Building, Permitting & Inspections (BPI)

NOTICE

The City of Fort Myers Community Development Department has converted to the new Software, Tyler EnerGov. Please visit the EnerGov Customer Self Service Portal and watch our new instructional videos. Applying for Permits (video) and Inspections (video). Questions about EnerGov? Email e-permits@cityftmyers.com or call Permitting at 239-321-7925.

NEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOBBY HOURS

Beginning Monday February 1, 2021 the City of Fort Myers Community Development Department lobby doors on 1825 Hendry Street will close at 4 p.m. 

Phone lines remain open from 7:30 am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

The lobby will still open for business each morning at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Please call Community Development staff at 239-321-7925 if there are any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Average Plan Review Time Frames


Average # of Days for IntakeAverage # of Days in Plan Review *Average # of Days for Processing After Plan ReviewAverage # of Days in Total
Single Family New / Remodel3 days7 days2 days12 days
Commercial New / Remodel3 days17 days2 days22 days
Multi-Family New / Remodel3 days13 days2 days18 days

* Note: The above time frames include review by all Departments / Divisions including Building, Engineering, Fire and Zoning as well as associated trades. The above time frames are noted in calendar days.

Building, Permitting and Inspections (BPI) is responsible for plan review, permitting, inspections, contractor registration, and the Building and Zoning Oversight Committee (BZOC). BPI’s mission is to assure the public’s safety through effective, efficient, quality enforcement of the Florida Building Code through review and approval of construction plans, issuance of construction and other permits, field inspection of construction work and issuance of certificates of occupancy in a timely manner.

Inspection Process

Inspections can be requested by calling our department at 239-321-7920 our new automated Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system at 1-866-217-9262.

All of the following information must be provided:
  • The IVR number (found on the permit or the fee sheet)
  • The 3-digit code for the type of inspection you are requesting
Request & Schedule Inspections Functions
  • Requests received after 5:30 a.m. will automatically be scheduled for the next business day
  • Service Change, Re-roof Dry In, and Re-roof In- Progress will allow the permit holder to request inspection at a estimated hour between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • The IVR system will not allow subcontractor inspection requests on buildings, pools or signs where the Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Roofing and/or Gas subcontractor information has not been validated. This information is provided and validated at the time of application or issuance on the Subcontractor Worksheet
  • The system will prevent duplicate inspection requests for one day
  • The system will prevent scheduling inspection requests on inspections already approved.
Cancellation of Scheduled Inspections
  • Scheduled inspections can be cancelled through the system before 5:30 a.m. the morning of the inspection.
  • After 5:30 a.m., you must contact the office directly for assistance at 239-321-7920.
Inspection Results
The IVR system will allow you to either:
  • Hear the results of all inspections scheduled on the permit
  • Receive a faxed report of inspection history on the permit by entering your fax number when prompted
  • Receive an email of inspection history on the permit if your email was provided at the time of permit application or issuance
For more information or for assistance, please call 239-321-7920.

Contractor Verification

Don't get nailed! Many citizens in Florida have fallen victim to dishonest, unlicensed, or improperly licensed contractors. Florida Statute 489 requires all construction contractors to hold a valid contractor's license prior to engaging in contracting. Always require that a contractor show you a valid contracting license before you sign a contract. Some indications that a contractor may be unlicensed include the following:
  • The contractor requests a large deposit or all of the money up front before any work has commenced
  • The contractor asks you to pull a "homeowner permit"
  • The contractor pressures you to sign a contract today or he/she can't give you this special price

Verifying Contractor Licenses

To verify the license of a contractor, you may call the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at 850-487-1395. The city requires proof of license from contractors who pull permits for properties located in the city, so be sure to require that the contractor pull the permit in his name, not your name.

Plan Review

Plan Review staff members within the Building, Permitting, and Inspections Division review applications and supporting documentation for compliance with the Florida Building Codes for building, plumbing, and mechanical compliance as well as the National Electric Code as mandated by the Florida legislature. 

Plans are reviewed for compliance with regulations and requirements found within the Florida Building Codes including the following:

Accessibility

Energy efficiency

Flood zone requirements

Hurricane provisions

Life safety

Structural integrity


Permit Concerns & Issues
A plan review comment letter will be emailed, faxed, or mailed to you if there are issues concerning your permit application. Contact the staff member listed on the plan review comment letter if you have questions regarding the review.

Site Plan Submission
Checklists which address all items required for a permit application as well as plan review items are available through this website or in the lobby of the Community Development Department.