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.

Contractor Information

License and Contractors Information

Gilchrist County Building and Community Development aids contractors who want to register and work in Gilchrist County. Our department enforces Contractor compliance with State of Florida Statutes and County regulations. All contractors who work in Gilchrist County are required to be licensed and insured. Our mission is to provide our citizens with quality workmanship done by licensed contractors who have experience, education and good moral character.

Why do I need to use Licensed Contractors?

• A licensed person has the required education, experience, insurance and qualifications to obtain a license.  They must pass a competency examination before practicing.
• Many licensed individuals are screened for prior criminal history.
• The department can discipline and even revoke a license if the person does not live up to professional standards.  This is a not a total safeguard but is a strong incentive for the licensee to do good work.
• Only work done by a licensed contractor is recognized by your homeowner’s insurance. Insurance companies will call our department to verifying this information.

Licensed Contractor search click here:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=

Search licensed Mobile Home Installers
https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/dealers-installers-manufacturers-distributors-importers/mobile-home-installer/list-of-licensed-mobile-home-installers/

Why I should NOT hire an unlicensed contractor?

• They DO NOT have general liability or worker’s comp insurance.
• Substandard workmanship will be your responsibility to fix.
• Homeowner insurance policies will not cover work done by an unlicensed contractor.
• Most Importantly — It’s against the law! Under Chapter 455.227 of the Florida Statutes:

“any person who knowingly aides, assists, procures, employs or advises an unlicensed individual can be charged with a first degree misdemeanor by the State of Florida and may face fines of up to $5,000 for each offense.”

Things to Remember —

• Gilchrist County does not issue Handyman Licenses.
• BEWARE of purchases of items in which you are asked to pull permit.
• Call us to verify a license, if you are unsure or have questions.

Code of Ordinances & Land Development Regulations

https://library.municode.com/fl/gilchrist_county/codes/code_of_ordinances 
https://library.municode.com/fl/gilchrist_county/codes/land_development_code

Inspections

Online Permitting

As part of these changes, we ask that you submit all permitting packages, including all site plans, via our online permitting portal.

Please visit our Online Permitting Site here, and follow the below instructions to get started:

1. Click on the tab labeled: “Request Login”
2. Fill out the information requested. Please make sure to complete all lines, and then click “Submit.”
3. At that point, an email will be sent to the Building Division. We will create an account for you and send you an email with your user name and temporary password.
4. Once you receive the email, you may then log in to your account by entering the provided username and temporary password on the CPSS site.
5. When you log in, you will be prompted to reset your password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a permit?
A.The Florida Building Code (101.3) states that the “code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength… and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations”.

Do I need a permit if I am Ag Exempt?

Yes, you will need a zoning approval to support your Ag Exemption.

Q. When is a permit required?
A.Per Florida Building Code (102.2), a permit shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, modification, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every public and private building, structure or facility or floating residential structure, or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings, structures or facilities. When in doubt whether a permit is needed, you can call our office at 352-463-3173 or refer to the Florida Building Code, Chapter 1.

Do I need a permit for a shed, carport, barn?

Yes, all new structures must be permitted through Zoning.  

Q. How much will my permit cost?
A. The cost of a permit varies depending on the permit type. Fee schedule is available on our web site.

Q.What happens if I choose not to obtain the required permits?
A. Building and Zoning Code Compliance will issue an advisory notice. Once a permit is obtained, the cost will be double for an After the Fact permit. Additionally, there may be fees for a third party engineering analysis if areas of work are concealed. If no action is taken, a Notice of Violation will be issued and could result in fines being levied.

Q. Do I need a contractor?
A.Not if you own and occupy the house. State statutes (489.103(7) allow the owners of real property to act as their own contractor. This exemption may only be used if you own and occupy the home. As an owner builder though, if you do not complete all of the work yourself, you must supervise the work, and hire licensed trade subcontractors (electrician, plumbing, a/c, and roof) in accordance with state law. Owners acting as their own contractor or listed as a subcontractor are required to personally appear and sign the permit application per Florida Statute 489.103(7).

Q. If I use a contractor, what guidelines should I use to choose one?
A. Ask for and check references, ask to see their state license. Check the number on the state website (www.myflorida.com) for any state complaints. If they ask you to secure the permit, beware. They may not be licensed, which puts the homeowner totally at risk.

Q. What happens after the permit is issued?
A. The list of required inspections is located on the bottom of the permit placard. Instructions on scheduling these inspections will be provided when your permit is issued. It is the applicants (Owner Builder/Contractor) responsibility to ensure that all required inspections are made prior to proceeding with work on the project. For new dwellings, once all fees are paid and all required inspections are completed, the applicant will be issued a CO (Certificate of Occupancy). Upon request, a COC (Certificate of Completion) for minor projects can be obtained.

Q. How much time do I have once the permit is issued?
A. Permits expire and become null and void if work is not started and an inspection requested within the following time frames after the date of permit issuance:  – 180 days. After work has commenced the permit will expire when work is suspended or abandoned within the same time frames. Lack of an approved inspection within this time will serve as validation that the job has been suspended or abandoned.

Q. Is there a minimum square footage required for new home?
A. Gilchrist County does not have a minimum size requirement. However the county does enforce the Florida Building Code. which has several minimum requirements. These requirements provide specifications for the internal floor area of dwellings and rooms as follows: