LTC 404-2019 Building Department Improvements MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# LETTER TO COMMISSION
404-2019
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber /`
Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: July 18, 2019
SUBJECT: Building Department Improvements
I am pleased to share this overview of the improvements and progress the Building
Department has made in the past year. The department has taken great strides to
improve the operations and the experience for its customers and staff. Carrying out
enforcement for the safety of the people, maintain efficiency and consistency, and
providing excellent customer service is a delicate balancing act.
I am very supportive of our building director and her commitment to quality customer
service, continuous improvement and efficient use of resources, in accordance with our
ISO 9001 Quality Management System. Here are a few highlights:
Phone Calls
This fiscal year we created a Building Department specific call center to ensure that
customers receive faster, specialized and technical services. The call center is staffed
by Building department employees, knowledgeable in processes and systems, that can
in most cases addresses a customer's concerns in one call. Now when calling the
Building department, you can choose to speak to a Building customer representative by
dialing 0, or you can directly connect with the division you need to reach (inspections,
violations, records, trade chiefs, permit counter). Since its inception in February, the
Building call center has averaged about 75 calls per day and is staffed by a team of two.
Interactive Permit Guide
Staff recently developed an interactive online diagram of different property type
examples: residential, commercial, multi-family, retail. Users can hover over the many
elements of a property and a pop-up box will appear allowing the user to click on
Page 1 of 3
Additional Information which will give a brief and advanced look at what applicants can
expect as far as permit requirements for Reviews and Inspections. As we continue to
advance technologically (including having online application and plan submittal), this
feature will also be updated to provide applicants with clear and easy to find information.
Check this new feature out at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-
hall/building/interactive-permit-guide/
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Reprieve program
The City Commission extended the reprieve program for another year. The reprieve
program allows property owners that have unpermitted work on their property to get the
work legalized by obtaining a permit. Unpermitted work is a violation of the Florida
Building Code and is subject to violations and violation fees, however if you come to
have the work done permitted under the reprieve program, there will be no violation or
violation fees imposed. In the past year through outreach efforts there has been a
500% increase in the number of permit applications under the reprieve program. More
information at https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/permits/one-year-building-
permit-reprieve/
Streamlined Reviews
We continue to review and streamline our permit types to create efficiencies and reduce
review requirements and inspections. One type that is available now is the
CONDOMINIUM INTERIOR ALTERATION PERMIT (NON-STRUCTURAL). This permit
type is for upgrades or remodel such as: new kitchen cabinets and counters, wet bars,
bathroom cabinets, sink, tubs, or fixtures, and would only require two reviews and
inspections (Building and Fire).
Page 2 of 3
Special Event Permits
Staff has also created a special event permit type called Special Event Cookie Cutter
Review. This review allows standardized Building Special Event Structures to be
reviewed by the structural reviewer one time without the need for plan review for the
reinstallation of the same structure. This will save time and will also provide consistency
in the design from event to event.
Solar Permits
To encourage residents to use the Photovoltaic installations and support the City's
resilience and sustainability initiatives, the City enacted Ordinance No. 2017-4153 . This
ordinance amended the fee schedule and waived all photovoltaic related building permit
fees [Section 14-61.(p)] to promote the use of the Photovoltaic energy. A permit is still
required but we have streamlined the requirements and a permit can be obtained the
same day with our walk-through process.
Online Permit Applications
Online permit application and plan submittal is in the first phase of deployment. By
summer's end, certain permit types will be available for online application submission.
Currently available online are portable toilet applications. In the coming days we will
also be adding flooring permit application, and within the fiscal year we will make all
sub-permits available to apply online.
No Permit Required
The Building Official has identified several project types that do not require a building
permit but must be performed by licensed contractors: please refer to Attachment A.
We will continue to keep the Commission apprised of our improvements to help inform
our customers. Thank you for your support.
JLM/SMT/AMS/ND
Page 3 of 3
Attachment A
Items listed below do not require a Building Permit in the City of Miami Beach per FBC 105.2.2
Minor Repairs. Work to be performed in compliance with applicable codes.
General: Construction trailers and construction containers to be used by contractors only(No public use, any
connection to the utilities will require permits).
Roofing: Roof repair work NON-structural in nature, it does not affect life safety, and does not exceed 10%of roof area
or is 200 S.F. area of repair whichever is less. (Work must be performed and certified by a licensed
contractor).
Plumbing: Replacement of Toilet, Bidet, Urinal, Sink, Faucets, Disposal, Dishwasher, provided such replacements do not
involve or require rearrangement of fixtures (2 Fixtures max.). Work must be performed &certified by a
licensed contractor.
The clearing of stoppages in pipes and fixtures. Work must be performed &certified by a licensed contractor.
Electrical: Replacement of electrical luminaries (no modification of wiring or loads, 2 Fixtures max.). Work must be
performed & certified by a licensed contractor.
Replacement of electrical switches and receptacles with 20 amps and 120 volts or less(2 devices maximum).
Work must be performed &certified by a licensed contractor.
Replacement of satellite antenna with diameter less than 39" with existing wiring, (new wiring will require
permits). Work must be performed &certified by a licensed contractor.
Mechanical: Portable heating, cooling,ventilation (plugin appliances),
Repair of air conditioning duct, repair ventilation fans, repair of heating and cooling unit parts. Work must be
performed &certified by a licensed contractor.
Single Family, Duplex,Triplex Work which is Exempt from permit
General: Playground equipment(swings, slides, monkey bars, basketball hoops, etc.) for residential use.All
equipment and structures must meet zoning setbacks.
Recover existing awning with same color and no modifications.
Replacement of kitchen cabinets (provided such replacements do not involve or require rearrangement of
fixtures and devices).
Flooring replacement.
Single Family Residence Only Exempt from Under 16 sq. ft. of drywall repair or replacement.
Construction trailers and construction containers to be used by contractors only (No public use, any
connection to the utilities will require permits).
Roofing: Roof repair work NON-structural in nature, it does not affect life safety, and does not exceed 10%of roof area
or is 200 S.F. area of repair whichever is less. (Work must be performed and certified by a licensed
contractor).
Repair of fascia/soffit 10%of max L.F. (Work must be performed and certified by a licensed contractor).
Rain gutters repair/replacement(By licensed contractor).
Plumbing: Site Drainage Harmonization with City Storm Water System. Work performed by a licensed contractor under a
DERM Class II permit. Work must be performed &certified by a licensed contractor.
Repair Irrigation system. Work must be performed &certified by a licensed contractor.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes,valves or fixtures. Work must be performed &
certified by a licensed contractor.
Replacement of toilet, Bidet, Urinal, Sink, Faucets, Disposal, Dishwasher, Electric Pool-Heater, provided such
replacements do not involve or require rearrangement of fixtures(2 Fixtures max.).
Electrical: Low voltage permits. Work must be performed &certified by a licensed contractor.
Replacement of 2 maximum electrical luminaries (no modification of wiring or loads).
Replacement of electrical switches and receptacles up to 20 amps and 120 volts or less (2 devices
maximum).
Replacement of satellite antennas with diameter less than 39" with existing wiring.
Mechanical: Repair of air conditioning duct,ventilation fans, or heating and cooling unit parts.
Portable heating, cooling, or ventilation (plugin appliances), replacement of ductless range hood.
Visit us @ www.mbsafebuilding.com E-mail questions to BPI@miamibeachfl.gov
Revised June 13,2019