Miami Gardens, FL

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Building Divison

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1. Where is the Building Services Division located and what are the hours of operation?: The Building Services Division is located at 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 and is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except major holidays.

2. Why obtain a permit?: • The Building Services Division reviews all permits to ensure they meet established minimum criteria. The review and approval process allows problems to be identified and corrected before any non-compliance work occurs.
• A permit allows an inspector who is knowledgeable in construction an opportunity to ensure that minimum code-prescribed construction requirements are met and that what is built meets minimum safety requirements.
• During the process of obtaining a permit, a contractor’s license and insurance are verified.
• The transfer of property can be delayed when non-permitted work is discovered. Work completed without permits and/or inspections is deemed unsafe.
• Work that is done without a permit is subject to double permit fees and may have to be partially or completely demolished.

3. What types of changes require a permit at my place of business?: A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove or demolish any building, structure or part thereof.
• All new construction work requires a building permit.
• All alterations to existing construction require a building permit.
• All tenant improvements require a building permit.
• A change in type of use (i.e., office space changing to a restaurant) requires a permit.
If there are any doubts as to whether a permit is required or any questions regarding obtaining a permit, call the Building Division at 305-622-8027 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for assistance.

4. As a business owner, can I obtain my own building permit?: No, not usually. State Law requires construction to be done by licensed contractors. There is an exemption to this law, but very few business owners meet the requirements of the exemption. The exemption, along with other restrictions, requires the individual to own the property, and the building must be for your own use and occupancy. If you meet the criteria, an owner/builder affidavit is available in the Building Division.

5. The following repairs/replacement projects always require a Building Permit:: • Water heater change-out • All repairs due to a fire
• A/C change-out • Replacement of exterior doors
• Heat pump/heater recovery change-out • Replacement of exterior windows
• Tub/shower pan change-out • Any work to fences
• Yearly backflow recertification • Replacement of sky light
• Electrical service/meter can change-out, • Any change out to an electrical system repair, or alteration

6. What is needed in order to apply for a Building Permit?: To apply for a Building Permit, you will need the following:
1. A permit application with all required information completed.
2. Two (2) sets of plans drawn to scale, signed, and sealed by a professional engineer or architect, if applicable.
3. Proof of approval by the Miami-Dade County DERM for new buildings, additions to nonresidential buildings, interior commercial alterations, commercial re-roofs, commercial pools, land clearing and demolition.
4. Proof of approval by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations is required for restaurants.
5. Plot plan or survey.
6. Energy calculations form and heating/cooling load calculations.
7. Product Approvals for all roofs, utility/storage sheds, windows, exterior doors, awnings, shutters and skylights, etc.
8. The Miami-Dade County Health Department approval for potable water and other issues for all Assisted Care Living Facilities, day care centers, hospitals, schools and other similar buildings.
9. For Structural, Electrical and Plumbing permits where the job costs are greater than $2,500, as well as Mechanical permits where the job costs for A/C change-outs are greater than $7,500, a Notice of Commencement is also required to be recorded with Miami-Dade County.
Prior to submittal of your permit application, please be sure you have obtained all required documentation. Missing information and/or documents might delay your permit being processed.

7. How much does it cost?: The cost varies based on the permit type. Our Fee Schedule is available in the City of Miami Gardens Building Services Division lobby and online at www.miamigardens-fl.gov.

8. How long does it take to get a Building Permit?: When your contractor/design professional submits the application package, a Permit and Licensing Clerk will check your application for accuracy and completeness. When completed, a building permit or notice that corrections are required can be obtained within 15 working days. If you are doing work that only requires one trade (i.e. electric only or plumbing only), your permit turnaround time will be shorter. For example, if you are only adding electrical outlets, you will only need an electric permit. If you are doing some electrical and plumbing work, you will need a General Contractor and your electrician and plumber will be subcontractors. If corrections are needed, your contractor/design professional will be notified and told to come in and pick up your plans to be corrected. Once the corrections have been made, the plans must be resubmitted for a second review. Most construction requires review by three to seven different reviewers (Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Zoning, Building, DERM, Fire, and Public Works). If everything is in compliance, and no corrections are necessary, turnaround should be within 15 business days, depending on the project size.

9. How can I check the progress of a permit application?: Contact the Call Center at 305-622-8027 and/or create a logon for Online Permitting and you can get real time information.

10. Can I get a building permit application online?: Yes.
To get a building permit application online:
• Go to the City of Miami Gardens web site at: www.miamigardens-fl.gov
• Click on “City Services”
• Scroll down to “Building and Code”
• Click “Building Services”
• Scroll down to “Documents & Forms”
• Click “Building Permit Application” or any other form you may need.

11. Is there a maximum dollar value up to which new work can be done inside my place of business without a building permit?: No. All new construction requires a permit. All existing work, if altered, requires a permit. An addition or alteration to an existing structure is not considered maintenance or repair.

12. Can the work begin before getting a permit?: No – not usually. In an emergency such as air-conditioning replacement with the approval of the Building Official, work up to the first required inspection will be allowed.

13. How much time do I have to get the work done once a permit is issued?: Permits expire and become null and void if work is not started and an inspection is not requested 180 days from the issuance date of the permit. After such work has commenced, the permit will expire when work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days. Lack of an approved inspection within180 days will validate the job has been suspended or abandoned.

14. Who is responsible for scheduling an inspection when work is ready?: The permit holder or his/her agent is responsible for scheduling inspections when work is ready. To schedule an inspection call before 3 p.m. 305-622-8029., or to cancel an inspection call 305-622-8027 before 9 a.m.

15. Tips for hiring a contractor:: • Does the contractor have a valid License/Certificate of Competency?
• Can the contractor provide you with recent local references?
• Does the contractor have expired permits for other properties in the City of Miami Gardens? If so, they may not be able to obtain a permit for your project. For inquiries, call the Call Center at 305-622-8027.
• Has the contractor worked within the City of Miami Gardens previously?
• You can check with the State Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance Office for complaints against a contractor’s license at www.myflorida.com/dbpr and http://egvsys.metro-dade.com:1608/WWWSERV/ggvt/bnzawbcc.dia.
• Will the contractor fulfill the contract and return after completion of the job for warranty issues?
• The City cannot make recommendations for contractors or professionals; however, we can tell you if a contractor is registered to work in our City. To find out, call the Building Services Division at 305-622-8027.

16. How can you tell if you are dealing with a licensed contractor?: Homeowners and contractors are required to apply for and post a permit card. If you are dealing with a contractor, be sure to check the name on the posted permit card. This name should match the name of your contractor’s company. If not, you may be dealing with an unlicensed contractor who is being aided by a licensed contractor.

17. Why is it important to use a licensed contractor?: Using a licensed contractor allows the City to verify that the contractor has the proper insurance should there be an injury on the job or as a result of the job. It also helps ensure that the job is completed safely and to your satisfaction. Prior to making your final payment to the contractor, ask to see proof that all inspections have passed and make sure that you are satisfied with the work. You can do this by calling the Call Center at 305-622-8027.

18. What do expired permits mean for property owners?: Expired permits are a violation against the property, and the current property owner is responsible for making any corrections to close the expired permit(s). Also, if the contractor you hire has expired permits for another location or
property in the City of Miami Gardens, they may not be able to obtain a permit for your project. For more information, call 305-622-8027.

19. When can I meet with someone to and walk in with my permit?

The “walk-thru” process has been designed to make the application for building permits easier for applicants and more efficient for the city. The walk-through process is available for roofing, re-roofing, window and doors. Walk-through hours are as follows:

Roofing and Re-roofing Commercial
Mondays thru Thursday
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Window, Doors and Shutters
Mondays thru Thursday
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Meeting Hours
Inspectors
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Monday through Thursday, except major holidays

20. Who can I contact?

Osvaldo “Ozzie” Diaz, Building Official/Chief Plumbing Inspector - 305-622-8000 ext. 2648

Evelyn Heisley-Sanchez, Executive Secretary – 305-622-8000 ext. 2640

Jose Rousseau Chief Building Inspector – 305-622-8000 ext. 2654

Ignacio Scull Building Inspector/Plan Reviewer - 305-622-8000 ext. 2657

Jose Porta Building Inspector/Plan Reviewer - 305-622-8000 ext. 2663

Jorge Guasp, Chief Electrical Inspector - 305-622-8027 ext. 2646

Edwin Mierisch, Chief Mechanical Inspector - 305-622-8000 ext. 2660

Lisa Carbonell, Permit & License Clerk Supervisor – 305-622-8000- ext. 2641

Orlando Felix, Sr. Permit & License Clerk – 305-622-8000 ext. 2643

FAX - 305-626-4220 or 305-626-4219

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Capital Improvement

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1. 1. What is Capital Improvement?: A capital improvement is the addition or alteration of real property that meets the following criteria:
- It substantially adds to the value of the property, or prolongs the useful life of the property.
- The investment becomes part of the property.
- It is intended to be a permanent installation.

2. 2. How many projects are under the General Obligation Implementation plan?: The GO Bond will fund 20 projects assigned to the Capital Improvements Project Department.

3. 3. What projects are included in the General Obligation Implementation plan?: The projects funded by the General Obligation Bond Implementation plan(BIP) are geared toward the City’s Parks and also are inclusive public safety improvements. The projects in the GO (BIP)include:
A.J. King Park
Andover Park
Bennett Lifter Park
Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Center
Brentwood Pool
Buccaneer Park
Bunche Park
Bunche Pool
Cloverleaf Park
Lester Brown Park
Miami Carol City Park
Myrtle Grove Park
North Dade Optimist Park
Norwood Park
Norwood Pool
Risco Park
Rolling Oaks Park
Scott Park
Senior Family Center
West Miami Gardens/Florida Memorial University Sports Complex
Culinary Arts and Hospitality Institute
Mobile StageAutomatic License Plate Recognition Systems (ALPRS)/Show-mobiles
Mobile Command Center Technological Upgrade
Real Time Crime Center
ShotSpotter

4. 4. Is there an online site regarding the upcoming projects/parks status?: Please visit our GO Bond page for more information.

5. 5. Who would be the contact for any questions or concerns regarding the construction of the projects?: You can send an email to [email protected] regarding and questions you may have to provide or need to inquire about.

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Code Enforcement & Business Licensing Division

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1. What documentation must be submitted with my Local Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use applications?: If the business entity is a corporation, the Local Business Tax Receipt and the Certificate of Use Applications must be submitted along with the Division of Corporation documents with $24.00 application fee. The applications must be signed and notarized by one of the Officers of the Corporation.

If the business is at a commercial location, a Miami Dade Fire Inspection is required. Miami Dade Fire Department can be reached at 786-331-4800. Please call the Code Enforcement & Business Licensing Division before submitting the applications; since the type of business you are trying to open, will determine the documents that are required.

2. Can I apply for a Local Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use online?: No. The applications must be submitted in person.

3. Does my business get inspected in order to receive the licenses?: Yes. An inspection of the physical business location will be conducted; approximately one (1) week after the applications has been submitted. The purpose of the inspection is to assure that the type of business that is applied for is the type of business that is being conducted.

4. What happens after the inspection?: Once the inspection is completed, the Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use file goes to our Planning & Zoning Department for review. That process takes approximately one (1) week. Once the Planning & Zoning approval is granted, the Business Tax Receipt and the Certificate of Use Applications are returned for the Permit & Licensing Supervisor for approval. This process takes about one (1) week. If the application is approved, the customer will be contacted to pay the remaining balance and to receive the licenses.

5. When do I need to apply for a Landlord Permit?: If you are in the business of renting residential properties in the City of Miami Gardens, you are required to obtain a landlord permit. This permit must be renewed each year.

6. What documents are required in order to obtain a Landlord Permit?: All Landlords are required to provide the following to the Code Enforcement & Business Licensing Division:
- A completed Landlord permit application form to include the names and birth-dates of all individuals who will be occupying the unit
- A copy of a National Background 850-410-8109 for all occupants 15 years of age and older
- Renewal application and renewal fees are due April 1 of each year

7. When is a special event permit required?: A special event permit is required when the City Manager or his/her designee believes that the intended activity has the potential of becoming a threat to public safety, constitute a danger to the normal flow of traffic, or constitute a potential disturbance of the peace of persons outside the premises where the event or activity is located. This does not include family events at your home that does not impact the rest of the community. The purpose of a special event permit is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the city's citizens and to ensure the proper coordination of city, county and other agencies services when necessary.

Special event permit means written, signed authorization by the city to hold the event. For further information, please see Article II -Special Event Regulations under the City’s codes and ordinances.

8. What is a Re-Occupancy Certificate?: A re-occupancy certificate is a document indicating a property is in livable condition and it's structure has not been altered to negatively affect the health, safety and welfare of the occupant. This certificate is required when the property changes ownership.

9. How do I apply for a Re-occupancy Certificate?: To apply for a Re-occupancy Certificate you may visit our office at 18605 NW 27 Ave Miami Gardens, Florida 33056 and submit the application in person or mail in your application along with the $175.00 application fee.

10. Does a re-occupancy certificate require an inspection?: Yes. The Housing Inspector will inspect the property, take photos according to the zoning guidelines, and complete the courtesy inspection checklist. If the property passes inspection the certificate will be issued.

11. What happens if a property fails a re-occupancy certificate inspection?: If the property fails inspection, the Housing Inspector will inform the applicant. The City then enters into a stipulation agreement with the buyer to correct the violations within a specific time frame.

12. How do I make an anonymous complaint?: You may do any of the following:
(1) Call 305-622-8020
(2) Walk-in the office and fill out a complaint form
(3) Mail in the complaint to:
18605 NW 27 Ave
Miami Gardens, Florida 33056

13. Who complained about my property?: Complaints come from a number of sources: internal referrals, outside agencies, and the general public, however most are anonymous. Also, officers go to their respective zones daily and generate cases.

14. If I receive a Warning Notice and I need more time to fix the problem, what should I do?: Contact the officer at (305) 622-8020 or visit the Code Enforcement & Business Licensing Division at 18605 NW 38 Ave before the deadline, to request an extension.

