Move From Property Screening to Permit Approval and Final Inspection
Alachua County does more than review construction plans. Some projects first pass through Pre-Application Screening for zoning, transportation and environmental issues before the building-permit review begins.
This guide shows when PAS may apply, how to use Citizenserve, what to upload, how to schedule on-site or virtual inspections, which local exemptions are real and how to prevent a permit from expiring after 180 days.
Choose the Alachua County Task You Need
Alachua County Building Division Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Confirm the County Is the Correct Permitting Authority
Use the County when
- The property is in unincorporated Alachua County.
- Citizenserve recognizes the County as the reviewing authority.
- The municipality uses the County Building Division under an agreement.
Verify first when
- The address is inside Gainesville or another incorporated city.
- The mailing address differs from the actual jurisdiction.
- A city planning approval and County building review may both apply.
Does the Project Need PAS Before the Building Permit?
PAS checks the site—not only the building
- Zoning compatibility
- Setbacks and property use
- Transportation access
- Driveway or right-of-way issues
- Environmental constraints
- Flood-hazard conditions
- Tree impacts
- Other site-specific holds
How to know PAS is required
Begin the building-permit application and enter the property address.
Citizenserve will notify you when that address requires a separate Pre-Application Screening request.
Portal application type: Pre-Application Screening.
Project example |
PAS guidance |
Important condition |
|---|---|---|
Roof-mounted solar |
Usually excluded |
PAS may apply when tree cutting is proposed. |
Interior remodel within the existing footprint |
Often excluded |
Different rules may apply to lakeshore property or a lot with a minimum finished-floor elevation. |
Reroof, doors, windows or siding |
Usually excluded |
A separate building permit and project documents may still be required. |
Electrical repair or service upgrade |
Usually excluded |
Use the correct electrical permit and contractor registration. |
Mechanical or HVAC changeout |
Usually excluded |
Building permit, equipment documents and NOC rules can still apply. |
New home, addition or new site development |
Likely site review |
Enter the address and follow the automatic Citizenserve instruction. |
Match the Project to the Correct Permit Path
Project |
Start with |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New house or barndominium |
PAS plus building permit |
Residential plans, site, septic/well, flood, driveway, energy and trade permits |
Addition or structural remodel |
Building permit |
PAS instruction, setbacks, plans, structure and separate trades |
Roof replacement |
Roof permit |
Roof documents, product information, NOC and final inspection |
HVAC changeout |
Mechanical permit |
Equipment details, contractor license, NOC threshold and virtual-inspection option |
Generator |
Electrical/gas permits |
Site plan, setbacks, load calculation, fuel, NOC and virtual inspection |
Solar panels |
Solar and electrical permits |
Structural mounting, equipment, electrical design, tree cutting and virtual inspection |
Shed or accessory building |
Permit or exemption screening |
One-time 150-square-foot shed exemption, setbacks, anchoring and PAS |
Accessory dwelling unit |
ADU zoning approval |
Site plan, floor plan, affidavit, utilities and later building permit |
Pool |
Pool permit |
Site plan, setbacks, barriers, electrical, plumbing and inspections |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Utilities, environmental review, debris control and site restoration |
Driveway or right-of-way work |
Public Works permit |
Driveway connection, drainage, road access and PAS |
Development in a flood-hazard area |
Flood-hazard permit review |
Elevation, fill, survey, engineering and building requirements |
Apply for an Alachua County Permit in Eight Clear Steps
Confirm the jurisdiction and project address
Verify that the County is the correct reviewing authority and use the address recognized by County records.
Start the Citizenserve application
Create or sign into the correct account and select Services → Permits → Apply Online.
Follow the PAS instruction
After entering the address, the system will tell you when Pre-Application Screening is required.
Complete account or license registration
Contractors, owner-builders and authorized signers must use the correct account type.
Upload a coordinated project package
Provide the application, site information, plans, contractor documents, product approvals and affidavits required for the exact project.
Wait for the County payment notice
The County says payment is not required at the initial application step. Staff reviews the application and sends an email when payment is due.
Resolve plan-review comments
Upload every requested revision and use the Citizenserve message feature to communicate with permit staff.
Confirm issuance before starting work
Do not begin construction when the application is only submitted, paid or under review.
Prepare These Items Before Opening Citizenserve
Property and site
- Exact property address
- Parcel identification
- Owner’s legal name
- Current site or survey information
- Setback information
- Flood-zone information
Applicant and contractor
- Correct Citizenserve account
- Contractor license information
- County registration approval
- Authorized signer information
- Owner-builder affidavit if used
- Construction value
Plans and approvals
- Clear scope of work
- Site or plot plan
- Construction drawings
- Product approvals
- Energy or engineering documents
- PAS or outside approvals
Record and Upload the NOC Before It Blocks Inspections
Construction threshold
An NOC is required for construction permits over $5,000.
