Need to Submit a Miami-Dade Building Permit Application? Follow Our Expert Guide

Commercial construction project plan reviews for Miami building permits have a typically quick turnaround time, but not if submittals are incorrect or incomplete. Knowing what to submit, when, where, and how is a lot to keep track of when you’re focused on other pressing matters related to planning your project. That’s why we put this guide together to help you through the Miami Dade building permit application process.

As nationwide permit expediting experts, the team at Scout Services can help you make sure submittals are correct the first time. Benefit from our extensive permitting knowledge with the Miami building permits summary and step-by-step process detailed below.

Summary

  • Type of submittal method: Online — start with iBuild and submit the application, then upload plans and supporting documents to ProjectDox
    • Digital or wet stamps: Digital (third-party verification required)
    • Naming convention: Drawings must be separated individually and file names should be all uppercase with no spaces. All pages must have a blank space in the upper-right corner for a batch stamp. Naming formula is Discipline-Document number; Example: A-01
  • Timing for standard plan review: 14 business days
  • Options for expedited review: Expedited review is only available for the Fire Review portion of submittal with additional fees
  • Contractor license requirement: Contractors must have a State license and be registered with Miami Dade County or provide Certificate of Competency
    • Is it okay to submit TBD while out to bid?: Yes, but the applicant will be charged a dry-run fee prior to submitting for review and 80% of your fee will be applied to your final permit amount
  • Additional filings required: DERM is required; Miami Dade County Municipal Application must be completed and uploaded to ProjectDox with other submittal documents; NOC must be filed before the first inspection

Step-by-Step Guide

The process of acquiring Miami building permits is quite extensive, with several steps and potential materials needed along the way according to your specific project type and the changes you’re planning to make to the site. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to ensure you can start your project on time with the correct permits, without missing a beat.

  • Find out which permitting forms and checklists you’ll need. Categorical options are as follows:
    • Building Permit Forms
    • Planning & Zoning Special Permit Checklists
    • Planning & Zoning Forms
    • Planning & Zoning Covenant Templates
    • Tree Permits
    • Inspection Forms
  • Apply for necessary permits on the correct platforms
    • iBuild is the correct platform for a Building Permit
    • Also on iBuild, you’ll have to submit DERM (Department of Environmental Management) and WAS-D (Water and Sewer Department) applications
    • The Public Works App is the correct platform for a Public Works Permit
    • ePlan/ProjectDox is the correct platform for Planning & Zoning special permit requests
  • Pay upfront fees, which will calculate after you fill out the necessary applications
  • Prepare other materials according to the naming convention mentioned in the summary section above. Some documents may require digital signing and sealing
  • Wait for an email from eplans@miamigov.com with the subject “Applicant Upload Task,” then submit all required drawings and documents through ProjectDox according to the instructions in the email
  • Wait for a response from your plan reviewer. You’ll be notified via email if there is a problem with your submittal
  • Review comments and submit revisions if necessary. The same email address (eplans@Miamigov.com) will email you with the subject “Resubmit Applicant Task” describing any necessary corrections. Name any resubmitted documents the exact same name as the original submissions
  • Receive approval and finalize your permits by adding a contractor to them and paying any outstanding fees
  • If you’re seeking a Special Permit, you may need to go in front of the Hearing Boards division. You’ll receive instructions at this stage if necessary
  • Pull & print your permit card, then download your approved plans from the “Approved” folder in ProjectDox
  • Apply for sub-permits if needed, then start your project once you’re sure all permits have been properly attained
  • After project completion, final inspections will close out your permits

Scout Services Helps Architects Acquire Miami Building Permits

Figuring out which approvals you need, which materials to collect and submit, who to reach out to with questions, and how to make plan corrections are all potential time-consuming obstacles to your project start date. When you partner with an established permit expediting company like Scout Services, you’ll be able to achieve approvals stress-free.

Finding a local project manager, making connections with important plans examiners, and employing a permit runner in Miami isn’t worth the hassle. Scout Services is a one-stop shop for every single step of the permitting process, from planning to submission, and navigating corrections to reaching final approval.

You’ll have direct access to one of our permit expediting professionals, who will handle all of the red tape on your behalf. Add to that our national database of permitting requirements across jurisdictions, and you have the perfect recipe for acquiring permits with ease in any type of project — one site or multiple; new builds or tenant improvements.


Contact Scout Services for your every permitting need.