15. My neighbors have violations too, why aren't you citing them?: The property may have been cited in the past for violations you observe and may be accruing fines or has liens places against the property. If you suspect that a violation exists on a property, please call (305) 622-8020 and provide us the property address so that we can investigate and cite if needed.

16. Can I cut a tree or remove it?: Please call Miami-Dade DERM at (305) 468-5900 to find out the requirements for trimming, cutting and/or removing a tree.

17. Who is responsible for maintaining the easement in the back of my property?: All property owners that abut an easement are responsible for cutting and maintaining it.

18. How do I know if my property is in the City of Miami Gardens?: To be sure, please visit Miami-Dade Property Appraiser's website at:
http://www.miamidade.gov/pa/property_search.asp
Search for property by the address. All folio numbers within the City of Miami Gardens begin with 34-xxxx-xxx-xxxx.

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Community Development

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1. What programs are available at this time?: There are no programs available at this time.

2. What are our operating hours?: The City of Miami Gardens is open from 7am-7pm.
For walk-ins and/or appointments for our department, those hours are 8am-6pm, Monday-Thursday.

3. What programs are available for 1st time homebuyers?: Currently, we have one program available for 1st time qualified homebuyers. That program is called the Down Payment Assistance Program. In order to apply for this program, the applicant must have a property under contract.
For more details please contact our office at (305) 622-8041

4. When will the Housing Rehabilitation Program reopen?: We are currently working off of a wait-list. Once this list has been exhausted, we will then reopen the application cycle for the program. At this time however, we do not have an exact date of when the program will reopen. You can contact the office for any further questions that you may have.

5. Do we have Housing Assistance Program?: As of right now we do not have an Housing Assistance Program. However, for immediate assistance, please contact 1-877-994-help or 305-622-8000 ext. 2694.

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Finance

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1. How do I get a copy of City of Miami Gardens Budget?: Copies of City of Miami Gardens budgets are available online under Documents and Forms in the Finance Department. City of Miami Gardens Finance Documents and Forms

2. How do I get a copy of City of Miami Gardens Financial Statements?: The City of Miami Gardens financial statements are available online under Documents and Forms in the Finance Department City of Miami Gardens Finance Documents and Forms

3. How do I get a copy of City of Miami Gardens Popular Annual Financial Report?: The City of Miami Gardens Popular Annual Financial Reports are available online under Documents and Forms in the Finance Department City of Miami Gardens Finance Documents and Forms

4. How do I see if I have been paid?: Vendors can view their invoice payments by registering with Vendor online services under Procurement Services through the Online Services feature. City of Miami Gardens Vendor online services

5. How do I find out more about outstanding Stormwater fees prior to September 30, 2013?: If you have enquires about Stormwater fees call 305-622-8000 X2403

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General FAQs

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1. What are the City Hall hours?: City Hall is open from 7 am to 7 pm on Monday through Thursday and closed on Friday. Development Services is open from 7:30 am to 6 pm on Monday through Thursday and closed on Friday.

2. Who may ride the trolley for free?: Anyone can ride the Miami Gardens Express free of charge.

3. What's the Building Permit process?: When your contractor/design professional submits the application package, a Permit and Licensing Clerk will check your application for accuracy and completeness. When completed, a building permit or notice that corrections are required can be obtained within 15 working days. If you are doing work that only requires one trade (i.e. electric only or plumbing only), your permit turnaround time will be shorter. For example, if you are only adding electrical outlets, you will only need an electric permit. If you are doing some electrical and plumbing work, you will need a General Contractor and your electrician and plumber will be subcontractors. If corrections are needed, your contractor/design professional will be notified and told to come in and pick up your plans to be corrected. Once the corrections have been made, the plans must be resubmitted for a second review. Most construction requires review by three to seven different reviewers (Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Zoning, Building, DERM, Fire, and Public Works). If everything is in compliance, and no corrections are necessary, turnaround should be within 15 business days, depending on the project size.

4. Is there a Housing Assistance Program?: As of right now we do not have an Housing Assistance Program. However, for immediate assistance, please contact 1-877-994-help or 305-622-8000 ext. 2694.

5. Will the trolley cater to seniors only?: The trolley will cater to all residents and visitors of the City of Miami Gardens.

6. When is a special event permit required?: A special event permit is required when the City Manager or his/her designee believes that the intended activity has the potential of becoming a threat to public safety, constitute a danger to the normal flow of traffic, or constitute a potential disturbance of the peace of persons outside the premises where the event or activity is located. This does not include family events at your home that does not impact the rest of the community. The purpose of a special event permit is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the city's citizens and to ensure the proper coordination of city, county and other agencies services when necessary.

Special event permit means written, signed authorization by the city to hold the event. For further information, please see Article II -Special Event Regulations under the City’s codes and ordinances.

7. Who may I contact in Building Division?