Walkthrough Plan Review
Overview
The Walkthrough Method allows the customer to apply for a permit in person and submit his/her plans for review. The customer is then routed via the Customer Flow Management System (Qmatic) to the pertinent disciplines according to the type of work to be done. If the plans are approved, the customer pays the final fees and receives a permit the same day.
Applicants opting to use the Walkthrough Method may only submit applications for eligible permit types. Once using this service, applicants must remain using the Walkthrough Method throughout the review process up to permit issuance. Reviews that have started electronically must remain using the Electronic review method and thus, cannot use the Walkthrough method.
Drawings and documents using a design professional must be physically signed and sealed using a wet seal or embossed. Contractor-drawn plans must be signed and notarized and the job value cannot exceed $25K.
Eligible Permit Types
- A/C EXACT Change Outs. Cannot be related to or as a result of an Unsafe Structures violation.
- Awnings, Pergolas, Trellis
- Concrete Stucco Repair
- Condo (one unit) or SFR Interior Alterations
- Driveways
- Fences (temporary construction or permanent)
- Generators (Stand alone Residential only. Cannot be related to or as a result of an Unsafe Structures violation.)
- Hood Suppression Systems
- Railings
- Revisions to permit types included in this list. Minor changes only.
- Roofs (Flat only)
- Seawall repairs only (No docks)
- Shop Drawings
- Signs (Electrical and non-electrical)
- Stand-alone trade permits (Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing). Cannot be related to or as a result of an Unsafe Structures violation.
- Windows and Doors
- Waterproofing
Service Schedule
Virtual tickets are issued Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 AM to 10:30 AM. Walkthrough services end at Noon.
Customers are served on a first-come first-served basis. Customers waiting to be served will be notified via text. Each service is allotted twenty (20) minutes per customer. Homeowners are given priority and will be served before any other service type throughout the review cycle no matter the time of arrival.
Drawings will be limited to ten (10) pages or less. If the plans presented are too complex to be reviewed within the time allotted, then the applicant must drop off the plans at the permit counter. Plans will be sent for scanning and then uploaded for Electronic Plan Review. Then, the permit in question will remain using the Electronic Plan Review method until the permit is issued. Revisions to this permit will also remain using the Electronic Plan Review method.
IMPORTANT: Drawings submitted for Walkthrough Plan Review must continue using this method until the permit is issued unless it is deemed too complex and is converted to an Electronic Plan Review. Re-works must also remain using the Walkthrough Plan Review.
Reworks and revisions cannot include work beyond the bounds of the original scope of the permit. Changes cannot trigger creation of additional permits i.e., “piece-mealing”.
For reworks, all trades will be re-added for every submittal even though an individual discipline may have previously passed their review.
Permits associated to a violation for exterior work or Change of Use cannot be reviewed using the Walkthrough method. Plans may be dropped off to be scanned and uploaded or the applicant may upload digitally signed and sealed drawings to use the Electronic Review method.
Permits identified as having a scope that is under the purview of a Land Use Board Order cannot be reviewed using the Walkthrough method. Plans may be dropped off to be scanned and uploaded or the applicant may upload digitally signed and sealed drawings to use the Electronic Review method.
How It Works
- Visit the Greeter’s desk to acquire a virtual ticket. You will be asked the following questions:
- Customer name, phone number, and email address.
- Purpose of the visit
- Once you’re issued a virtual ticket, please have a seat at the customer waiting area until notified via text.
- Prior to applying for a new permit, please review the Walkthrough Eligible Permit Types. This list is posted at the Greeter’s desk.
- The permit clerk will issue you a process number and assign the services required for review in the virtual ticketing system.
- Return to the customer waiting area until notified via text.
- When being served by a plans examiner, please DO NOT distribute drawing sets to other plans examiners. You must wait until the plans examiner reviewing your plans has finished serving you and releases your ticket back in the queue.
- Tickets are called a total of three times with one-minute intervals before they are recycled. Recycled tickets are automatically placed at the bottom of the queue from which the ticket has been called from.
- If a ticket, after being recycled and called a fourth time, does not respond, then the service is considered a “No Show” and ended.
- Once all services have been completed, the ticket is closed.
- If your ticket has been closed, and you need additional services, please request a new ticket from the Greeter’s desk.
IMPORTANT: If a review is failed and you wish to leave the Walkthrough, please visit the Greeter’s desk to have the remaining reviews terminated.
Same Day Service
We understand the importance of timely permit approvals for construction projects and other property improvements, and we are committed to making the process as smooth as possible. Our goal is to make it easier for individuals and businesses to obtain the necessary permits and begin their projects without delays. We are working closely with the Ad Hoc Permitting Process Improvement Advisory Committee to identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes that will benefit our residents and businesses. Stay tuned for updates on the expansion of same day permitting services in Miami Beach.
The City of Miami Beach Building Department is open to serve you Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed between 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.)
Same day, in-person at the Building Department at Miami Beach City Hall or at the annex office in North Beach:
- Submitting permit applications and getting a process number
- Obtaining Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing sub-permits that already have an Issued master/primary permit
- Emergency permits - See Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Change of contractors
- Registering or updating contractor licenses and insurance
- Notarizing permit application forms
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Permits
“Over-the-Counter” permits, are permits that do not require a set of plans, or a technical plan review. Applicants may simply submit a permit application signed and notarized by the property owner and licensed contractor. If the value is over $5,000, a cost affidavit will be required. If the contractor opts for Workers Compensation Exemption, he/she must submit a Notice to Owner.
Note: OTC permit applications/requests that are submitted as a result of addressing a violation, may require additional reviews and may not be Issued the same day.
The following list includes the permit type/ scopes of work that can receive an over-the-counter permit. Applicants that come to the Building Department in-person can receive these permits the same day. Requests submitted on-line take 1-2 business days to process.
BUILDING PERMIT
- Flooring (interior condo unit flooring only including bathroom except for shower and/or tub). See Permit Checklist for Building – Condominium Online Flooring (Interior Flooring Only - No Bathroom-Balcony).
PLUMBING PERMIT
- Replacements of water heaters (same for same).
- Replacement of more than 2 fixtures and/or appliances.
- Replacements of water, drainage pumps (same for same).
- Replacements of swimming pool equipment (same for same).
- Replacement of water treatment equipment (same for same).
- Replacement water service (same locations). When cutting any concrete or other finishes a building permit is needed first.
- Replacement of backflow protection devices. Same for same
ELECTRICAL PERMIT
- Temporary for construction (200 amps or less)
- Single Family Residence and condo units FPL connection safety check (no electrical contractor required)
- Single Family Residence only Meter repairs. (Amp and size required)
Other Services:
Same Day Service
- Walk-ins are welcome 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meetings with reviewers and chiefs are subject to their availability. Appointments may be made to confirm availability. To schedule an appointment, please call 305-673-7610, press 7.
- Reviewers contact information is available on all permit corrections.
Miami Beach Building Department Locations
Miami Beach City Hall
1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd Floor
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Building Department, North Beach Annex Office
962 Normandy Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33141
Customer Service Call Center
Available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ph: 305.673.7610
buildinginfo@miamibeachfl.gov
Emails are returned within 48 business hours.
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