Building and Permitting Services
1500 Monroe St. Fort Myers, FL 33901 | 239-533-8329 | econnect@leegov.com
Residential Building
(New Construction, Alterations/Remodeling, Additions, Accessory Structures)
Application and Permitting Guide
This guide is intended to help you submit the required application and documents to receive a Lee
County building permit.
T
he guide includes these sections:
1. Permit Description
2. Complete your general permit application
3. Attach the required and conditional documents to your application package
4. Understand the review process and track your application
5. Receive your permit
6. Pay your fee(s)
7. Request the necessary inspection(s)
8. Obtain your Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy
1. Permit Description
A Residential Construction permit is required for new construction, additions, or remodeling of primary
or accessory residential structures. All residential permit applications require a state-licensed
contractor, who is also registered with Lee County, or an Owner-Builder Declaration of Self-Use. The
Florida Building Code, Lee County Land Development Code, and Lee County Code of Ordinance define
the reasons for which a Residential Construction permit is required, as listed below.
A
Residential New Primary Structure permit is for new construction of a single-family, two-family
attached, duplex dwelling, detached accessory apartment, or model home.
A
Residential Alteration to the Primary Structure (which includes a broad category of construction
or renovation to an existing structure, other than addition) including interior or exterior without
adding square footage (including buildout).
A
Residential Addition to Primary Structure (which covers an extension or increase in floor area,
number of stories or height of a structure) permit is required for new additions and/or remodeling of
residential primary structures including a single-family or duplex dwelling, attached apartment, mobile
home addition, or RV addition.
A Residential Accessory Structure permit is required to add onto and/or remodel a non-habitable,
non-agriculture structure located on the property but not connected to the primary residential
structure. These include but are not limited to structural slab, unenclosed structure (other than
aluminum), detached vehicle shelter, detached garage, hobby/work shop, utility shed (conventional
construction and pre-manufactured), deck, gazebo, screen/glass/vinyl room, porch, greenhouse, pole
barn and pool enclosure. Agricultural projects in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas are
subject to a flood evaluation under the RES permit.
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 2 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
Each use may require multiple work activities; therefore, refer to the applicable codes, which may
include but are not limited to:
− Florida Building Code 8
th
Edition (2023)
− Florida Statute
o Chapter 553 – Florida Building Code
o Chapter 489 – Construction Contracting
− Lee County Ordinance NO: 00-26
– Construction Licensing Board
− Lee County Administrative Code 12-4 – Single Family and Duplex Permitting
− Lee County Administrative Code 12-6 – Contractor Certificates
− Lee County Land Devleopment Code
o Chapter 6 – Buildings and Building Regulations
o Chapter 22 – Historic Preservation
o Chapter 34 - Zoning
Need Help? Contact us @ PODPlanREV@leegov.com with your detailed questions.
2. Complete the General Permit Application
A complete application package consists of the application (paper or online) and all required
supporting documents.
All applicants are encouraged to use Lee County’s eConnect online permitting system to apply for
permits. CONTRACTORS ARE REQUIRED TO USE ECONNECT.
A. Paper Application Package
Paper applications can only be submitted by Owner-Builders. Complete the paper application and
attach all of the required and conditional documents described in this guide, including the Owner-
Builder Disclosure Statement. INCLUDE FOUR COLLATED SETS OF PLANS for paper submissions.
A
paper application package must be submitted in person to the Building Department. The office is
located at the Lee County Public Works Building, first floor, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
B. eConnect Application Package (Electronic Submission)
Register for eConnect
To apply for a Lee County permit online, you must first register at eConnect.
Instructions for New Users: Register for an Account are included on the eConnect login page.
Review the eConnect Users Guide for more details about using eConnect.
Also see eConnect Instructions highlighted throughout this guide.
eConnect Steps
Once you have logged into eConnect, select the Permitting menu to Create an Application. Review
the general disclaimer terms and select the checkbox to Continue Application.
1. S
elect a Record Type
On the Select a Record Type screen, select Residential (single, two-family attached, duplex)
>>
th
en select the appropriate starting point
:
• R
esidential New Primary Structure
• Residential Alteration to Primary Structure (excludes additional square footage)
• Residential Addition to Primary Structure (includes Remodeling)
• Residential Accessory Structure (New, Addition or Remodel)
Or search on the term Residential. Select the radio button and Continue Application.
