Walkthrough - Phase I
OVERVIEW
The Walkthrough Method allows the customer to apply for a permit in person and submit his/her plans for review. The customer is then routed via the Customer Flow Management System (Qmatic) to the pertinent disciplines according to the type of work to be done. If the plans are approved, the customer pays the final fees and receives a permit the same day.
Applicants opting to use the Walkthrough Method may only submit applications for eligible permit types. Once using this service, applicants must remain using the Walkthrough Method throughout the review process up to permit issuance.
ELIGIBLE PERMIT TYPES
- Waterproofing. Cannot contain panels.
- Commercial minor stucco repairs. Must be less than 25% of total façade and same existing color for commercial.
- Single Family Residence only A/C EXACT Change Outs. Cannot be related to or as a result of an Unsafe Structures violation.
- Condo (one unit) or SFR Interior Alterations only/Kitchen & Bathroom upgrades. No exterior work. Applicant must submit a Cost Affidavit/Appraisal.
- Revisions to permits types listed above. Only those that do not include new work.
- Shop Drawings - CANNOT INCLUDE CHANGES TO DESIGN.
- Electrical Stand Alone permit for Condo (one unit). Panel is less than or equal to 200 Amps.
Note: Re-works cannot include work beyond the bounds of the original scope of the permit.
Service Schedule
Walkthrough Services: Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8AM and 12PM.
Electronic tickets will be issued at the Greeter’s desk between 8AM and 10AM. There will be a twenty (20) ticket limit. E-tickets will be in the form of a text message to the applicant's mobile phone. Applicants will enter the Walkthrough queue where permit clerks will call them to review their application as well as add the services required for the allotted permit types.
Each service is allotted twenty (20) minutes per customer. Customers are served using the FIFO (First In First Out) method. Homeowners are given priority and will be served before any other service type throughout the review cycle no matter the time of arrival.
Drawings will be limited to ten (10) pages or less. If the plans presented are too complex to be reviewed within the time allotted, then the applicant must drop off the plans at the permit counter. Plans will be sent for scanning and then uploaded for Electronic Plan Review. Then, the permit in question will remain using the Electronic Plan Review method until the permit is issued. Revisions to this permit will also remain using the Electronic Plan Review method.
***Important: Drawings submitted for Walkthrough Plan Review must continue using this method until the permit is issued unless it is deemed too complex and is converted to an Electronic Plan Review. Re-works must also remain using the Walkthrough Plan Review.***
Same Day Service
We understand the importance of timely permit approvals for construction projects and other property improvements, and we are committed to making the process as smooth as possible. Our goal is to make it easier for individuals and businesses to obtain the necessary permits and begin their projects without delays. We are working closely with the Ad Hoc Permitting Process Improvement Advisory Committee to identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes that will benefit our residents and businesses. Stay tuned for updates on the expansion of same day permitting services in Miami Beach.
The City of Miami Beach Building Department is open to serve you Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed between 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.)
Same day, in-person at the Building Department at Miami Beach City Hall or at the annex office in North Beach:
- Submitting permit applications and getting a process number
- Obtaining Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing sub-permits that already have an Issued master/primary permit
- Emergency permits - See Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Change of contractors
- Registering or updating contractor licenses and insurance
- Notarizing permit application forms
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Permits
“Over-the-Counter” permits, are permits that do not require a set of plans, or a technical plan review. Applicants may simply submit a permit application signed and notarized by the property owner and licensed contractor. If the value is over $5,000, a cost affidavit will be required. If the contractor opts for Workers Compensation Exemption, he/she must submit a Notice to Owner.
Note: OTC permit applications/requests that are submitted as a result of addressing a violation, may require additional reviews and may not be Issued the same day.
The following list includes the permit type/ scopes of work that can receive an over-the-counter permit. Applicants that come to the Building Department in-person can receive these permits the same day. Requests submitted on-line take 1-2 business days to process.
BUILDING PERMIT
- Flooring (interior condo unit flooring only including bathroom except for shower and/or tub). See Permit Checklist for Building – Condominium Online Flooring (Interior Flooring Only - No Bathroom-Balcony).
PLUMBING PERMIT
- Replacements of water heaters (same for same).
- Replacement of more than 2 fixtures and/or appliances.
- Replacements of water, drainage pumps (same for same).
- Replacements of swimming pool equipment (same for same).
- Replacement of water treatment equipment (same for same).
- Replacement water service (same locations). When cutting any concrete or other finishes a building permit is needed first.
- Replacement of backflow protection devices. Same for same
ELECTRICAL PERMIT
- Temporary for construction (200 amps or less)
- Single Family Residence and condo units FPL connection safety check (no electrical contractor required)
- Single Family Residence only Meter repairs. (Amp and size required)
Other Services:
- Walk-ins are welcome 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meetings with reviewers and chiefs are subject to their availability. Appointments may be made to confirm availability. To schedule an appointment, please call 305-673-7610, press 7; or you may schedule using our online appointment booking system: https://wb-miamibeachfl.qmatic.cloud/qmaticwebbooking/#/
- In-person Permit Process trainings and assistance for the public are held every third Thursday of each month from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Reviewers contact information is available on all permit corrections.
Miami Beach Building Department Locations
Miami Beach City Hall
1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd Floor
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Building Department, North Beach Annex Office
962 Normandy Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33141
Customer Service Call Center
Available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ph: 305.673.7610
buildinginfo@miamibeachfl.gov
Emails are returned within 48 business hours.