Building & Community Development

Our Mission
The mission of the Building and Zoning Department is to provide the highest level of customer service for all of Gilchrist County, in order to protect the health, welfare and safety of the public. The Planning and Zoning program involves management of the County’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Regulations, and all Development review processes. The department is responsible for the reviewing of applications and issuing building permits for the construction of new buildings and structures. Also, for the alterations of existing ones. 

Compliant Construction
Obtaining a building permit ensures that construction in the community complies with State and Local laws and codes. You are assured that your drawings, plans, and specifications will be reviewed by state certified professionals to ensure required codes are adhered to. Having qualified inspectors on-site at appropriate stages of construction also ensures code compliance. It improves the safety for the occupants of any newly constructed building as well as any future occupants.

Formal Permission
A building permit is formal permission from the County to start a construction project. The plans review, building permit, and inspection process is designed to protect the owner’s interests, as well as those of the community. Obtaining a building permit helps to ensure that all construction is safe, legal, and sound.

Legally Required
Finally, it’s the law. There are legal liabilities that you can face if you do not obtain a permit. Fines and/or work stoppages that the Building Official or the Inspectors can impose are a definite disadvantage. Additionally, unnecessary complications can arise when you later sell or refinance the property. Many lending institutions are requiring a final inspection and approval from the Building Division prior to final release of funds.