Permitting FAQs
General Permit Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I apply for a ROW permit?
All permit applications are online via the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal by following this link Civic Access (miamibeachfl.gov).
Where do I apply for a Building permit?
All permit applications are online via the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal by following this link Civic Access (miamibeachfl.gov).
If I do work in the sidewalk or street (not private property) or easement, do I need a ROW permit?
Yes
What documents do I need to start the application?
Go to PW website link( Process Workflows and Checklists - City of Miami Beach (miamibeachfl.gov) under specific permit you are applying for look for “Documents Needed for Permit Application Online”.
When do I need a ROW permit / Apply for ROW permit ?
Any work on Public Street, Public Sidewalk or Easement or within the Public ROW.
- Public Property is any property that is not owned by a Private Owner.
- All Utility Easements MUST and will require ROW permits.
- City Parking Lots and City Parks which have Utility Easements will require a ROW permit.
How long does is take to approve a ROW permit through the CSS Portal? Most permits will have at the most 30 business days for comments/ or approval.
- ROW Review –5 to 10 business days (For one (1) review cycle)
- Operational Review - 10 business days (For one (1) review cycle)
- MOT Review (Department Managers) - 20 business days
How do I know if my permit was Approved?
Applicant will receive an email from CSS Portal once the permit has been approved.
I applied for my permit. What is the Status of my permit?
➢ For Status of the application Go to CSS Portal (Log In (miamibeachfl.gov)) and Log In to your account.
➢ Go to CSS Portal home page (Civic Access (miamibeachfl.gov) and click “Search for Permits” under Permits Icon.
How can I extend my permit?
Send email to RightOfWay@miamibeachfl.gov with permit number and extension date.
My permit expired, Do I need to reapply, or can I use my existing permit?
The existing permit can be used and extended. An extension fee will be required, and extension may require additional information/documents.
What is a ROW Revocable Permit?
Any Work done under or approved by a Revocable Permit can be changed by the City at the City discretion. City might issue a Resolution for maintenance responsibility of asset added. Revocable permits are applied through the CSS Portal.
Where can I find the Stormwater Utility Fee Calculation Worksheet?
Click here for Stormwater Utility Fee Calculation Worksheet.
How do I apply for Sewer Allocation permit?
Steps to apply online for sewer allocation letter
Please submit the sanitary sewer allocation thru the CSS Portal. Submit the application for a “Sewer Capacity Certification Letter” permit thru the CSS Portal at www.MBSelfService.com. The CSS Portal is relatively simple to navigate, and additional logins can be created for any establishment. Below is a quick step by step outline of how to apply.
Once all the documents required to submit a complete application have been gathered, they are ready to apply for the ROW Permit.
Step 1. www.MBSelfService.com (If new to CSS the applicant must first create an account)
Step 2. Under Permits Icon, click “Apply for Permits Online”
Step 3. On the left-hand side, click “Show Categories”
Step 4. Under Categories, click “Public Works (42)”
Step 5. Scroll down until “Sewer Capacity Certification Letter” and click Apply
Step 6. “Add Location” is the address of the property
CSS will assign a record number (SCCXXXX-XXXX).
Ensure to upload all respective documents (Certificate of Use (if site previously occupied), Miami-Dade County Property Appraisal, Building permit plans, Lease Agreement (if no improvement work is being performed), Miami-Dade County Sewer Allocation Application with appropriate information completed, etc.
What is a Covenant?
Covenant is a legal agreement between property owner/LLC etc. and City of Miami Beach.
When do I need a covenant?
Covenant is needed anytime a property owner is building or planting within a utility easement. Process usually takes 4-6 weeks for legal review depending on project and council approval timing. If you are building or planting on Utility Easement reach out to ROW via RightOfWay@miamibeachfl.gov attention ROW Manager.
What are the different work categories for ROW Permits within the City?
Link ( Permit Process Workflows and Checklists - City of Miami Beach (miamibeachfl.gov) to PW Permit Page.
Do I need a ROW permit/Pool Bond for my new pool?
No. New applications starting January 1st , 2023, residents will not need a ROW permit / Pool Bond for pools.
Permit Specific Frequently Asked Questions
Sewer Allocation Permit
When will I need a Sewer Allocation permit? Sewer Allocation permit is needed for the following:
- New Construction,
- Change of Use,
- Addition to Property (see Ch 24.43 Miami- Dade County Code, see Schedule of Daily Gallonage LINK )
For additional information see County Website.
