Find the Right Authority, Build a Complete eConnect File and Keep the Lee County Permit Active
Lee County Community Development serves unincorporated Lee County. Properties inside Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel normally use that municipality’s building department.
For county jurisdiction, this guide shows the current eConnect process, 2026 fees, contractor and owner-builder rules, Notice of Commencement, flood review, inspection codes, correction workflow and final closeout.
Choose the Exact Lee County Task You Need
Lee County Next-Step Finder
Select your situation to open the correct local route.
Lee County Building and Permitting Contact Information
Confirm Lee County Is the Correct Permitting Authority
Use Lee County Community Development when
- The property is unincorporated
- eConnect recognizes the address
- The Resident Information Tool lists county permitting
- The parcel is outside an incorporated municipality
Contact the municipality when the property is inside
- Bonita Springs
- Cape Coral
- Village of Estero
- City of Fort Myers
- Fort Myers Beach
- Sanibel
Match the Project to the Correct Lee County Permit Guide
Project |
Start with |
Prepare before applying |
|---|---|---|
New home, duplex, addition or structural remodel |
Residential building |
Site plan, building plans, energy forms, flood review, utilities, contractor and NOC |
Commercial building, addition or tenant remodel |
Commercial building |
Code analysis, life safety, accessibility, MEP, zoning, fire and development approvals |
Roof replacement or roof-over |
Roof permit |
Roof type, area, product approvals, fastening details, contractor and NOC when applicable |
Windows, doors or shutters |
Exterior openings |
Opening schedule, Florida product approvals, impact/shutter protection and floor plan |
Pool, spa or pool enclosure |
Pool permit |
Site plan, barrier method, engineering, drainage and electrical/plumbing work |
Shed, deck, gazebo or accessory structure |
Accessory structure |
Plot plan, zoning setbacks, construction drawings, tie-downs and floodway review |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical work |
Trade permit |
Licensed contractor, equipment/fixture details, drawings and related building permit |
Dock, seawall, riprap, davit or shoreline work |
Dock and shoreline |
Survey, marine drawings, environmental approvals, waterway details and electrical scope |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Site plan, owner authorization, asbestos information, utility clearance and NOC |
Opening or changing a business |
Occupancy / use review |
Business use, site and floor plans, prior tenant, fire/health requirements and sign permit |
Apply Through Lee County eConnect in Seven Clear Steps
Confirm jurisdiction and parcel information
Verify the site is unincorporated Lee County and collect the address, STRAP number, owner and flood information.
Choose the exact record type
Select residential, commercial, roof, exterior opening, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pool, demolition or another matching category.
Add the responsible applicant
Contractors must hold the required license, insurance and Lee County registration. Owner-builders attach the disclosure and follow personal-appearance rules.
Complete every project-detail field
Enter a specific description, construction value, dimensions, use, flood information, utilities and directions to the structure.
Upload required and conditional documents
Use the current guide for the project type. Upload clear PDFs with digital signatures or seals when required.
Respond to completeness and review comments
The package first receives a completeness check. Complete files move to the required reviewers; incomplete files remain held until missing information is provided.
Review the Ready Sheet, pay and download
After final verification, Lee County emails a Ready Sheet listing outstanding fees and documents. Pay before scheduling inspection, then download the permit and approved plans.
Documents That Commonly Control Approval
Property and site
- STRAP number
- Property ownership
- Site or plot plan
- Zoning setbacks
- Flood zone/floodway
- Well or sewer verification
Construction
- Building drawings
- Structural details
- Energy calculations
- Product approvals
- MEP documents
- Blower-door report if required
Applicant and agencies
- Contractor license
- Insurance
- Owner-builder disclosure
- Subcontractors
- Notice of Commencement
- Environmental or historic review
Lee County’s New Building Permit Fee Structure
The county approved revised Community Development building-permit fees on March 17, 2026, with the new schedule effective April 15, 2026. Right-of-way, well and impact fees are separate.
Fee item |
Published amount |
What it means |
|---|---|---|
Application fee |
$50 per application |
Applied in addition to project-specific review and inspection charges where applicable |
Technology fee |
$35 per application |
Separate from the variable Operational Support Fee |
Contractor change |
$50 per request |
Use when changing the contractor of record |
Three-month extension |
$50 |
The schedule lists $50 for an application or permit extension |
Additional or partial inspection |
$50 per inspection |
Can apply when another inspection beyond the standard scope is needed |
Reinspection |
$50 per inspection |
Repeat-failure charges may also apply under Florida law |
Work without permit |
Double review and inspection fees; $200 minimum |
Stop work and contact the county before continuing |
Residential fence plan review |
$50 initial |
Regulatory review and required inspections can add separate fees |
Residential accessory structure plan review |
$50 for site-built shed/garage; other types vary |
Inspection, regulatory and administrative charges are separate |
Roof inspection component |
$100 |
Application, technology, review, surcharge and other fees can still apply |
Record the NOC Before It Holds Up Permit Issuance
General Lee County threshold
- Most permit guides require an NOC when project value exceeds $5,000.