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 3 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
2. Provide the Property Information (* indicates required fields) to identify the property for which
the permit will be used. Lookup the property information using one of the options below, then
click Search:
• Address (using the required fields Street No., Street Name); or
• Parcel (using Parcel Number).
eConnect Instructions: If multiple addresses are found, they will be displayed in the Address
Search Result List. Use the radio button to select the desired record, then click Select.
Once search results are displayed, the other fields on the screen will automatically populate.
Review information for accuracy and Continue Application.
3. Applicant and Contacts
If a licensed contractor is providing the service for this permit, they must have either a State-
issued license registered with Lee County or have a Lee County-issued certificate of competency.
Both require a current Certificate of Insurance for liability and workers' compensation AND/OR a
current workers' compensation exemption status with the State of Florida. Verify Lee County
contractor registration at Contractor Search
or contact Contractor Licensing at
[email protected] or 239-533-8895.
Note: If the applicant is an owner-builder and not a licensed contractor, an Owner-Builder
Disclosure Statement must be attached to the application.
To associate the Applicant and Contact(s) with the permit application, use either: Select from
Account or Add New.
Note: The Applicant listed in eConnect will receive all notifications from the County related to
their application.
4. Project Detail Fields
Complete all applicable fields. An explanation of certain fields has been provided below for your
reference.
• Project Name: What is the name of the project?
o For Commercial Projects - input the Project's Business Name (associated with the
Business License) as the Project Name
o For Residential Projects - input the name of the community/subdivision or city as the
Project Name
• Brief Description of Proposed Work: Provide enough detail for the reviewer to understand
the permit-related details of the project and Continue Application.
Complete the Type of Use field based on the record type chosen:
Residential New Building
• Type of Use:
(Options: Detached Accessory Apartment, Duplex, Model Home, Single Family Residence or
Two Family Attached)
Residential Alteration to Primary Structure (excludes additional square footage)
• Type of Use:
(Options: Exterior Remodel or Interior Remodel)
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 4 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
Residential Addition to Primary Structure (includes Remodeling)
• Type of Use:
(
Options: Attached Accessory Apartment, Mobile Home Addition, RV Addition or Single
Family Addition)
Residential Accessory Structure (New, Addition or Remodel)
• Type of Use
:
(Options: AG Floodplain, Aluminum Carport, Deck, Detached Garage, Garage Door, Glass
Room, Greenhouse, Pole Barn, Pool Enclosure, Screen Room, Shed (Conventional
Construction), Shed (Pre-manufactured), Structural Slab, Unenclosed Structure (other t
han
al
uminum), Utility Room or Vinyl Room)
Complete remaining fields for all selections:
• Estimated Construction Value:
• Private Provider Plan Review: Is the plan being reviewed by a private provider? If yes, the
Private Provider Compliance Affidavit and Notice to Building Officials of the Use Private
Provider form must be submitted with this application. Notice to Private Providers
(Options: Yes or No).
• Private Provider Inspections: Will the project be inspected by a private provider?
Note: Private Provider Inspections are required if electing to use Private Provider Review
services.
(Options: Yes or No).
• Will the applicant recycle the construction debris?:
(Options: Yes or No).
• Drainage Plan Req’d:
(Options: Yes or No).
• Master Plans?:
(Options: Yes or No).
• Master #:
• Work Area Square Feet
:
• DO #: D
evelopment Order[Residential New Primary ONLY]
• DO Lot Number: [Residential New Primary ONLY]
• DO Project Name: [Residential New Primary ONLY]
• Directions: Provide directions to the property and the specific structure being permitted.
5. A
ttachments/Documents
• For Electronic Submittals: In the Attachments window, Add the required and condition
al
documents.
• For Paper Submittals: Provide the completed application, the Owner Builder Disclosure
Statement and any other required and conditional documents.
(Use list of documents in Section 3.)
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 5 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
3. Attach Required and Conditional Documents
Notice: Lee County may request additional supporting documentation to process the permit. Additional
restrictions applicable to this property may be found in public records, and there may be additional
permits required from other governmental entities such as water management districts, state or federal
agencies.
Required Documents
1. Site Plan
Plans must be drawn to scale (1/8" = 1' minimum) with a scale legend and north arrow, and
must include:
• All four lot corners, lot lines and dimensions;
• Location and name of streets or drives bordering the lot;
• Bodies of water within 25 feet of the project with the mean high tide line, edge of wate
r
a
nd labeled with the type of water body (for example: lake, creek, canal, river, Gulf);
• Location and size of existing and proposed building(s) including:
− Driveways;
− Setbacks from the four lot lines and from other existing structures; setbacks must b
e
ta
ken from the closest point of the building to the closest point of the property line;
− Proposed additions to setbacks;
− Roof lines, which may not encroach into or over easements;
− Foundation; and
• Location of all easements on the lot.
