AIR DATE JANUARY 19, 2023

Title: Orange County Permits & Codes

It’s better to ask for permission than forgiveness. Emily reveals everything you need to know in the world of permits and codes before you start your next house project.

Guests

Orange County Division of Building Safety, Manager – Alan Plante

Orange County Code Enforcement, Chief Code Inspector – Megan Marshall

Building Safety Goes Beyond Foundational Permits and Coding

Life comes with many benefits here in Central Florida. It is also true that we’re not immune to the impacts of economic changes and sudden hardships. When things stop going your way, that backslide can impact all areas of your daily routine – including a home’s condition.

I recently spoke with Megan Marshall, the Orange County Chief Code Inspector, to discuss minimum housing codes and land use issues that get enforced. She told me that nuisance abatement codes are the most common issue they see. “Lot cleanings and junk vehicles,” is how it was described.

“We [also] enforce the sign code, so any right of way signage or signage on private property,” said Marshall. “We enforce just a little bit of building code for the International Property Maintenance code, if a resident is having issues with the condition of their house. We also enforce the zoning code, which is rather large, and any land use issues and development standards with that.”

Small Installations and Large Remodels Must Meet Foundational Codes

The Division of Building Safety helps to work with the residents of Orange County to give them the tools they need to ensure that vertical construction efforts are safe. Alan Plante is the manager.

“We work with our residents on multiple levels,” Plante told me. “We provide top-notch customer service by having trained and educated individuals in the enforcement of the Florida building codes. We also have online services and training tools that we work with them to educate them on the processes.”

Code violations require correcting, even when the situation comes about unintentionally. Marshall says the easiest way to report something you see is to download the 311 app, take a photo, and send it to the inspector’s office. “You can also call the 311 call center,” she told me.

“So, when you’re making a complaint through 311 call center, if the violation is not a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the general public, you do need to leave your name and address for the record.”

After ensuring the codes are correctly followed, another issue involves permitting for projects on private property.

How Do People Know If a Permit Is Needed for a Project?

Most new construction and remodeling projects require a building permit, even if the homeowner acts as the contractor and does all the work. Plante suggests contacting the Division of Building Safety to discuss the project’s scope to see if this step is necessary.

“Another [reason] to contact the Division of Building Safety is to verify a contractor’s license,” he said. “[To] make sure that the contractor has the appropriate credentials to perform the work from that perspective.”

I brought up the issue of purchasing an above-ground swimming pool at the store on a hot day and asked if someone could decide to install it. Plante says they’d need a permit. “Depending on the size of the pool itself, there are also building code requirements that require some additional protections because of some of the hazards they potentially present.”

If property owners want to become compliant after receiving notice and need help accomplishing that goal, options are available. Marshall told me that Orange County Housing has a program for grant applications to repair or rehabilitate properties. “Once they get in contact with them,” she said, “we typically will work it with these property owners just to bring it into compliance because it takes a little longer to go through the system.”

OCFL 311 is a mobile app for Android and Apple equipment. It allows Orange County residents to report non-emergency community incidents, with several reports qualifying for anonymous submittal. The QR code to download the app is available at https://www.orangecountyfl.net/Home/311Helpinfo.aspx#.Y906JS-B1z8.