Post-Storm Permitting Guide

This guide explains how the City of Melbourne handles building permits after a hurricane or other declared emergency, which storm repairs need a permit, which do not, and how to get repairs approved and inspected as quickly as possible.

I. Post-Storm Permitting Overview

Following a declared state of emergency, the City of Melbourne will:

  • Activate a post-storm permitting center at 900 E. Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901, or an alternate location as may be announced from time-to-time and on a case-by-case basis.
  • Ensure adequate staffing to maintain at least 40 hours per week of public-facing permitting services as soon as conditions allow.
  • Implement expedited review and inspection processes for storm-related repairs and communicate such expedited processes as may be necessary within 24-48 hours after the event.

II. Permit Prioritization Categories

The City will prioritize permits that address the following storm-related work:

  • Structural repairs due to storm damage
  • Roof replacements due to storm damage
  • Electrical reconnections and meter resets due to storm damage
  • Plumbing repairs due to storm damage
  • Flood damage restoration and elevation work due to storm damage
  • Temporary housing (e.g., trailers or mobile units, if permitted) due to storm damage

III. Post-Storm Repairs That Require a Permit

The following list includes examples of work that require a permit. Permit fees remain the same as the City’s adopted fee schedule unless waived or reduced as authorized in Sec. 18-26 of the Melbourne City Code.

  • Building – Doors, windows, siding, structural repairs, and similar building components (single trade)           
  • Reroof – Roof covering replacement or repair, including re-sheathing
  • Electrical – Electrical repairs, service changes, reconnections, and meter resets
  • Plumbing – Repair or replacement of water, sewer, and drain piping and fixtures
  • Mechanical – HVAC equipment, ductwork, and ventilation repair or replacement
  • Fuel/Gas – Gas piping, appliances, tanks, and generator fuel connections
  • Specialty Trades – Other licensed specialty trade work
  • Fire Protection – Fire sprinkler and fire alarm system repair or replacement
  • Fence – Full replacement of fencing
  • Signs – Repair or replacement of signs and sign structures
  • Accessory Structure – Attached or detached accessory structures (sheds, carports, screen enclosures, garages, etc.)
  • Swimming Pools – Pool, pool barrier, and pool equipment repair
  • Docks/Marine Repairs – Docks, boat lifts, seawalls, and other marine structures
  • Mobile Home Set-Up/Temporary Housing – Placement and set-up of mobile homes, trailers, or temporary housing units, where permitted
  • Demolition – Demolition of an entire structure

Note: Contact the Code Compliance/Building Division for current fee amounts and any post-storm fee waivers or reductions as may be authorized by the City.

IV. Post-Storm Repairs That Do Not Require a Permit

The following work does not require a permit. All work must still be performed safely and in compliance with applicable codes.

  • Securing – Standing up fallen fencing, installing tarps, boarding up openings
  • Flooring – Replacement of floor coverings
  • Painting – Interior and exterior painting
  • Screening – Replacing screens
  • Debris removal – Clearing storm debris from the property
  • Material Removal – Removing drywall or wall coverings to access damaged areas

V. Emergency Permitting Process

  • Apply Online or In Person
  • Access the permitting portal, EnerGov
  • ·visit the Code Compliance/Building Division, City Hall, Second Floor, 900 E. Strawbridge Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901, or the alternate location as may be announced post-storm

VI. Fees and Waivers

  • No increase in permit or inspection fees is authorized for 180 days following the declaration of a state of emergency, pursuant to Section 252.36, Florida Statutes.
  • Permit fees remain the same unless authorized by the City in accordance with Sec. 18-26 of the Melbourne City Code. Contact the Code Compliance/Building Division for permit fee updates post-storm.
  • Impact fees will not be assessed for the reconstruction or replacement of a previously existing structure that is substantially similar in size as the original structure and does not increase the impact on public facilities beyond that of the original structure.

VII. Substantial Damage and Improvement Letters

  • The City will provide digital letters for Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement determinations upon request.
  • These letters will be accessible via email request to bldplanreview@mlbfl.org.

VIII. Floodplain Requirements

  • Repairs and rebuilding in flood zones must comply with FEMA requirements
  • Elevation certificates, base flood elevation data, and substantial damage assessments may be required.
  • Contact the Code Compliance/Building Division for flood zone determinations and elevation information.

IX. Communication and Updates

The City will release post-storm permitting updates via:

Contact

City of Melbourne Code Compliance/Building Division

(321) 608-7900
bldplanreview@mlbfl.org

Melbourne City Hall, Second Floor
900 E. Strawbridge Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901

 

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