Use JAXEPICS to Apply, Track, Inspect and Close a COJ Building Permit
Choose your task first: submit a permit, search a property, answer plan-review comments, request an inspection, confirm zoning or close an old permit.
This Jacksonville-specific guide explains what to open, what to upload, which city team to contact and what each JAXEPICS status means—without sending you through generic permit advice.
Choose the Exact COJ Building Department Task
COJ Building Inspection Division Contact Information
Do Not Use COJ JAXEPICS for Every Duval County Address
Use the City of Jacksonville route when
- The parcel is within consolidated Jacksonville jurisdiction
- JAXEPICS recognizes the property
- COJ zoning and parcel systems identify the site
- The project is not inside a separately administered municipality
Use a separate local department when the property is in
- Atlantic Beach
- Jacksonville Beach
- Neptune Beach
- Town of Baldwin
Which Jacksonville Permit or Review Comes First?
Project |
Start with |
Extra check before submission |
|---|---|---|
New house, addition or accessory structure |
Building permit |
Zoning, site/drainage plan, structural plans, energy, JEA/septic, product approvals |
Interior remodel or structural alteration |
Building permit |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, accessibility and occupancy changes |
Roof replacement |
Roof / building permit |
Product approval, roof deck repair and required dry-in/sheathing inspections |
Pool or spa |
Separate building permit |
Survey, pool safety affirmation, structural plan, TDH, equipment, septic/JEA |
Aluminum enclosure or sunroom |
Building permit |
Category, egress, energy, existing-slab affidavit, product approval and site plan |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical work |
Trade permit |
Whether a building permit or design plan is also required |
Driveway, right-of-way or site development |
DSD Review Group |
Drainage, landscape, utilities, road and concurrency reviews |
New business or change of use |
Certificate of Use |
Converting Use permit, Zoning, Building and Fire approval |
Downtown, historic, flood or special-location project |
Agency review |
DIA, Historic, FEMA/Flood, ASH Site or other agency approval |
Submit a COJ Permit in Six Clear Steps
Confirm the property, use and permit type
Verify the municipality, parcel, zoning and exact project scope before creating the record.
Complete Location, Contacts and Specs
Finish every required field marked with an asterisk. Enter the correct project-contact email because JAXEPICS sends review notifications there.
Upload each PDF into the correct folder
Architectural, structural, site, energy, product approval and owner documents are not interchangeable. Use the folder named in the official project checklist.
Click “Submit For Review”
A permit number can exist while the status still says Not Submitted. The city does not begin review until you complete the submit action.
Clear prerequisite reviews and pay the review fee
DSD, agency and sufficiency reviews may come before BID plan review. The building-review clock does not start until prerequisites are approved and the review fee is paid.
Pay the final balance and confirm Active status
After approvals, the permit moves to Pending Payment. Work may begin only after payment changes the permit to Active.
What the Status Means and Your Next Action
Put Each Document in the Correct JAXEPICS Folder
Document |
Typical folder |
When it may apply |
|---|---|---|
Architectural plans |
Architectural Plans |
New buildings, additions, alterations and occupancy-related work |
Structural plans |
Structural Plans |
Foundations, framing, engineered walls, pools, additions and enclosures |
Site/drainage plan or legal survey |
Site Plans |
New buildings, additions, pools, accessory structures and exterior work |
Energy forms and calculations |
Energy Calculations |
Conditioned buildings, additions and applicable enclosure categories |
COJ-PAIS product approvals |
Product Approval Sheets |
Windows, doors, roofing, enclosure systems and regulated products |
Owner permission / agency letter / deed |
Permission & Property Owner Documents |
Agent signs, ownership record is outdated or owner-builder applies |
Response narrative |
Correspondence |
Answering plan-review corrections |
JEA service letter or current bill |
JEA Letter of Service Availability |
New infill buildings, additions or accessory structures as checklist directs |
Septic / Health approval |
Health Dept / Onsite Septic folders |
Property uses an onsite sewage system |
Truss package and layout |
Truss Details |
Engineered trusses or lumber are part of the project |
Complete the NOC Before the First Inspection
When to check it
Jacksonville’s current 2026 residential project checklists state that an NOC is required when total job cost is more than $5,000.
What to do
- Complete and notarize the form.
- Record it with the Clerk of Court.
- Add the permit number.
- Email the recorded copy to BIDDocuments@coj.net.
Inspection rule
The recorded NOC must be received before an inspection is scheduled and must be posted at the improvement site before the first inspection. Current checklists say it does not delay permit issuance.
Request, Prepare for and Track COJ Inspections
Request an inspection
- Call 904-255-8500, Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, and follow the current inspection prompts.
- Use the official online inspection request option when available in the permit system.
- Track scheduled inspections and results by permit number, confirmation number or address.
Different city pages show different phone-menu option numbers. Follow the live prompt rather than relying on an old option number.
Include in the request comments
- Permit number
- Inspection type/code
- Job-site contact
- Gate or lockbox code
- Permit-package location
- Safe access details
Stage |
Common COJ inspection examples |
Do not do this |
|---|---|---|
Foundation |
Footing, deep foundation, slab before concrete, fill cell |
Pouring or covering before approval |
Structure |
Framing, open floor framing, tie beam, roof/wall sheathing, rated wall |
Changing approved framing without a revision |
Trades |
Electrical rough/cover-up, plumbing rough/top-out, mechanical rough/pressure test |
Closing walls before all required rough inspections pass |
Roof |
Roofing in progress/dry-in, roof sheathing, final |
Covering deck conditions required for inspection |
Final |
Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire and accessibility finals |
Requesting final while related permits or corrections remain open |
Use DSD Review for Civil Plans, Drainage, Driveways and Site Work
Submission rules
- Submit site-development plans through JAXEPICS.