HVAC threshold
The published HVAC threshold is over $15,000.
Where it goes
Record it with the Alachua County Clerk, then upload the recorded NOC to Citizenserve or deliver it to the Building Division.
NOC check |
County instruction |
|---|---|
Owner name |
Must match the permit application or Property Appraiser record. |
Recent property purchase |
Upload the warranty deed with the NOC. |
Someone other than the owner signs |
The NOC must be notarized and show the signer’s title or role. |
Power of attorney |
Provide valid authority covering the owner and property. |
Corporate ownership |
Notarize the NOC and include the signer’s official title. |
Review timing |
The County asks applicants to allow up to 24 hours for NOC review. |
Schedule and Prepare for an Alachua County Inspection
Open the active permit in Citizenserve
Use the inspection option attached to the issued permit—not a new permit application.
Select the exact inspection
Choose the inspection that matches the completed construction stage.
Add the site supervisor
Provide a reliable contact who can answer the inspector’s call and give access.
Keep the approved documents available
Post the permit card and keep approved plans and required affidavits at the site.
Do not cover work too early
Framing, wiring, plumbing, gas, mechanical, insulation and other concealed work must remain visible when required.
Read the result before scheduling again
Correct every failed item and pay any required reinspection fee before requesting the next inspection.
Selected Permits Can Be Inspected Through VuSpex
Eligible permit categories
- Generator electrical permits
- Roof-mounted solar
- Ground-mounted solar
- HVAC changeouts
- Roof permits
- Sign permits
- Gas permits
Tools to have ready
- Smartphone
- Citizenserve login
- Active permit
- Posted permit card
- Tape measure
- Level
- Flashlight
- Leak detector or soapy water
What the Citizenserve Status Means
Alachua County Building Permit Fees
Permit or service |
Published fee |
Important note |
|---|---|---|
Manufactured or mobile home |
$435 |
Other site, utility, impact or inspection fees may apply. |
In-ground swimming pool |
$380 |
Electrical, barrier and other related permits may be separate. |
Above-ground swimming pool |
$205 |
Confirm electrical and barrier requirements. |
Residential mechanical alteration or repair |
$110 |
Use the live portal invoice for the final amount. |
New or repair residential roof |
$220 |
Additional inspection, NOC or document requirements may apply. |
New or repair commercial roof |
$260 |
Fire and commercial review charges may be separate. |
Demolition |
$205 |
Environmental and utility approvals are not necessarily included. |
Plan review |
20% of building-permit fee |
Paid in addition to the building permit and applicable Fire review. |
Reinspection after failure |
$90 |
Must be paid before requesting the next inspection. |
Zoning certification or review |
$75 |
Includes listed zoning letters, ADU, homestead and tiny-home compliance reviews. |
Written code, lien or expired-permit information |
$60 |
Extra address charges can apply to larger multi-address parcels. |
Local Permit Rules That Commonly Cause Confusion
One-time small-shed exemption
A residential property in unincorporated Alachua County may request a one-time exemption for one storage shed of 150 square feet or less.
The exemption must be requested with a PAS application. Later storage buildings require permits regardless of size.
Agricultural building exemption
Agricultural zoning alone does not create the exemption.
The parcel must have an Agricultural Classification assigned by the Property Appraiser and meet the applicable statutory conditions.
Barndominiums
Barndominiums are allowed when the building is certified to comply with the Florida Building Code for residential occupancy.
Use the County’s specific barndominium submittal checklist.
Accessory dwelling unit
Apply for the Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning approval first.
Submit the site plan, floor plan and ADU affidavit before applying for the construction permit.
Flood-hazard development
A flood-hazard permit may require elevation, fill-mitigation, survey or engineering documents in addition to the building permit.
Tree removal
Tree impacts can change PAS requirements. Submit a separate tree-removal permit when the County’s development rules require it.
Code Edition Used for County Permit Review
2023 Florida Building Code
Alachua County lists the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), with an effective date of December 31, 2023.
The listed family includes Building, Residential, Existing Building, Plumbing, Fuel Gas and related volumes.
Local rules still apply
State code compliance does not replace County zoning, floodplain, environmental, tree, driveway, fire, utility or development-review requirements.
Find a Permit, Inspection History or Expired Record
Search Citizenserve first
Use the portal’s Search and Report tools for current building-permit information.
Search by permit number when available
A permit number is usually more reliable than an owner or contractor name.
Confirm the address record
Use Address Tracker for address information, County comments and related permit records.
Use Property Tracker for site context
Review the property, planning and Growth Management information connected with the parcel.
Request written information when needed
The current fee schedule lists a $60 written information request for code violations, liens and expired permits.
Check final inspection—not only issuance
A permit number does not prove the work reached final approval. Review inspection history and permit status.
