These procedures are designed to facilitate permitting during a catastrophic event. These procedures may be subject to change, without notice, depending on changing circumstances during recovery. The following information will be updated as changes are made.
The Escambia County Building Services Department Permitting Division has the ability to process permit applications through various methods in the event of a natural disaster.
On Pensacola Beach, all requests for permit applications must be approved by the Santa Rosa Island Authority Floodplain Administrator before submittal to the Escambia County Building Services Department.
Applications can be submitted by contractors through the following channels:
MGO Connect allows you to submit applications, make payments, print permits and additional documents, and schedule inspections from anywhere through your customer portal account.
To make updates to your license, submit updated documentation to contractorlicense@myescambia.com.
The Permitting Division has two permanent locations and has the ability to permit from additional locations following a natural disaster.
Applications not including plans can be submitted via email to permits@myescambia.com.
The Escambia County Building Services Department urges consumers to be cautious and be sure to hire licensed individuals and companies to handle post-hurricane repairs.
Check Contractor Licensing InformationFollowing a disaster, we recognize the urgent need to handle post-hurricane repairs, which may or may not require a building permit.
Florida Statutes 489.103 allows property owners to act as their own contractor and obtain permitting; however, the statute requires that the property owner must personally appear and sign the permit application in front of Escambia County Building Services Permitting Division Technicians.
At that time, the property owner will also be required to complete an Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement. Staff are available to explain the provisions of an owner/builder permit, including the risks associated with the permit option.
When permitting is required for repair, the applicant is responsible for obtaining an issued permit prior to beginning construction.
Emergency repairs may be made for safety, security, and to secure from further exposure to outside elements. Permit applications for emergency repairs must be submitted within 7 days of the natural disaster.
Storm repair permits will take precedence upon submission. The following permit types will be expedited:
Pensacola Beach: Based on the lease, all work requires Santa Rosa Island Authority approval, regardless of the exemption of permits with the Building Department.
Ordinary minor repairs may be made without a permit, provided the repairs do not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, electric wiring systems or mechanical equipment.
Some minor repairs include but are not limited to:
When a permit is required, it is the responsibility of the Contractor, or Owner/Builder if applicable, to request the required inspections based on the approved scope of work, prior to proceeding to the next step of construction.
Inspections can be requested through the MGO Connect portal, via email to permits@myescambia.com or by calling 850-595-3550.
The use of an approved Private Provider Inspection firm to perform the necessary inspections and provide inspection reports to the Escambia County Building Services Department is acceptable by email to buildinginspections@myescambia.com.
Permit fees for storm recovery repair permits may be waived by resolution of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.
The waiver of fees is not a waiver from obtaining the required permitting for repairs.
Floodplain requirements may affect how a damaged property can be repaired or rebuilt.
Many properties in Escambia County are located in special flood hazard areas. The FEMA “50% Rule” for substantial improvement or substantial damage will continue to be enforced during plan review.
If your home or business is determined to be substantially damaged by the Floodplain Administrator, you will be required to meet building requirements in your community to reduce future flood damage before you repair or rebuild.
Review requirements and information for repairing substantially damaged properties.
Flood Repair Permitting InformationBase Flood Elevation (BFE), Design Flood Elevation (DFE) and historical elevation certificates can be located through the Escambia County Floodplain portal.
Visit the Floodplain PortalIn mainland Escambia County, to include Perdido Key, if a natural or man-made disaster requires temporary housing to facilitate repair or replacement of a damaged structure, the placement of a temporary shelter, like an RV or trailer, is authorized by the Land Development Code.
The temporary placement is required to be approved by the Development Services Department. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at zoninginfo@myescambia.com or 850-595-3475. Permitting is required for any utility connections, i.e. water, power, etc.
For temporary housing on Pensacola Beach, you must obtain approval from the SRIA Development Services Department at 850-932-2257.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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