- The mechanical guide uses a $15,000 threshold for qualifying existing HVAC work.
- The owner signs the NOC.
- Record it with the Lee County Clerk of Court.
Before the first inspection
- Permit number correct
- Legal description correct
- Owner information correct
- Contractor information correct
- NOC recorded
- Copy posted on site
Understand the Legal and Financial Responsibility
Qualifying owner-builder projects
- One- or two-family residence.
- Farm outbuilding.
- Commercial building with construction cost not exceeding $75,000.
- Property must be for the owner’s use or occupancy.
- Sale or lease within one year can create a presumption that the exemption was misused.
Responsibilities you accept
- Direct onsite supervision.
- License verification for workers and trades.
- Employment-tax and workers’ compensation obligations where applicable.
- Code, zoning, safety and inspection compliance.
- Financial liability for unlicensed work or injuries.
Schedule, Cancel or Check Lee County Inspections
Online
Open the permit in eConnect.
Select Record Info → Inspections → Schedule or Request an Inspection.
Text message
855-527-1863
Text “Schedule” for guided prompts or use the county’s express-command format.
Have ready
- Permit number
- Three-character permit type
- Three-digit inspection code
- Requested date
- Site contact
- Access instructions
Keep onsite
- Issued permit
- Approved plans
- Manufacturer specifications
- Recorded NOC if required
- Work left visible
- Safe inspector access
Inspection |
Code |
Use |
|---|---|---|
Foundation / footing |
101 |
Footings, foundations and pool retaining walls |
Rough framing |
105 |
Framing before concealment |
Final structural |
106 |
Final building or structural approval |
Rough plumbing |
201 / 202 |
Underground and aboveground plumbing stages |
Electrical rough / final |
304 / 305 |
Wiring before concealment and final approval |
A/C rough / final |
401 / 402 |
Mechanical installation stages |
Roof dry-in / final |
501 / 503 |
Roof underlayment and final roof approval |
Shed final |
117 |
Final accessory shed inspection |
Marine final |
118 |
Seawall, dock, riprap and similar work |
Pool final |
119 |
Pool and barrier closeout |
Fire Inspections Require Two Separate Actions
Step 1: Create county ticket
Call 239-533-8997 and create inspection code 902 for fire final.
Ask whether code 906 rough fire is also required.
Step 2: Contact fire district
Contact the fire department serving the property and arrange the inspection.
The fire district sends its signed documentation directly to Lee County. Contractor-delivered paperwork is not accepted.
Check Current and Proposed Flood Requirements
Current map
Use the Resident Information Tool and Lee County flood resources to identify the current zone and map panel.
2026 proposed changes
Six unincorporated Lee County panels may be affected by proposed revisions expected in summer 2026, subject to FEMA’s final process.
Permit consequences
Flood-zone or floodway work can require elevation documents, engineering certification, substantial-improvement review and additional inspections.
Flood help: 239-533-8948
Large Lots, Pine Island and Barrier Islands May Need More Review
Property condition |
Possible requirement |
What to do first |
|---|---|---|
Unincorporated parcel over five acres |
Vegetation-removal and endangered-species review may apply |
Contact Environmental Sciences before clearing |
Pine Island parcel over two acres |
Vegetation permit may apply |
Confirm requirements before site preparation |
Any barrier-island property |
Vegetation, wildlife, shoreline and specific inspection-day issues may apply |
Coordinate environmental and inspection requirements early |
Historic district or designated historic property |
Historic architectural review may apply |
Email DCDHistoric@leegov.com before final plans |
Well or septic property |
Well verification, well permit or Health Department approval may apply |
Resolve water and wastewater documents before final permit verification |
Protect the Permit From Expiring
180-day rule
Lee County’s current residential and commercial guides state that an issued permit must pass at least one inspection within 180 days of issuance or it will expire.
Do not wait until the last week to request the first inspection.
After construction begins
Continue scheduling required inspections so the record does not remain inactive for an extended period.