2. Construction Drawing
Show additions, new construction, and structural work. Plans must be prepared by a Florida
registered architect or engineer in compliance with Florida Building Code Sections 1603.1.4
1603.1.6, and 1603.1.7 and must contain a statement on the plan that the building/structure
has been designed according to the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023).
Fo
r a summarized list of these requirements, go to the Plan Details and Specifications
section
of our site (Link: https://www.leegov.com/dcd/Pages/PRSpecs.aspx).
Sign
ed and sealed plans must contain:
• Ultimate design wind speed and nominal design wind speed;
• Risk category;
• Wind exposure;
• Classification of the applicable enclosure (internal pressure coefficient);
• Design wind pressure to be used for exterior components and cladding; and Geotechnic
al
in
formation.
• Manufacturer’s truss layouts
• Product approval numbers – windows, doors, shutters, roofing materials, and soffits
• Information pertaining to attic venting, or thermal/ignition barrier if utilizing spray foam
Tips
:
• Show window and door pressures on the plans;
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 6 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
• If enclosing a portion of a house that was built under truss before 1/1/94, no signed and
sealed plans are required, but construction drawings are required;
• When required by a specific Fire District, or type of construction, or provision of a
Development Order, you will need to note compliance with NFPA 13D for fire sprinklers.
Common Errors:
Missing the manufacturer’s truss layouts;
Missing or incomplete product approval numbers (including decimal point) – windows, doors,
shutters, roofing materials, and soffits;
Missing information pertaining to attic venting, or thermal/ignition barrier if utilizing spray
foam.
3. Floor Plan
Show:
• The affected openings and the means of escape; and
• Location of each window, door or shutter that is being installed.
4. Product Approvals
Product approval numbers are required for any products as described in F.A.C. 61G20-3.001.
To assist with Product Approval Numbers, here are the Florida Building Code and the
Miami-
Dade County Product Approval search links.
Tip: Provide only the specific Product Approval number, INCLUDING the number after the
decimal point, as part of the permit application package. Applicants should ensure that the
Product Approval to be used is for the site conditions (wind speed, exposure, etc.) and that the
product will be installed as detailed in the approval document.
Common Error:
Missing product approval specifics, for example, FL239 instead of FL239.6.; the decimal point is
required.
5. Energy Calculations
ENERGY CALCULATIONS (SFR, DUPLEX AND/OR ALL LIVING AREA ADDITIONS) must be
submitted in compliance with Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) energy conservation
guidelines.
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 7 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
Conditional Required Documents
6. No Rise Certificate
If work is being done within a regulatory Floodway and involves land disturbing activity (e.g.
moving dirt), including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other
development, an analysis is required showing that the proposed work will not increase the
base flood elevation. The analysis (known as a No-Rise or No-Impact Certification) is to be
submitted, reviewed, and subsequently approved by the Floodplain Administrator. This
analysis must be signed and sealed by a Florida licensed engineer and is to be submitted with
the Site Plan. Please review this website for more information:
https://www.leegov.com/dcd/flood/firm/zones/regulatoryfloodway/
To
determine if the parcel for your worksite is in a Floodway, go to the LeeSpinS website
(https://leegis.leegov.com/LeeSpInS/
); search by STRAP #, Folio ID, Owner, or Address – results
returned with icons across the bottom; click on the Flood Info icon; then click on Flood Info to
retrieve a report; in the 3
rd
column of the FIRM Floodway row you will see either ‘FLOODWAY’,
‘OUTSIDE FLOODWAY’, or the name of a Municipality (such as ‘City of Fort Myers’).
FLOODWAY means that your parcel is in a Floodway; OUTSIDE FLOODWAY means that your
parcel is not in a Floodway; and the municipality name means that you will need to contact
that municipality to determine if your worksite is in a Floodway. You may also see a
percentage (%) next to FLOODWAY or OUTSIDE FLOODWAY. These numbers show the
percentage of the parcel that is in, or out of, the Floodway.
