Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find out if my contractor is licensed?

To find out if a contractor is licensed, go to myflorida.com or https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp

Is a permit required to re-roof my house?

Yes, a permit is required to re-roof a house.

Building Permit Questions and Answers

• How can I pay for a permit? The Building Department accepts cash and checks.
• Are Inspections needed?
  •  Inspections are required at various stages of the project to see that the work is following the approved plans and codes. There is no additional charge for the inspections; they have been paid for with the permit fees.
  • How do I request an inspection? All inspection requests are made by calling the Building Department at 386.792.1060.
  • When are can I schedule an inspections? With a 24-hour notice, contact the Building Department at 386.792.1060.
  • When I call for an inspection, when will it be done? The following working day for building inspections. Contact the Building Department at 386.792.1060.
  • When are inspectors available? Inspectors are generally available in the office between 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm each business day.
  • Are there fees for re-inspection? A $50.00 re-inspection fee is required.
  • Do my plans have to be on the job site for inspections? All plans and documents are required on site for all inspections.
  • Who is allowed to call for an inspection? Only the person listed as the contractor of record.
  • When is a Notice of Commencement required? A notice of commencement is required when the value of the work exceeds $2,500.
• Where do I file a Notice of Commencement? In the Recording Department of the Clerk of Court’s Office at the Hamilton County Courthouse, call 386.792.0851 for more information.
  • Can my Notice of Commencement be filed in another county? No, it must be filed in the county where the work is being performed.
• Do I need a permit for Electrical work? YES
• Do I need a permit for Plumbing work? YES
• Do I need a permit for New Construction? YES
• Can a Residential Owner get his own permits? YES
• Do I need a permit for a Mobile Home? YES
  • Who can pull a mobile home permit? Only a LICENSED INSTALLER
  • Can a home owner get his own mobile home permit? NO, only a licensed installer
  • Who can pull or set up a Mobile Home? Only a LICENSED INSTALLER
  • How much are Mobile Home Permits? Single-wide $150.00 Double-wide $300.00
  • I have a question about installing a septic tank, who should I contact? All Septic Tank questions should be directed to the Hamilton County Health Department at 386.792.6459.
• Do I need a permit for New Heating and Air? YES
• Do I need a permit for New Windows? YES
• Do I need a permit for Vinyl Siding? YES
• Do I need a permit for Additions? YES
• Do I need a permit for a Swimming Pool? YES
• Do I need a permit for Roof Repairs or Replacement? YES
• Do I need a permit to build on the Suwannee, Alapaha, or Withlacoochee floodway? First contact Suwannee River Water Management District  (SRWMD) at 386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (toll free in Florida) for approval and then visit the Building Department at 204 NE First Street, Jasper, FL 32052.
• How close can I build a residential structure to the river? SRWMD maintains a 75 foot setback from the top of the bank. Please contact the SRWMD Office for any activities within the 75 foot setback.
• What should I do if I want to build a dock to the river? Request a Works of the District (WOD) application for the Suwannee River Water Management District.
• Who can answer Zoning questions? Shanda Smith, Land Use Administrator at 386.792.0507.
• Who can answer FEMA Flood and Wetland questions? Please contact the Building Department at 386.792.1060.
• Do I need a permit for Painting? NO
• Do I need a permit for Carpet? NO
• Are Campers permitted? NO
• There is a wetland on the property where I want to build a residential home, what should I do? Contact Suwannee River Water Management District  at 386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (toll free in Florida) for information.
• I have a question about installing a Septic Tank, who should I contact?   All Septic Tank questions should be directed to the Hamilton County Health Department at 386.792.6459.
• How do I know which FEMA Flood Zone my property is in? Please contact the Hamilton County Building Department at 386.792.2095 or Planning and Zoning at 386.792.0507 for assistance.

Construction Questions and Answers

• Who can tell me what I am allowed to build on my property? You can contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 386.792.0507
• How far from my property line can I erect a structure?  Hamilton County Zoning Office determines what the set backs should be for your particular job, when the property is located in the county. The can be reached at 386.792.0507. If the property is within the city limits of Jasper, contact 386.792.1212 or Jennings, contact 386.938.4131 or White Springs, contact 386.397.3210.
• Do I need sanitary facilities on my job site? Once work commences on the job site, toilet facilities must be provided.
• Can I have subcontractors do some of the work on my job? Yes. They must have a valid license for their particular trade.
• What do I need to do to get a Contractor’s License? You need to contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Office at 850.487.1395 or visit www.myfloridalicense.com.
• Where can I get an address for my property? The 991 Coordinator assigns addresses to property. You may contact them at 386.792.6647.
• How do I get a copy of my house plans? House plans are kept on file with the Building Department for 15 years. Copies of these plans may be obtained by contacting the Building Department at 386.792.1060.