What documents do I need for a sewer allocation permit?
List of Document can be found in Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal when applying online. See below list of documents needed:
Sewer Capacity Certification Allocation Letter, Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Summary, Last Occupational License or Business Tax Receipt (BTR), Building Plans, and Lease Agreement (as applicable)
Sanitary Sewer Lateral Service Connection
I plan on using existing lateral for my project. Do I need a CCTV inspection (televise lateral)?
- Yes, public works operations will CCTV all existing and new sanitary sewer laterals for projects.
The lateral in my project is existing. Do I need to add a cleanout in ROW?
Yes, a clean out needs to be installed within 12 inches of property line/ROW line within the ROW/ Public Property. The cleanout shall not be installed within the driveway.
Lateral was previously installed by City of Miami Beach, after recent inspection by PW Operations Division, it was determined that the lateral has deficiencies and was not approved for reuse. Is the owner responsible to replace the lateral?
Yes, the owner is responsible to replace the lateral within private/easement and public property. ROW permit is required for any work on Public Property.
Underground Utilities
When is an Underground Utility permit required?
Anytime there is changes or new installation of underground Utilities (Sewer, Water, Fireline, etc.) in the ROW.
Are we required to contact Sunshine 811 before excavation?
Yes, Sunshine 811 must be contracted before excavation on ROW or utility easement.
Sidewalk Curb and Gutter Construction Repair
Is a Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Plan required for sidewalk construction?
Yes, a MOT Plan is required to direct pedestrians appropriately to a safe route.
How do I locate the color palette for the Miami Beach Red for sidewalk?
Miami Dade County concrete plants will have the Miami Beach Red.
When do I need a sidewalk closure permit?
Anytime you are impacting the public ROW sidewalk, a sidewalk closure permit is required.
If I am not closing the sidewalk down but providing a detour around my work area, do I still need a sidewalk closure permit?
Yes, since the sidewalk has been impacted, a sidewalk closure permit is required with Public Works.
Why does the City require sidewalk permits?
The City requires sidewalk permits to ensure the safety of the public and the integrity of the Right-of-Way.
Are there any location restrictions for construction and demolition, portable containers, or dumpsters?
The city has the right to restrict the location of any construction and demolition, portable containers, or dumpsters in order to ensure the public's safety and to prevent traffic hazards. It is prohibited to place rolloffs and portable containers in the following locations and areas:
- Alleys, lanes, bridges.
- Ocean Drive, from Biscayne Street to 15th Street.
- Collins Avenue, from Biscayne Street to 87th Terrace.
- Washington Avenue, from Biscayne Street to 17th Street.
- 41st Street, from Collins Avenue to Alton Road.
- 71st Street, from Collins Avenue to Bay Drive
When is a Public Storage Container in ROW Permit required?
Anytime you are looking to place any type of Public Storage Container in the ROW, (rolloffs, portable containers, Moving PODs, dumpsters, etc.).
Pedestrian Scaffolding Placement
Does the Building Department need to review the PSP permit?
Yes. Building Department does a structural review.
Why do I need a permit for Pedestrian Scaffolding Placement?
A Scaffolding permit is needed to protect pedestrians in the ROW.
Do I need a MOT plan for this permit?
Yes, an MOT plan is needed in accordance with Section 1 of Public Works Manual.
Local Street Closure
When is a Local Street Closure permit required?
Anytime you are impacting the public ROW street/lane, a local street closure permit is required.
How long does it take for the MOT to be approved?
We require at least 20 business days to route the MOT through the various departments.
Is a Local Street Closure permit required for the closure of an FDOT lane/street?
Yes, a City of Miami Beach ROW permit and an FDOT LCIS permit is required.
Landscape in ROW
When is Landscape in ROW permit needed?
Landscape in ROW permit is needed for anytime one wants to add landscape or replace to the ROW.
Do we need a covenant or a maintenance agreement for this added landscape in the ROW?
Yes, a Landscape Maintenance Agreement is needed between the City of Miami Beach and the property owner. Approval is needed from Greenspace prior to permit approval.
Do I need to contact Sunshine 1 Call and Public Works before start of construction?
Yes, both need to be contacted by the owner/contractor to mark all underground utilities in construction zone.
When do I need a permit for Generator Placement in ROW?
Anytime you want to place a temporary generator in the ROW.
