Commercial Building Permit
In some respects, the development process is like a pyramid, and the building permit sits at the top of that pyramid. It rests on a foundation of prior land use approvals that include the Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Code, an approved site plan or subdivision, and the appropriate environmental reviews. Tallahassee's development process is explained from beginning to end by the video "Permitting from Start to Finish". Permits are also required for alterations and changes of occupancies. Please keep in mind that alterations and changes of occupancies typically follow a separate process.
Prior to applying for a commercial building permit, please be sure to obtain the land use approvals that might be needed to allow the project at your site, as explained by the video. For example, your proposed use must be consistent with the uses allowed by the Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use Map and also the Zoning Map. Typically, a site plan is only required if more than 2,500 square feet of new building area is proposed. Similarly, an environmental management permit is required if the project results in more than 2,500 square feet of earth disturbance.
Questions concerning the land use approvals that precede a building permit should be directed to the planning staff in the Land Use and Environmental Services Division of the Growth Management Department. You can reach one of our planners at 850-891-7001, option #4. They can also be reached by email at zoning@talgov.com.
Online Data Application Requirements
If you're uncertain whether your project is located in the City, please go to the Leon County Property Appraiser's website and do two things.
First, you'll need your parcel identification number. Use the search tool at the Property Appraiser's website to find your specific property. You can search by owner name or street address. That will take you to a page which is specific to your site. You'll find the parcel identification number near the top left corner of that page. For a lot in a subdivision, the parcel identification number is typically 6 numbers, followed by 1 letter, followed by 4 numbers. For a parcel not in a subdivision, the parcel identification number is typically 13 numbers with no letters.
Second, you'll want to verify that the property is located in the City limits. At the Property Appraiser's website, do a search for your specific property. At the bottom left corner of the page for your property, please click on the words "Property Info Sheet", which you'll find under the heading "County Links". That will take you to a page that summarizes your specific parcel. Under "General Information" at the top left, you'll see a row titled "City Limits". "In" means that your property is in the City limits. "Out" means that it is not. For properties located outside of the City limits, please contact the Leon County Development Services Department for building permits at 850-606-1300.
Project Details
Please note that the required project details will vary based on each project's unique characteristics.
- Improvement Type
- Building Classification
- Square Footage of New or Addition
- Total Cost of Improvement
- Cost of Alteration Improvement only
- Total Dwelling Units
- Total Warehouse Units
- Multi-Family Sq. Ft.
- Commercial Sq. Ft.
- Industrial Sq. Ft.
- Brief Scope of Work
- Trades involved with this project
- Change of Use
- Existing or Previous Use
- Proposed Use
- Shell Permit
- Life Safety Sheet (Fire Plans Review)
- Hydraulic Calculations (Fire Plans Review)
NOTE: Underground submittal must be received and approved prior to interior submittal evaluation. However, if the contractor is performing the interior and underground, the underground submittal shall be received with the interior.
- Hazardous Material Being Removed
- Is this permit to be Expedited
- Water and Sewer Account Information -
A building permit application may be submitted; however, the information below will be required prior to the approval of the building permit. The information below is required for new construction and may be required for tenant build-outs. Please note if a utility account has not been established, work orders for utilities to be installed will be delayed. For utility account information please contact Utility Business Customer Service at 850-891-4968 or you may visit Your Own Utilities.
- Utility Account: Use Master Utility Account or Create a New Utility Account
- When to Ship Work Orders: Ship order @ Permit Issuance or Delay & Ship work order until...
- Delay Until Date
- Utility Account Number
- Utility Account Holder's Name
- Utility Account Holder's Telephone Number
Project Checklist, Affidavits and Information Sheets
Please note that not all projects will require all of the listed checklists, affidavits, and information sheets. Whether they are needed depends upon the characteristics of each project. For example, a cellular tower checklist would only be pertinent if the project actually included a proposed or altered cellular tower.
- Checklists
- Affidavits
- Information Sheets
Multiple Applications
The Multiple Building Permit Application is to be used when applying for multiple building permits associated with a single set of plans. Please note that the first Building Permit Application (referenced permit) must be applied for online through Online Permitting. Applications are to be uploaded within the Affidavits and General Information folder as a single page document and named MultiBldg_.pdf., the _ being the Building number, example MultiBldg2.pdf, MultiBldg3.pdf.
Trade Permits
Accompanying sub-trade permits are required. Depending on the type of work being done, permit types could include electrical, gas, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, fire alarm, fire sprinkler and hood suppression permits.
Review Time Frame
- 7 work days for expedited reviews for qualifying projects
- 21 work days for standard reviews