L
ee County contact information: (239) 533-8585
M
unicipality contact information:
• City of Bonita Springs (239) 444-6150
• City of Cape Coral (239) 574-0553
• City of Fort Myers (239) 321-7925
• City of Sanibel (239) 472-3700
• Village of Estero (239) 221-5036
• Town of Fort Myers Beach (239) 765-0202
7. Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement
If the installer is not using a licensed contractor and will act as an owner-builder, submit an
Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement.
8. Proof of Ownership
If the ownership information on the permit application does not match the property owner
information on the Lee County Property Appraiser’s website (http://www.leepa.org), submit
proof of ownership, for example, a recorded Warranty Deed.
9. Window and Door Replacement Pressure Calculations
If you do not use Lee County's Mastered pressures for size-based window and door
replacements, include individual calculations or engineering.
You may choose to use Lee County's Mastered pressures for WINDMSTR23 - Lee County's
Alternate Method for Size-for-Size Window/Door Replacements on windows/doors 60 feet or
Select this icon
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 8 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
lower. If individual pressures or engineering are not submitted, below are the pressure
requirements:
Compliance with table R301.2 of the current Florida Building Code, Residential
10. Impact Fee Refund Letter
If impact fees are being paid on a single-fa
mily residence or duplex, prepare to complete and
sign an Impact Fee Refund Letter
with the application. In case a permit expires, is revoked or
surrendered before construction or land improvement takes place, the property owner may
request a refund of impact fees which will be refunded to the Fee Payer listed on the impact
letter.
Tip: Complete this as soon as possible; the Impact Letter is often among the missing documents
that commonly hold up issuance of the permit.
11. Permission Letter from Owner / HOA
If the project is being done by a tenant or on property regulated by a home owners
association, submit a letter verifying the owner or HOA’s permission to proceed. It must
include:
− Address of the project site;
− Type of work/permit that is being requested;
− Statement that the owner or HOA approves of the work/permit being done and gives
permission to tenant/contractor to do the work;
− Permit number if already available; and
− Signature of property owner or authorized HOA official.
Tip: Condo or homeowner associations usually have their own form for this permission
process.
12. Elevation Certificate and Flood Requirements
If the project is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, include an elevation
certificate.
Elevation requirements: Buildings and structures in flood hazard areas, including flood hazard
areas designated as Coastal A Zones, shall have the lowest floors elevated to, or above, the
base flood elevation plus 1 foot (305 mm), or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.
150 Wind Exp B
160 Wind Exp B
160 Wind Exp D
170 Wind Exp D
House < 30'
+24.3
+27.6
+45.9
+51.8
-32.5
-37
-61.4
-69.4
House 30'-45'
+26.73
+30.36
+49.13
+55.5
-35.75
-40.7
-65.86
-74.4
House 45'-60'
+28.92
+32.84
+51.6
+58.3
-38.68
-44.03
-69.2
-78.2
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 9 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
• Coastal high hazard areas may have additional requirements (Sections R322.3.1 through
R322.3.10).
• Buildings and structures located seaward of CCCL may have additional requirements
including, but not limited to, DEP approval, special construction and elevation
requirements.
Enclosed area below design flood elevation:
Enclosed areas, including crawl spaces, that are below the design flood elevation shall:
• Be used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage;
• Have flood openings that meet the following criteria and are installed in accordance with
Section R322.2.2.1:
− The total net area of non-engineered openings shall be not less than 1 square inch
(645 mm
2
) for each square foot (0.093 m
2
) of enclosed area where the enclosed area is
measured on the exterior of the enclosure walls, or the openings shall be designed as
engineered openings and the construction documents shall include a statement by a
registered design professional that the design of the openings will provide for
e
qualization of hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the automatic
entry and exit of floodwaters as specified in Section 2.7.2.2 of ASCE 24;
− Openings shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in any direction in the plane of the
wall; and
− The presence of louvers, blades, screens and faceplates or other covers and devices
shall allow the automatic flow of floodwater into and out of the enclosed areas and
shall be accounted for in the determination of the net open area.
Tip: Flood requirements can be found in Chapter 3, Section R322 of the Florida Building Code
,
Residential.
13. Modular Buildings Approval Letter
If the structure is a modular building,
submit a signed and sealed State of Florida approved
Plan and a valid Manufacturer’s Approval Letter.
Tip: Letter includes: signed, dated and sealed foundation plans, and construction details for
the handicap ramp and/or stairs.
Paper submission must include three (3) signed and sealed copies.