Request an extension before the permit expires when unavoidable delays occur.
Confirm the Contractor Before the Permit Is Submitted
Verify these items
- Florida license
- Lee County registration
- Current liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation status
- Authorized signer
- Correct permit scope
Subcontractor attachment
- Permit must already be issued.
- Subcontractor must have valid license and insurance.
- Fastest route: IVR 239-533-8997, option 4, using assigned PIN.
- Email or portal upload may require staff processing.
What Common eConnect Statuses Mean
Fix Common Lee County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Address does not appear in eConnect |
Municipal jurisdiction, address format or parcel mismatch |
Check the Resident Information Tool and STRAP number |
Application stays incomplete |
Missing signature, seal, NOC, ownership or conditional document |
Use the exact project guide and compare every checklist item |
Revised file is not recognized correctly |
Different file name created a version-control problem |
Resubmit using the same file name as the original |
Permit cannot be issued |
Ready Sheet items, NOC, fees or outside approval remain |
Open every condition and complete the Ready Sheet line by line |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Fee unpaid, permit expired, wrong code or subcontractor not attached |
Check record status and call 239-533-8997 |
Fire final remains open |
County ticket created but local fire district inspection not completed |
Complete both parts of the two-step fire process |
Flood review appears late |
Floodway, elevation or substantial-improvement issue was not identified early |
Call 239-533-8948 and coordinate with the design professional |
Old permit blocks sale or refinance |
First inspection never passed or finals remain open |
Request the full record and ask for a written closeout path |
What to Say When You Contact Lee County
“The property is at [address] and the STRAP number is [number]. Can you confirm whether Lee County Community Development or an incorporated municipality handles the permit?”
“Record [number] shows [status]. Which checklist item, reviewer or outside approval is preventing the Ready Sheet or permit issuance?”
“Permit [number] at [address] may be expired. What was the last passed inspection, and should I request an extension, completion permit, contractor change or new permit?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Done
- Jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct record type selected
- Complete documents accepted
- Ready Sheet cleared
- Fees paid
- NOC recorded and posted if required
- Permit and plans onsite
- Subcontractors attached
- Required inspections passed
- Fire district signoff completed if applicable
- Certificate or final approval issued
- Closure records saved
Lee County Building and Permitting Services Map
Open the Correct Lee County Portal, Guide or Rule
Lee County Building Permit Questions
Does Lee County handle every building permit in the county?
No. Lee County Community Development handles unincorporated areas. Properties inside Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel normally use that municipality’s building department.
Where do I apply for a Lee County permit online?
Use the official eConnect Accela portal. Contractors are required to use eConnect. Owner-builders may use eConnect or submit qualifying paper packages in person.
What are the Lee County Community Development office hours?
The current Community Development page lists hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers. Confirm holiday closures before traveling.
How do I schedule a Lee County building inspection?
Schedule through eConnect, call the automated system at 239-533-8997 or use the SelecTXT system at 855-527-1863. Have the permit number and three-digit inspection code ready.
When does a Lee County permit expire?
The current county permitting guides state that an issued permit must pass at least one inspection within 180 days of issuance or it will expire. Continue inspections and request any needed extension before expiration.
How much are Lee County permit fees in 2026?
The new schedule effective April 15, 2026 lists a $50 application fee and $35 technology fee where applicable, plus project-specific review, regulatory, inspection, operational-support, surcharge and impact fees.
What happens when work starts without a permit?
The current fee schedule lists double the total review and inspection fees with a $200 minimum for work performed without a permit. Stop work and contact the county before continuing.
When is a Notice of Commencement required?
Most Lee County project guides require a recorded NOC when project value exceeds $5,000. The mechanical guide uses a $15,000 threshold for qualifying existing HVAC work. Record and post it before the first inspection.
Can I apply as an owner-builder?
Yes, when the Florida owner-builder exemption applies. You accept direct supervision, employment, insurance, licensing, safety and financial responsibility. Lee County also requires personal appearance to sign for the building permit.
How do I check Lee County flood requirements?
Use the Resident Information Tool and Lee County Floodplain Management pages, then call 239-533-8948 for help. Proposed 2026 FEMA map revisions may affect six unincorporated map panels, so verify the current effective map used for permitting.
Source and Accuracy Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Lee County government.
This page was rebuilt from official Lee County Community Development, eConnect, inspection, contractor-licensing, floodplain, fee, owner-builder and project-specific permit resources.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Fees, flood maps, permit guides, office hours, inspection routes and forms can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements in eConnect or with Lee County before filing, paying or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.