Sarasota County Building Permits: A Complete Guide

Are you planning a construction project in Sarasota County? Now is the time to get started on obtaining the right building permit for your situation. Whether you’re a builder, developer, or a contractor, getting a permit is crucial to the successful completion of your project. 

This guide will walk you through the Sarasota County permitting process so you can better understand what's required and how to navigate the system efficiently.

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How to get a Sarasota County building permit

Getting a building permit in Sarasota County takes time. While it might seem tricky at first, a patient approach with the right information can make the process go much more smoothly. 

The first step is determining whether or not your project actually needs a permit. You will also want to have project information handy, such as contractor information, building plans, and owner permissions. After that, simply complete your application accurately and respond to any county communications in a timely manner.

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What requires a building permit in Sarasota County?

In Sarasota County, many construction projects need a permit. While smaller cosmetic projects may not need county approval, assume you need a permit until you can be sure you don’t.

Some common projects that require permits include:

• New buildings, such as houses, offices, stores, and other structures
• Additions to an existing building
• Renovations that result in major structural changes
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work
• Roof replacements or major repairs
• Swimming pools
• Fences over a certain height
• Demolition

Even smaller projects may need a permit. If you fail to obtain one and the county finds out, you could face fines, project delays, and even orders to remove the work. It's always better to check with the county if you're unsure. 

What size shed can I build without a permit in Sarasota County?

Many people ask about sheds because they're a common addition to properties. In Sarasota County, you can build a shed without a permit if it meets these conditions:

1. The shed is no larger than 100 square feet (for example, 10 feet by 10 feet)
2. It's a single story
3. The shed is not attached to your house or any other building
4. It's not used as a living space or for running a business
5. The shed doesn't have electricity or plumbing

If your shed is bigger than 100 square feet or doesn't meet these conditions, you'll need a permit.

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How long does it take to get a building permit in Sarasota?

The timeline for permit approval depends on the project’s scope and size. Larger projects take longer to get approved than smaller projects, and delays can occur if your application contains errors. 

Here's a general idea for how long it takes to approve a permit:

1. Simple projects (like minor renovations): 1-2 weeks
2. Medium-sized projects (like home additions): 3-4 weeks
3. Large or complex projects (like new buildings): 6-8 weeks or more

Keep in mind that these are estimates. The actual time can be shorter or longer based on the completeness of your application and how busy the permit office is at the time.

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Sarasota County building permit requirements

Getting a permit approved depends on providing Sarasota County with all the information they need to make a decision. Any missing or inaccurate information will result in delays, so try to keep your paperwork organized.

Plan to include the following items with your application:

• Completed application form, found on the Sarasota County website or at the permit office
• Project plans that detail the size and layout of the building or addition, what materials you'll use, and which electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems will be used
• Site plan that shows where the new construction will be, including property lines, existing buildings, and distance from property lines and other buildings
• Proof of property ownership
• Contractor information
• Other permits or approvals
• Energy calculations
• Structural calculations

The exact requirements will vary based on your specific project. If you’re unsure about anything, make sure to check with the Sarasota County permit office or their website for a complete list of what you need.

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Sarasota County building permit cost

Finding permit fee information in Sarasota County isn’t particularly easy. However, plan to spend more on permits for large projects than on permits for small ones. 

Every permit has a minimum fee (usually around $100) as well as additional fees per square/cubic foot. Your permit may also be calculated as a percentage of the total project cost. Finally, plan to pay for inspections and impact fees down the road.

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How do I contact Sarasota County permitting?

If you need to get in touch with the Sarasota County permitting department, you have several options:

1. Phone: You can call the main permitting line at (941) 861-3281 during regular business hours
2. Email: Send questions to building@scgov.net. Don’t include sensitive information in emails.
3. In-person: Visit the permitting office at 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240.

If possible, have your permit number (if you have one) and specific questions ready so that the permitting department can assist you more quickly and accurately.

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How PermitFlow simplifies permitting

There’s a lot to consider when obtaining a building permit, but you don’t have to handle the whole process on your own. PermitFlow is a cloud-based permitting service designed to simplify the permit application process, with a team of experts that can answer your questions and even communicate with Sarasota County on your behalf. 

PermitFlow guides you through the permit application process step by step. Here's how it works:

1. Enter project details: The system asks you questions about your project to determine what kind of permit you need.
2. Provide required documents: Based on your answers, PermitFlow helps you create the necessary documents for your application.
3. Review and submit: The system checks your application for completeness before you submit it.
4. Track progress: You can easily check the status of your application through the PermitFlow platform.
5. Receive updates: PermitFlow sends you notifications about any changes or if more information is needed.

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Getting started with PermitFlow

Using PermitFlow can help you avoid common mistakes in your application, potentially speeding up the approval process and keeping your project timeline on track. 

You don't have to navigate the complexities of Sarasota County permitting alone. Talk with our permitting experts for guidance tailored to the exact needs of your project.