14. Mastered Building Plans
If you are planning to purchase a manufactured garage, pole barn, gazebo, shed, utility
building, etc. from a distributor, check if the approved plans for your make and model are on
file with the State of Florida. If not, original plans signed and sealed by a design professional
will be necessary.
15. Mastered Plans Intention Letter
If this application is for residential new construction, additions, remodeling, enclosures, rooms
under truss, or sheds, and the plans are intended to be mastered, the engineer or architect
must indicate by a sealed letter or statement on the plans that he approves of the repetitive
use of the plans for permitting or, if case-by-case, approval (by letter from the architect or
engineer) specific to each application is required for permitting.
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 10 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
16. Development Plan Review for specific project types
If the proposed new construction is an expansion of a lanai, patio, covered porch, etc., that
increases impervious coverage for areas in common element of a condo association, you may
need a Limited Development Order (LDO), which will need to be approved by Development
Services. Development Services can be reached at 239-533-8585
17. Threshold Building Affidavit
If the building is greater than three stories or 50 feet in height; or has an assembly occupancy
classification which exceeds 5,000 square feet in an area, or an occupancy content of greater
than 500 people, then it is a threshold building and the affidavit must be completed.
Threshold Building Affidavit
18. Water/Sewer Service Verification
If the project is a single-family residence or duplex and on private or public water and sewer, a
letter from the appropriate utility company verifying service to the site must be submitted
with the application.
Tip: Strive to include this with submittals; water/sewer service verification is often among the
missing documents that commonly hold up issuance of the permit.
19. Well Service Verification
If the project is a single-family residence or a duplex and requires a well for potable water,
submit: A verification letter of compliance to current codes for an existing well from Lee
County Natural Resources, at 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers; phone 239-533-8109; or
An approved well permit or a Well Affidavit for a new well.
Tip: Although the well affidavit allows the building permit review to begin, it must be obtained
and the well inspection must be finaled before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
20. Septic Service Verification (SFR, DUPLEX, ADDITIONS, SANITARY FACILITIES)
If the project is a single-family residence, duplex, addition or a sanitary facility and uses a
septic system, submit:
• A letter from the Lee County Health Department, 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers, phone
239-690-2100, stating that an existing septic system will be sufficient for the size of the
dwelling; o
r
• An approved septic system permit or a copy of the paid receipt for a new septic system
permit application from the Health Department.
Tip: Although the receipt for the new septic system permit allows the building permit review
to begin, an approved septic permit must be obtained and submitted prior to building permit
issuance. A septic permit must be finaled before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Note:
any room shown as Den, Study or similar that contains a closet will be considered as a
bedroom / sleeping room; therefore, will need to have the health department approval as
such.
21. Site Fill Grading Drainage Plan
If the final grade on the lot exceeds 18 inches above the crown of the road or any adjacent
developed lot and is not in a subdivision subject to a current (active) Development Order, a
COPY OF THE SITE FILL GRADING PLAN MUST ACCOMPANY THE PERMIT APPLICATION and
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 11 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
must comply with Land Development Code Section 34-3104.
22. Coastal Construction Zone Compliance Documentation
If the property is in a Coastal Construction Zone, submit:
• A survey sealed by a registered Florida architect or engineer that includes Coastal
Construction Zone lines, FEMA flood zone requirements, and existing elevation of grade;
• A certified elevation certificate indicating the NAVD elevation prior to tie beam inspection
or framing inspection on wood structures;
• A statement by an architect or engineer of compliance with Lee County Land Development
Code, Chapter 14 , Article II, Division 2, Sea Turtles; Chapter 6, Article III Coastal
Construction Code, or Article IV Flood Hazard Reduction.
Tip: Examples of property often in the Coastal Construction Zone are barrier islands including
Captiva, Upper Captiva, Boca Grande and other parcels with Gulf frontage.
23. Historical Architectural Review.
If the project is within a Historic District or is a Designated Historic Property, follow the
regulations for Designated Historic Districts on the Lee County website. Please contact
[email protected] if you have questions.
24. Vegetation Removal Permit
If the project is on property in unincorporated Lee County that is over 5 acres, over 2 acres on
Pine Island, or any property on a barrier island, then a permit is required for the removal of
vegetation and protection of endangered species. For more information, please review the
Environmental Sciences section of the website and Application Information and Authorization
Letter. Please contact PODEnvVeg@leegov.com if you have questions.