Where can I place a generator in the ROW?
Generator can only be placed in ROW parking or loading zones. Generators cannot be placed in swales or greenspaces, and they cannot block sidewalks. Code Compliance and Fire Departments location approval are required before ROW permit issuance.
Fire Line Service Connections
In the building permit review, the Fire Department indicated I needed a closer fire hydrant to my proposed on-site FDC. Is it possible that I place the hydrant in front of on-street parking?
Fire hydrant must not be placed within 7.5 feet radius distance to any parking space. If this is your last option, you must receive approval front the Parking Department to remove the on-street parking as well as pay any fees for the parking space removal.
What is the minimum diameter of the fire service line allowed.
The minimum diameter of the fire service line allowed is 4-inch. If your site requires less than 4-inch fire service line, you may reduce the size for the pipe after the backflow preventer.
Is a lien search required for demolition bonds?
Yes, a lien search is required with a 30-day expiration period from time of submittal. Also, all fees should be addressed prior to submittal.
Why does Public Works Department require a sanitary sewer cap and seal to be performed on demolition bond permits.
This is a safety mechanism to prevent damage to our sanitary sewer system during clearing and grubbing, as well as foundation installation at the site.
Crane Set-up in ROW
When is a Crane Set-up in ROW permit required?
Anytime you are placing a crane in the ROW.
How long does it take for the MOT to be approved?
We require at least 20 business days to route the MOT through the various departments
Who can apply for this permit?
Only the Crane Operator can apply for this permit
Is a bond required for this permit?
A Performance Bond in the amount of 10 Thousand dollars and no cents indemnifying the City as additional insured is required –City of Miami Beach Risk Manager to approve.
Do I need a Covenant for the Decorative Driveway Approach permit?
Yes, a covenant is needed any time resident or business places a decorative driveway in public Property/ ROW.
Do I need a survey when applying for this permit?
Yes, survey is needed when applying.
My driveway is on state road. Can I use a decorative driveway?
No, Decorative Driveway Approach is not allowed on state roads
Concrete/Asphalt Driveway Approach Construction in ROW
What is the difference between the concrete/asphalt driveway approach and the decorative driveway approach permit?
The concrete/asphalt driveway approach permit is required for any driveway approach that is entirely made up of asphalt, or a monolithic concrete slab. Any other driveway approach, such as pavers, indented concrete slabs, stamped concrete slabs, etc. Fall under decorative driveway approach.
I have a building permit for my driveway, do I still need a Public Works permit?
If your proposed driveway extends into the public Right-of-Way, then a Public Works permit is required
Are there any other permits I may need when constructing my driveway?
If there are any other improvements to the Right-of-Way in front of your property, you may need other Public Works permits such as a Landscaping ROW permit.
I have already built by driveway; do I still need a Public Works permit?
Yes. An After-The-Fact Permit will be required.
Do I need a Maintenance of Traffic plan for my driveway permit?
A Maintenance of Traffic plan (MOT) may be required as part of your driveway permit if the proposed construction will affect any vehicular or pedestrian traffic, such as in the case of construction equipment impeding traffic, or the closure of the sidewalk.
Bus Shelter
We are developing a new property and the current bus stop conflicts with our proposed design. How can we relocate the bus stop?
The relocation of the existing bust stop must be coordinated with the City of Miami Beach through the Public Works Bus Shelter Permit. If the bus stop is part of the Miami-Dade County Transit system, Miami-Dade County approval is required prior.
How do I know if the bus shelter belongs to the City of Miami Beach, or to MiamiDade County?
Please visit the Miami-Dade County Transportation & Public Works website for transit system information regarding Miami-Dade County bus stops. For the City of Miami Beach Trolley information please visit: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/transportation/trolley/ . Additionally, the bus stop sign should indicate if it is a Miami Beach or Miami-Dade County stop.
For my demolition project, I will need a construction meter for my property, but the closes fire hydrant is across the street. Is it possible that we use the hydrant across the road and use a flexible pipe that will be removed daily?
No, this may create safety issues with traffic (cyclist, motorist, and pedestrians). Therefore, you will be advised to acquire an irrigation meter to use on your property for the duration of construction.
Does the Public Works Department require a backflow preventer to be installed after the 3-inch construction meter?
Currently, the Public Works Department does not require the installation of a backflow preventer after the 3-inch construction meter.
