Planning to build a new home, add a garage, finish a basement, install a pool, replace a roof, or do any other construction or renovation project in the City of St. Augustine, Florida? You will need a building permit from the City of St. Augustine Building Department.
Most people get stuck on the same questions: “How do I actually apply?”, “What will it cost in 2026?”, “How long does approval really take?”, “What documents do they want?”, and “What are the hidden tricks that make this process go faster?” This long, practical guide answers all of those questions with real-world steps, insider tips, and the exact workflow that experienced contractors and smart homeowners use every day in St. Augustine.
City of St. Augustine Building Department Contact Details 2026
Service | Details |
|---|---|
Building Department Address | 75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
Main Phone | (904) 825-1040 |
Permits / Inspections | (904) 825-1040 |
Email | |
Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
How to Apply for a Building Permit in St. Augustine, Florida – Complete Micro Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
- Confirm your project is inside the City of St. Augustine limits (not unincorporated St. Johns County).
- Use the Accela portal or download the correct application form from the Building Department website.
- Prepare detailed construction drawings, site plans, specifications, and supporting documents.
- Determine if your project qualifies for over-the-counter or fast-track processing (many roofing, windows, doors, water heaters, HVAC replacements do).
- Create or log into your Accela account and submit the application online with all required documents.
- Pay the required fees online (credit card with service fee or eCheck).
- Monitor your application status in the portal and respond quickly to any plan review comments.
- Once approved, print and post the permit visibly at the job site before any work begins.
- Schedule inspections through the Accela portal or by calling the Building Department.
City of St. Augustine Building Permit Fees 2026 – What You’ll Actually Pay
Fees are based on project valuation, square footage, and type of work. A technology fee and plan review fee are added to most permits. Re-inspection fees apply for failed or missed inspections.
Insider Tips & Tricks That Save Time and Money in St. Augustine
- Use the Accela Citizen Access portal for everything — it is the fastest way to submit, pay, track status, and schedule inspections.
- Submit complete and clearly labeled drawings the first time — incomplete submissions are the #1 reason for delays.
- Call (904) 825-1040 early in the morning for questions — staff is most responsive then.
- If your project is small (roofing, windows, HVAC, water heater), check for over-the-counter eligibility before submitting a full application.
- Bring cash or check if visiting in person to avoid credit card service fees.
- Schedule inspections at least 24–48 hours in advance — same-day requests are rarely possible.
- Review the latest fee schedule before submitting to budget accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for existing building permits in St. Augustine?
Use the Accela Citizen Access portal by property address or permit number.
How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Augustine?
Simple/over-the-counter permits can be issued the same day. Standard permits take 5–15 business days depending on complexity and completeness.
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in St. Augustine?
Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
What are the re-inspection fees in St. Augustine?
Re-inspection fees apply for failed or missed inspections. Check the current fee schedule for the exact amount.
Do I need to contact other departments before applying?
Yes. Zoning, historic preservation, and flood zone reviews may be required depending on your project location.
Last reviewed: April 15, 2026
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.