“Lot clearing debris for all residential development, regardless of size of lot to be cleared, is
required to be properly disposed of, or recycled, pursuant to, Municipal Code Lee County
Ordinance 17-187, as defined by 17-186, “all horticulture”. Violation of this ordinance is
subject to fines of up to $500.00, per occurrence, per day. For more information, please refer
to the Lee County Solid Waste website https://www.leegov.com/solidwaste
or call 239-533-
8000.”
25. Additional Permits
If additional permits are required by Plan Review, you will be advised by the reviewer.
Additional permits may be required for separate structures or for other requirements. Note:
Including but not limited to detached garages, cabana, sheds, fences, etc. is required to be
permitted separately.
26. Notice of Commencement
If project value is greater than $5,000, submit the completed Notice of Commencement
to the Lee
County Clerk of Court to provide notice that improvement will be made to a real property. Permit
cannot be issued until this notice is recorded with the Lee County Clerk of Court. Tip:
Complete this as soon as possible; the lack of a Notice of Commencement
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 12 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
submission commonly holds up issuance of the permit commonly holds up issuance of the permit.
27. Envelope Leakage (Blower Door) Test Report
If energy testing is required, then the dwelling will be tested for air leakage rates. This test
will need to occur prior to the Certificate of Occupancy being issued. Blower Door Test
Report.
4. Understand the Review Process and Track Your Application
Completeness Check
When the application package is first received, it is reviewed for completeness to determine that the
general application is complete and that all required documents, signatures, and seals are attached.
If the package is incomplete, the applicant must provide missing information before the application
package can be forwarded for review.
Application Review
Complete applications are forwarded to multiple functional areas for review.
• eConnect applications can be reviewed simultaneously by the required reviewers.
• Paper applications are reviewed by one person at a time and must be physically handed off
among the required reviewers.
Applicants can use eConnect at any time to track the progress of the application record through the
process, for both Electronic and Paper submittals.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global Search
or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for your
permit application to see the Record Status, Conditions and Record Details.
Notice of Rejection
If applicable, the final reviewer consolidates all comments and an email notice is sent to the applicant.
Rejection Notice: A rejection notice will be sent to the applicant with specific points of failure that
must be corrected and resubmitted for approval. Applicants have 30 days to address the points of
failure and to resubmit information and documentation. A cover letter addressing the points of failure
is required with the resubmittal.
• Resubmitting an Application via eConnect: To update the required information and to
ensure correct versioning in eConnect, attachments that are resubmitted should have the
same file name as the original.
• Resubmitting a Paper Application: Bring updated documentation to the first floor of the Lee
County Public Works Building, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
Notice of Approval
File Verification - Notification: Staff completes a final document review to determine any
outstanding documents and invoice all applicable fees. The “Ready Sheet” outlining outstanding fees
and required documents is emailed to the applicant.
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 13 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
5. Receive Your Permit
Applicants who applied electronically may access their permit(s) and approved plans from eConnect.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global Search
or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for your
permit application, and select Attachments. All documents will be listed. Choose the Actions
drop-down to review document details. Click on the document name to open or save.
For Paper Applications: The permit and approved plans are issued in person at the Lee County Public
Works Building, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
Note: Owner-Builders are required by Florida Statute to personally appear at the Lee County Public
Works Building, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901 to sign for the building permit regardless of
how it was submitted.
Issued permits must pass at least one inspection within 180 days from issuance or the permit will
expire.
6. Pay Your Fee(s)
All payments must be received prior to scheduling an inspection.
Payment Options:
• Make payments through eConnect
• Deliver the payment in person to the Lee County Public Works Building, 1500 Monroe St.,
Fort Myers, FL 33901
• Make a credit card payment by phone, 239-533-8997, option *.
Cash is not accepted; please pay by credit/debit card, check, eCheck, or money order.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global
Search, or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for
your permit application, select the menu option for Payments >> Fees, then click Pay Fees
button, review fees, select Continue Application, enter your payment information and click
Submit Payment.
7. Request Inspections
Reference the issued permit for a list of the required inspections.
When ready, applicants may request inspections through eConnect
, as well as by calling the
Automated Inspection System, 239-533-8997.
The Permit, Approved Plans and Manufacturers’ Specifications are required to be onsite during the
inspection.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global
Search, or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for
your permit application, select Inspections then select the Schedule or Request an Inspection
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 14 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
button, select the inspection(s) from the list and Continue. Select the date and verify the
contact and location information, then click Finish.