Use the Correct Citizenserve Account and Verify the License
Contractor account
- Created by the license holder
- County registration approved
- License information current
- Insurance documents current
- Authorized signers listed
- Correct email used
Owner-builder account
- Choose Property Owner
- Complete County verification
- Submit owner-builder affidavit
- Accept supervision responsibility
- Coordinate trade requirements
- Schedule every inspection
Fix Permit and Inspection Problems Faster
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
Citizenserve says PAS is required |
The address triggers site-level zoning, transportation or environmental review |
Apply under Pre-Application Screening and wait for clearance before continuing. |
Contractor cannot apply |
Registration is incomplete, unverified or attached to the wrong account type |
Contact licensing@alachuacounty.us and confirm qualifier information. |
Application cannot be edited |
Staff review has already started |
Use the permit message feature and ask staff how to submit corrections. |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Permit is not active, NOC is missing or a fee remains due |
Open the permit status and resolve every hold before trying again. |
Virtual-inspection option does not appear |
The permit or inspection type is not eligible |
Request a normal on-site inspection or call 352-374-5243. |
Inspection failed |
Work is incomplete, concealed, inaccessible or different from approved plans |
Correct all comments, pay the $90 reinspection fee when charged and reschedule. |
Permit expired |
Required progress or inspection activity did not occur within the active period |
Stop work and ask about renewal, reissuance and current-code requirements. |
Old permit does not show a final |
The project was never completed or the result was not recorded |
Request the inspection history and ask what current documentation or inspection is required. |
What to Say When Contacting Alachua County
“I am planning to [describe exact work] at [full address]. Citizenserve [did/did not] request PAS. Which building, zoning, floodplain, tree, driveway and trade permits are required?”
“My PAS case is [number] for [address]. Please identify which zoning, transportation or environmental item remains incomplete and what document I should upload.”
“I need the [inspection name] for permit [number]. The permit is active, the work is visible and the site contact is [name and phone]. Is this inspection eligible for a virtual appointment?”
“Permit [number] at [address] appears expired. Which inspections or documents remain open, and what is required to renew or reissue the permit under current rules?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Done
- Correct jurisdiction confirmed
- Citizenserve account verified
- PAS completed if required
- Zoning and setbacks confirmed
- Flood and tree issues resolved
- Correct permit types selected
- Plans and forms uploaded
- Payment notice completed
- Permit formally issued
- Recorded NOC uploaded if required
- Permit card posted
- Approved plans available
- Required inspections passed
- Failed items corrected
- Final inspection approved
- Certificate of Occupancy obtained if required
- Permit status confirmed complete
- Final records saved
Alachua County Building Division Map
Bring: Permit or PAS number, property address, parcel information, plans and a written list of unresolved items.
Open the Correct Alachua County Resource
Alachua County Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for an Alachua County building permit?
Use the official Alachua County Citizenserve portal. Create the correct contractor, property-owner or citizen account, then choose Services, Permits and Apply Online.
How do I know whether Pre-Application Screening is required?
Begin the building-permit application and enter the property address. Citizenserve automatically tells you when the address requires a separate Pre-Application Screening application.
How long is an Alachua County building permit valid?
The County states that building permits are valid for 180 days and construction must begin within that window. Maintain required progress and inspections and check the live permit status before allowing a long work stoppage.
How do I schedule an inspection?
Sign into Citizenserve, open the active permit, select the required inspection and provide the requested date and site-contact information. Make sure the permit is issued and all holds are cleared.
Which permits may qualify for a virtual inspection?
The County lists generator electrical, solar, HVAC changeout, roof, sign and gas permits among the categories that may offer a virtual-inspection option in Citizenserve.
When is a Notice of Commencement required?
The County’s current instructions require an NOC for construction permits over $5,000 and HVAC permits over $15,000. Record it with the Clerk before uploading it to Citizenserve or delivering it to the office.
Can I place a small shed without a building permit?
A residential property in unincorporated Alachua County may request a one-time exemption for one storage shed of 150 square feet or less. Submit the exemption request with a PAS application. Additional sheds require permits regardless of size.
Does agricultural zoning automatically exempt a barn?
No. The County says the agricultural-building exemption depends on an Agricultural Classification assigned by the Property Appraiser and the applicable statutory conditions—not agricultural zoning alone.
How much is an Alachua County roof permit?
The current fee page lists $220 for a new or repair residential roof and $260 for a new or repair commercial roof. NOC, inspection, state surcharge and other charges may affect the final invoice.
What should I do if an old permit is expired or has no final inspection?
Search the record in Citizenserve, review the inspection history and contact the Building Division. Ask whether renewal, reissuance, updated plans, current-code corrections or a new final inspection is required.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Alachua County.
This page was checked against the official Alachua County Building Division, Citizenserve portal, Pre-Application Screening instructions, building-permit process, inspection pages, virtual-inspection program, NOC requirements, live fee schedule, forms, code and property-record tools.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Forms, fees, portal behavior, adopted codes, inspection procedures and staff information can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements with the 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.