Building Process

Governing Codes

Every 3 years the state of Florida adopts a new set of Building Codes that are enforced statewide by local municipalities. 

The current state adopted codes are the 2023 Florida Building Code, (8th Edition) including, building, residential, existing building, accessibility, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, energy conservation and the 2020 National Electrical Code.  Aside from this, each municipality has their own adopted code of ordinances that are enforced locally.

Past and Current State adopted codes are available for viewing at floridabuilding.org/c/default.aspx and the City of Panama City’s Code of Ordinances.

Building Application Process

Cloudpermit is a cloud-based e-permitting software that enables municipalities to complete the building permit lifecycle in one digital workspace and streamlines community development processes for both the municipality and its citizens. The City of Panama City will utilize it as a comprehensive solution for managing building permits, planning and zoning, and code compliance activities. 

How to Submit a Building Permit Application

Apply for a Building Permit with Cloudpermit.

Applicant User Guide : Cloudpermit

Plan Review and Permitting Process

All plans, documents and permitting applications are to be submitted online through the permitting application software.  Hard copies and emailed plans will not be accepted.  An issued Development Order from Planning and Zoning is required prior to the review of the application for building permits. Permitting and Plan Reviews will be delayed for incomplete applications.  This means that if there are missing submittal documents or any other required information, that the review of your project will not begin until all required documents have been submitted.  If you are electing to utilize an Alternative Plan Review and Inspection, see the link to the Private Provider Packet. The selection and proposed use of a private provider must be indicated upon application of the Building Permit. 

If you are electing to act as your own General Contractor and you own your property, please see the Owner-Builder Disclosure.

Required Submittal Documents

Submittal documents may consist of a survey, a site plan, construction site staging plan, construction documents, statement of special/threshold inspections, geotechnical report, energy compliance forms and other data that must be submitted with each permit application. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by Chapter 471, Florida Statutes or Chapter 481, Florida Statutes. Where special conditions exist, additional construction documents as required may need to be prepared by a registered design professional prior to submittal. 

Construction documents shall be dimensioned, of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the current adopted code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. 

The construction documents shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey.  

In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the parcel.  Confirmation of removal of utilities and an asbestos report prior to the start of a demolition may also be required. 

The extent of the required submittal documents will differ from project to project depending on the scope of work and intended use. 

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