New same-day program has already processed 158 residential applications as city targets faster approvals for routine renovations
Coral Gables homeowners undertaking certain renovations can now receive permit reviews the same day under a new city program aimed at shortening the approval process for routine residential projects.
The city’s Development Services Department has launched a Same Day Permit Program for qualifying work at single-family homes, including roofing, replacement doors and windows, exterior painting, asphalt driveways and certain kitchen and bathroom renovations.
During the program’s first month, the city processed 158 qualifying applications and completed 295 individual discipline reviews. Of those applications, 65 were approved and 52 permits were issued, according to Development Services.
Applications submitted before 8 a.m. with the initial application fees paid are eligible for same-day review. Applications received after 8 a.m. are scheduled for review by the end of the following business day.
The expedited service comes at no additional cost to homeowners.
What projects qualify?
The program is primarily designed for smaller residential improvements that do not require structural or mechanical review.
Eligible projects can include roof work, exterior painting, asphalt driveways, doors and windows and some interior kitchen and bathroom renovations.
Not every residential project qualifies.
Historic properties and homes within historic districts are excluded, as are projects using private providers, projects requiring structural or mechanical review and sub-permits associated with a master permit.
Kitchen and bathroom projects requiring HVAC work or range hoods that require outside air or ventilation are also excluded.
A project can also be removed from the expedited process if a Board of Architects reviewer determines that the application cannot be approved administratively.
Same-day review does not guarantee approval
The city’s new program accelerates the review process but does not eliminate normal permitting requirements.
Applications requiring corrections or additional documentation must still be updated before receiving approval.
Once all required disciplines approve an application, the city invoices the applicant for the remaining permit fees. If those fees are paid that day, the permit is automatically issued that evening.
Work can begin after the permit is issued, subject to required inspections.
The city is automatically placing qualifying applications into the expedited program rather than requiring homeowners or contractors to submit a separate request for same-day service.
For Coral Gables homeowners, the program could reduce one of the delays associated with routine property improvements, particularly projects such as roofs, windows and doors that can affect both maintenance and preparation of a property for sale.
The initiative also gives the city an early measure of demand for faster residential permitting. With 158 applications processed during its first month, the program averaged more than five qualifying applications per calendar day.
Residents and contractors can submit applications, track permits and make payments through the city’s online permitting system.
Author: Peter Goff
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