized signature.

31. Why do I need an electrical permit when enclosing my patio?: Creating a new room by enclosing an existing patio, porch, carport, or remodeling an existing garage requires that the new room meet the minimum electric code requirement for lighting and receptacle outlets. The new room would be considered the same as a family room or living room. If the new room is a bedroom, smoke alarms are also required.

32. Why do I need to electrically bond metal located near the edge of a swimming pool?: Florida building codes require any metal object (fence, door, window, post) located within 5 feet from the edge of the water is required to have a bonded connection to the pool pump.