Common Inspections Include:
New Primary Structure:
Single Family Residence, Detached Accessory Apartment
101 Foundation/Footing
102 Floor/Slab
103 Tie Beam
104 Columns/Pilings
130 Sheathing/Straps/Eng
105 Rough Framing
107 Insulation
110 Soffit/Siding/Wall Covering
106 Final Structural/Building
Any applicable Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing (MEP) Inspections and/or Roof Inspections
Duplex, Two Family Attached; Include all from new primary structure then:
Add 903 Duplex Fire/Tenant Separation
Model Home; Include all from new primary structure then:
Add 902 Fire Final
Interior Remodel
105 Rough Framing
107 Insulation
106 Final Structural/ Building
Any applicable MEP Inspections and/or Roof Inspections
Exterior Remodel, Addition - Including Remodel (Attached Accessory Apartment, Mobile Home
Addition, RV Addition, Single Family Addition)
101 Foundation/Footing
102 Floor/Slab
104 Columns/Pilings
130 Sheathing/Straps/Eng
105 Rough Framing
107 Insulation
106 Final Structural/Building
Any applicable MEP Inspections and/or Roof Inspections
Aluminum Carport
101 Foundation/Footing
102 Floor/Slab
112 Aluminum Final
Deck
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 15 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
101 Foundation/Footing
105 Rough Framing
106 Final Structural/Building
Detached Garage
101 Foundation/Footing
102 Floor/Slab
103 Tie Beam
104 Columns/Pilings
130 Sheathing/Straps/Eng
105 Rough Framing
107 Insulation
110 Soffit/Siding/Wall Covering
106 Final Structural/Building
Any applicable MEP Inspections and/or Roof Inspections
Garage Door
105 Rough Framing
106 Final Structural/Building
304 Rough Electrical
305 Electrical Final
Glass Room, Greenhouse
101 Foundation/Footing
102 Floor/Slab
105 Rough Framing
106 Final Structural/Building
Pole Barn
101 Foundation/Footing
102 Floor/Slab
103 Tie Beam
130 Sheathing/Straps/Eng
105 Rough Framing
110 Soffit/Siding/Wall Covering
106 Final Structural/Building
501 Roof Dry In (if applicable)
503 Roof Final (if applicable)
Pool Enclosure
112 Aluminum
Screen Room
101 Foundation/Footing
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 16 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
102 Floor/Slab
112 Aluminum
Utility Room, Vinyl Room
101 Foundation/Foot
102 Floor/Slab
103 Tie Beam
130 Sheathing/Straps/Eng
105 Rough Framing
106 Final Structural/Building
Any applicable MEP Inspections and/or Roof Inspections
Structural Slab
101 Foundation/Footing
106 Final Structural
Unenclosed Structure (other than aluminum)
101 Foundation/Footing
102 Floor/Slab
106 Final Structural/Building
8. Obtain the Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy
The basic review for a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance consists of the
following and is performed the next business day after a passed final inspection.
1. All conditions met such as termite cert, elevation cert, blower door test, or solid waste
approval (if required).
2. Passed final inspections for structural and all sub permits.
3. Sewer inspection approved by county inspector or septic approval from Health Department
(contact number 239-690-2100).
4. If property using well for water source then well must be approved by Natural Resources
(contact number 239-533-8109).
5. If property located on county maintained road- driveway permit must be finalled by DOT
(contact number 239-533-9307).
6. Related fire permits closed (if applicable).
7. Garbage fees paid. This fee is for the weekly garbage pick-up which is normally paid thru
yearly taxes. The fee is the pro-rated amount from now until the next tax calendar year and is
posted to your permit when the 402 final HVAC inspection is passed.
If any of these items are missing, a condition is added (Outstanding Insp for CO/CC) to the permit
listing what is left to submit or pass prior to certificate issuance.
Please note: These are just basic requirements; your permit may require additional items depending
on the scope of work. Please contact the Inspections Department at Inspections@leegov.com
Residential Application and Permitting Guide
Lee County Community Development – Building & Permitting Services 17 of 17
Last Updated: 12/19/2023
or 239-533-5801 to confirm your final requirements for CO/CC.
Once all inspections have passed, the permit is closed and the Certificate of Compliance and/or the
Certificate of Occupancy are issued. Applicants may pull certificate information through eConnect.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global Search
or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for your
permit application. Select Reports at the top of the screen, select Certificate from the list and a
new window will display the document; options to save or print will be displayed.
