Monticello, FL Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Monticello. City provides planning and development approval; building permits and inspections are handled by Jefferson County Building Department.

Department

City of Monticello Planning and Development; Building permits and inspections through Jefferson County Building Department

Address

245 S. Mulberry Street, Monticello, FL 32344

Phone

850-342-0153

Email

cityplanner@mymonticello.net

Website

https://www.cityofmonticello.us/building-permits-and-inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the City Planner before any work begins; written approval from City Hall is required before construction, remodeling, development, or accessory structures within city limits.
2. Submit site plan and construction plans (two copies each) to the City Planner in person at City Hall or by email to cityplanner@mymonticello.net.
3. Plans must show exact lot shape and dimensions, location and size of all existing and proposed buildings (including accessory structures), driveway locations, off-street parking if applicable, and intended use of each building or space.
4. For single-family dwelling plans, the Local Planning Agency (LPA) reviews the application (scheduled second Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM).
5. Commercial construction or change-of-occupancy applications require engineered drawings.
6. If the property is in the City Historic District, obtain Historic Design Review Board approval before permits can be issued.
7. Once the City issues its Development Permit, take that approval to the Jefferson County Building Department to obtain the actual building permit and arrange inspections.
8. County Building Department issues the building permit and conducts inspections using the county fee schedule and procedures.

Typical processing time: City approval varies based on plan review and LPA meeting schedules (typically 2-4 weeks); county building permit issuance follows standard county procedures.

Source: City of Monticello Planning and Development; Building permits and inspections through Jefferson County Building Department

General Requirements

Written approval from City Hall is required before construction, remodeling, development, modular/manufactured buildings, commercial construction or renovation, change of occupancy, and accessory structures (garages, sheds, accessory dwelling units) within Monticello city limits.

Required Documents

• Site plan and construction plans (2 copies each), drawn to scale
• Plans showing exact lot shape and dimensions
• Location and size of all existing and proposed buildings and accessory structures
• Driveway locations and off-street parking information if applicable
• Intended use of each building or space
• Number of dwelling units or families if applicable
• Engineered drawings (for commercial construction and change-of-occupancy)
• Historic Design Review Board approval if in City Historic District
• Development Permit from City Planner (before proceeding to county building permit)

Permit validity

Issued permit is valid for six months. If work does not begin within six months or is suspended/abandoned for six months, the permit expires. Extensions of up to 90 days may be granted in writing by the Development Administrator.

Building code

Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023) as enforced by Jefferson County Building Department

Contractor requirements

Contractors must submit Florida state certified license, general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance or exemption, all phone numbers, and license-holder email to the County Building Department. If someone other than the license holder will pick up permits, a signed notarized authorization letter on letterhead must be provided.

Fees

Payment note

City development fees are separate from county building permit fees. Building permit fees are charged through the Jefferson County Building Department using the county fee schedule.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Monticello Planning and Development; Building permits and inspections through Jefferson County Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 850-342-0223 (Jefferson County Building Department) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Same-day inspections will not be scheduled; requests must be made at least one business day in advance.

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspection services are provided by Jefferson County Building Department. Same-day inspections are not available; emailed requests are not accepted.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Florida Building Code (8th Edition, 2023) as enforced by Jefferson County Building Department
• Verify contractor license: Florida Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City Development Fees
• Local Planning Agency Schedule
• Florida Building Code Portal
• License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Jefferson County