Complete City of Cape Coral Permitting Guide

Nestled between Sarasota and Naples in South Florida is the City of Cape Coral, the largest city in Lee County. Whether you’re planning new construction in the region or looking to renovate existing property, you’ll need a permit for your work.

This guide provides everything you need to understand Lee County building permit requirements, fees, and procedures. Keep reading for helpful tips and insights to navigate the permitting process with ease.

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What needs a permit in Lee County, Florida?

All new construction—both residential and commercial—must be approved and permitted before work can commence. This applies to projects ranging from new buildings to property fences and carports. Only certain small projects — like minor repairs and cosmetic changes — won’t require a permit.

Projects requiring a permit in Lee County can include:

• New construction and major renovations
• Docks and boat canopies
• Commercial fountains
• Fuel tanks and generators
• Commercial kitchen hoods
• Lawn irrigation
• Swimming pools
• Play equipment

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You might also need to receive approval from a number of agencies before obtaining a permit, including the Health Department and the Department of Environmental Protection. 

All building permit applications can be submitted online using EnerGov Cape Coral. 

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Do I need a permit for a pergola in Cape Coral?

Yes, you typically need a permit to build a pergola in Cape Coral. Permits ensure that the structure complies with local building codes and safety regulations, helping to preserve the city’s beauty and charm. 

When applying for the permit, you’ll need to specify whether the pergola is attached or freestanding. You’ll also have to specify the materials you intend to use to construct it, as there are different codes for different materials. 

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How do I contact the City of Cape Coral permitting?

For any permit-related inquiries in Cape Coral, you can reach out to the City of Cape Coral permitting office using the following contact details:

• Address: City of Cape Coral Permitting Office, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33990
• Phone: (239) 574-0546
• Email: buildingpermits@capecoral.gov

Use the City of Cape Coral permitting phone number for quick assistance with your questions or to schedule appointments. You can also schedule a 30-minute appointment through the city’s virtual line system to speak with an expert in person. 

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What is the 50% rule in Cape Coral, FL?

Cape Coral’s coastal location puts some of its properties at a higher risk of flooding. The 50% rule in Cape Coral specifies that, for properties located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), improvements or repairs that cost more than 50% of the building’s market value must comply with FEMA floodplain management regulations. 

The purpose of this rule is twofold: to ensure that structures in flood-prone areas are adequately protected from floods and other risks, and to keep any future flood repair costs as low as possible. 

If your project takes place in a SFHA, the 50% rule may affect construction of:

• Lowest floor elevations
• Types of foundations
• Enclosures
• Basements
• Utilities and building service equipment
• Flood damage-resistant materials

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Cape Coral permitting fees

Permit fees in Cape Coral vary based on the type and scope of the project. For example, Type I and II permits generally cost more than their Type III, IV, and V counterparts. You can find the City of Cape Coral’s detailed fee schedule here. 

Generally, the cost of common permit fees is as follows:

• Residential Building Permit: $1,000 - $10,000 
• Commercial Building Permit: $2,000 - $50,000 
• Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical Permits: $50 - $300 each
• Land Clearing Permit: $100 - $500

There are also fees for administrative tasks, such as permit extensions, repeat submissions, and more that can be found in this miscellaneous fee schedule. You can find more information on the City of Cape Coral’s official website or by contacting the permitting office directly.

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How to get a building permit in Cape Coral

Pulling a permit in Cape Coral is typical of permitting processes in many other Florida cities, like Sarasota and Orlando. The steps below outline the general Cape Coral permitting process:

Step 1: Determine which permit you need

Different permits exist for different projects and for different aspects of the project. Along with building permits, for example, you may need permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or land alterations. Speak with the City of Cape Coral permitting office to get help determining which permit is right for your project.

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Step 2: Prepare and submit your application

Gather all necessary documents, such as site plans, project specifications, and any additional forms required by the city. You can submit documents through EnerGov Cape Coral or in person at the permitting office. Failure to complete all City of Cape Coral permitting forms could result in delays.

You can check your Cape Coral permit status online to monitor the progress of your application.

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Step 3: Pay fees

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will need to pay the applicable permit fees. This can be done online through the Cape Coral permit portal or in person at the permitting office. 

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Step 4: Schedule an inspection

Once you receive your permit, plan to schedule inspections at various stages throughout your project. This will help to ensure compliance with approved plans and local building codes, and is crucial for successfully completing your project.

Schedule an inspection by contacting the City of Cape Coral Permitting Office at (239) 574-0546. They can assist you in scheduling an inspection, as well as with any other information you need.

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Hiring a permit expediter

A permit expediter can speed up the permitting process by navigating local regulations and handling the application process for you. However, there are some downsides:

• Cost: Expediters can be expensive, with fees that may not be justifiable for smaller projects.
• Limited scope: Many expediters only operate within specific jurisdictions and do not handle projects in multiple areas.
• Attention to detail: Expediters manage multiple clients, so they may not always give your project the attention it needs.
• Transparency issues: Tracking the status of your permit application can be a hassle when working with an expediter.

Consider using PermitFlow instead — software designed to manage the permitting process efficiently and at a lower cost. 

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Simplify the permitting process with PermitFlow

PermitFlow offers streamlined permit management that simplifies the process and keeps you in the loop. By using PermitFlow, you can benefit from:

• Total permit management: From document preparation to submission and tracking, PermitFlow makes sure your applications are accurate and complete, helping to reduce the risk of delays.
• Time savings: PermitFlow reviews your project plans and scope of work to create a comprehensive list of permits you will need, taking the guesswork out of which ones to apply for.
• Faster approvals: Get your permits in days, not weeks, with PermitFlow’s efficient submission process.
• Nationwide coverage: Whether your project is in Cape Coral or includes other municipalities, PermitFlow can handle permits across various jurisdictions.
• Centralized tracking: Track progress, coordinate with your team, and stay informed every step of the way with real-time updates and centralized visibility into your permit’s status. 
• Lower cost: PermitFlow provides all the expertise and efficiency of a permit expediter without the high costs.

Ready to simplify your permitting process?

Don’t navigate the City of Cape Coral permitting process alone. Talk with one of our permitting experts for professional guidance on your project.