Building permit guidelines in Lee County after Hurricane Irma

FORT MYERS, Fla. The Lee County Community Development Department’s Building Division will assist residents seeking permits for recovery repairs and rebuilding after Hurricane Irma.

Lee County government offices are expected to open Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hurricane damage-related permit fees will be assessed the minimum fee regardless of their scope, according to a press release from the county. Contractors seeking permits must be registered in Florida and Lee County and must provide proof of license and liability insurance.

The following work does not require a building permit:

• Removal of debris from on or in a structure.
• Minor demolition to prevent injury or further damage to buildings.
• Replacement of broken windows and doors.
• Repair or replacement of gutters.
• Roof shingle replacement of 1 square of shingles (10 foot by 10 foot or less of shingles).
• Fence repair or replacement (if fence was previously issued certificate of compliance).
• Minor non-structural repairs made to the exterior of structures.
• Repair of minor water leaks that do not involve structural.
• Mechanical or electrical systems.

A properly licensed contractor may perform emergency mechanical and electrical repairs onsite and submit a permit application within 48 hours of completing the repairs, county officials said.

Buildings that require structural repairs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, county officials said. Permit applicants should provide photographs of damaged areas to assist county staff in determining what construction documents will be required for permit approval.

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