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Building Division

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1. As a contractor, what documents are required to register with the city?

Contractors are required to have the updated Contractor's Record Management Form, signed and notarized, with a copy of the following: the qualifier's driver's license, an occupational license or business tax receipt, state certification or state registration, along with the Broward County Certificate of Competency and certificates of insurance or exemption.

The certificates of insurance or exemption must show the City of Hollywood as the certificate holder. The city charges a $25 fee, to maintain the contractor's records, which is due October 1 of every year.

2. Can I apply for an Owner-Builder Permit?

Yes, as long as you own the one-family or two-family residence, and the residence is used for your own use or occupancy. You cannot sell your house or duplex for one year after having a final inspection on any Owner builder permit. Additional restrictions may apply. Please review F.S. 489.103(b) (7) for additional information.

3. Can I fax my completed application?

Yes, for minor projects, reroofing, fence, AC change-outs, water heater replacements, and backflow preventers. Additional fees for copies will be applied. Submit forms via fax at 954.921.3037.

4. Can I make changes to my permit after it has been issued?

Yes, a fee will be charged for the plan review process for all related disciplines.

5. Can I replace my screen with impact windows and doors?

No, installation of impact window will result in an addition to the living space and shall be considered as an addition and shall comply with the requirements of an addition.

6. Do I have to display my permit card?

Yes, a permit card or a copy shall be displayed during the hours of work in progress and available to the inspector for all inspections.

7. Do I need a Soil Bearing Certificate for my addition?

The code requires a Geotech report to be submitted with the permit recommending the procedure to obtain the required bearing capacity, and then a soil-bearing certificate after the compaction is done to certify the achievement of the soil bearing capacity.

8. Do I need approval from my Homeowner's Association (HOA)?

It is recommended that you check with your homeowner's association

9. Do I need to install smoke detectors in my existing house when doing an addition?

Yes, when doing an addition the existing smoke alarm system must be upgraded to include one smoke detector in each bedroom and outside the bedroom areas.

10. Do I need a permit to enclose a patio or carport with an existing roof?

Yes, a permit shall be required. Such enclosure is considered an addition and shall require drawings prepared by a Florida registered professional (Architect / Engineer).

11. Do I need a permit to install a burglar alarm?

Yes, a permit is required for burglar alarm installations along with the registration form to register your alarm.

12. Do I need a permit to replace my fence with the same fence?

Yes, whether destroyed by an act of nature or just changing type of fence.

13. Do I need a permit to replace my screen enclosure?

Yes, a permit shall be required with proper drawings and details. Only a repair of screen fabric is allowed with out a permit. Any metal repair or replacement shall require permit.

14. Do I need to register the alarm with the Sheriff's Department?

No, but you should complete a registration form with the City (available at the Building Dept.) and we will forward the information to the Police department.

15. Do my plans need to be signed and sealed by an Architect / Engineer?

Yes. In most cases the plans are required to have the Engineer's or Architect's signature and seal.

16. Does my Building Permit expire?

Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days or if abandoned for a period of 90 days. When a permit expires the permit holder is to submit the expired permit form and pay a fee to reactivate the permit.

17. How do I apply for a permit?

You can apply for a building permit by submitting a general application and the required documents at the building division permit processing, in the drop box, or via fax for minor permits as stated below

18. How do I know if my contractor obtained a Building Permit?

An official permit card is issued by the City of Hollywood Building Department. The permit card and attached documents shall be available and accessible (outside the property) to the inspector during all inspections. You can review permits issued on your property from 1988 to present, by logging onto the City of Hollywood's website.

19. How do I make changes to my permit while it is still under review?

Submit a letter of transmittal to the applicable discipline with two sets of revisions and all supporting documents.

20. How long will it take to issue my permit?

The Code allows a period of 15 working days to provide a written answer either by approving or denying an application. This period does not include review time for Planning and Zoning, Engineering, Fire Department.

21. How many copies are required?

All documents are required to be submitted in duplicate. After review and approval one copy shall be retained and one copy returned to the applicant, when the permit is issued.

22. If I file a special inspector form, why can't the City inspector do my inspection?

Standard Code policies, requires a professional to perform the mandatory inspection. In most cases, the special inspector is required for work that requires continuous inspections.

23. Is a permit still required for a wireless alarm / battery operated alarm?

Yes. A permit is still required

24. Is there a fee for the burglar alarm registration?

The fee is $26.00 annually for residential and $36 for non-residential. An invoice is mailed to alarm registrants the beginning part of October and is due by October 31.

25. What Building Code is used in the City of Hollywood?

The City of Hollywood follows the 2010 Florida Building Code with the Broward County Administrative Provisions and is located in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) with all structures considered in Exposure Category C, unless Exposure Category D applies, as defined in Section 26.7 of ASCE 7.

26. What documents do I need to obtain a permit for additions / renovations?

Documents for an addition are identical to the ones required of a new construction. A Florida registered Architect / Engineer shall be required to sign and seal the drawings.

27. What signatures are required on my application?

Owners and contractor's notarized signatures are required on the application.

28. When do I need to get a building permit?

You need a building permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove, or demolish any building or any part of a structure and if the work entailed changes the occupancy.

29. Why do I need an electrical permit when enclosing my patio?

Creating a new room by enclosing an existing Patio, porch, carport, or remodeling an existing garage requires that the new room meet the minimum electric code requirement for lighting and receptacle outlets. The new room would be considered the same as a family room or living room. If the new room is a bedroom, smoke alarms shall be required.

30. Why do I need to electrically bond metal located near the edge of a swimming pool?

Any metal object (fence, door, window, post) located within 5 feet from the edge of the water shall be required to have a bonded connection to the pool pump.

31. Why do I need an electrical permit if I am only installing a fan, outlet or switch?

Any work that is done to your electrical system will require a permit.