- Use the latest City Standard Cover Page.
- Plans must be 100% complete—not marked “For Review Only.”
- Registered professionals must sign and seal required plans.
- Contact ReviewGrp@coj.net for a professional profile.
Published review targets
- First review: city target of 30 working days.
- Subsequent review: city target of 15 working days.
- Morning submissions start tracking that day.
- Afternoon submissions start tracking the next working day.
- Check agency completion and comments online.
Check Certificate of Use Before Leasing Commercial Space
COU confirms
- Jacksonville zoning compliance
- Florida Building Code compliance
- Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance
COU may be required for
- New business
- New multi-family residence
- Change of use
- Expanded occupied area
- Additional use
- Ownership/name change with alterations or use change
Converting Use permit
Zoning approval alone does not prove the building has the correct occupancy classification. A different use can require design-professional life-safety plans and building upgrades.
Can a Jacksonville Homeowner Pull the Permit?
Current city eligibility summary
- Primary residence
- Owner’s name on deed
- Property not for sale
- Property not for rent or lease
- Owner appears in person
- Owner accepts supervision responsibility
Where to appear
Building Inspection Division
214 N. Hogan Street, Room 280
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-255-8500
Work must be performed by the homeowner or by licensed/registered contractors subcontracted and supervised by the homeowner.
Find COJ Permit Details, COs and Code Cases
Search the property by address
The city’s service instructions say to use Guest Sign In, then Search for Property by Address.
Open the permit number
The permit number links to the detailed permit record, including status and available reviews or inspections.
Use the CV tab for complaint/violation information
Do not confuse a complaint or violation record with a construction permit.
Contact Archives when digital records are incomplete
Call 904-255-8387 or email BIDArchives@coj.net. Include address, permit number, approximate year and requested document.
Use the Portal Invoice—Not a Generic Permit Calculator
What can change the fee
- Permit and project type
- Floor area, job cost or scope
- Separate electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits
- Plan-review and agency requirements
- Reinspection or correction activity
- Work started before permit
Reliable sequence
- Create the correct permit.
- Enter accurate specs and valuation.
- Complete prerequisite reviews.
- Pay plan-review fee when requested.
- Review final Pending Payment invoice.
- Ask BID about an unexplained line before paying.
Fix Common JAXEPICS and Inspection Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
Permit number exists but nothing is happening |
Status is Not Submitted |
Finish required tabs, upload files and click Submit For Review |
BID review has not started |
DSD, agency, sufficiency or review payment is pending |
Open each agency/comment/payment area and clear the blocking item |
Repeated Return for Corrections |
Wrong folder, incomplete answer or conflicting plan versions |
Use one coordinated revision set and a numbered response narrative |
Cannot request inspection |
Permit is not Active, NOC missing or fee/hold exists |
Check status, upload recorded NOC and clear outstanding fees |
Inspector cannot enter site |
Gate, lockbox or document location was not provided |
Add access details to inspection-request comments |
Permit says Expired |
Work commenced but progress stopped or was abandoned |
Ask BID what reactivation, plans, fees and inspections are required |
Old property record is incomplete |
Archive document is not available online |
Contact BID Archives with address, permit number and approximate year |
Business use is zoned but still rejected |
Occupancy classification or fire/building compliance does not match |
Ask about COU and Converting Use requirements |
What to Say When You Contact COJ
“I am planning [exact work] at [address]. The property is [residential/commercial]. Which permit types, plan folders, zoning reviews and inspections apply before I submit?”
“Permit [number] at [address] shows [status]. Which review, document, fee or agency is preventing the next status?”
“Attached is a numbered response to all comments for permit [number]. Each answer identifies the revised PDF and sheet. Please confirm the revision entered the correct review queue.”
“Permit [number] appears Active or Expired. Which inspections, fees, revisions or certificates are still required for Finalized status?”
Do Not Treat the Project as Finished Until These Are Complete
- Correct jurisdiction confirmed
- Permit status changed to Active before work
- Recorded NOC submitted when required
- Permit and NOC posted on site
- Approved plans available for inspection
- Every required building inspection passed
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical finals passed
- Reinspection fees paid
- Agency conditions completed
- Certificate of Occupancy or Completion printed
- Main permit shows Finalized or Finalized-NIF
- Closeout record saved for owner or buyer
COJ Building Inspection Division Location
Open the Correct Jacksonville Permit Resource
COJ Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for a Jacksonville building permit?
Apply through the official JAXEPICS portal. Online submission is required for all permit types. Complete the required tabs, upload PDFs into the correct folders and click Submit For Review.
What are the COJ Building Inspection Division hours?
The official department page lists Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at 214 North Hogan Street, 2nd Floor, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.
How do I search a Jacksonville permit?
Use JAXEPICS guest or advanced search. Search by permit number when available, or search the property address and open the address-number link, then the permit-number link.
What does Not Submitted mean in JAXEPICS?
A permit number was created, but the application was not sent to the city for review. Complete Location, Contacts and Specs, upload required documents and click Submit For Review.
When may a Notice of Commencement be required?
Jacksonville’s current 2026 residential project checklists state that an NOC is required when total job cost is more than $5,000. Record it with the Clerk, email the recorded copy to BIDDocuments@coj.net and post it before the first inspection.
How do I request a COJ inspection?
Call 904-255-8500 during office hours and follow the current inspection prompt, or use the official online inspection-request option. Have the permit number, inspection type and access details ready.
How much is a failed-inspection reinspection fee?
The official Jacksonville inspections page currently lists a $45 reinspection fee. Outstanding fees must be paid before a final inspection and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion.
Can a homeowner pull a permit in Jacksonville?
A qualifying owner may permit work on a primary residence that is not for sale or lease when the owner is on the deed and appears in person. The owner accepts responsibility for supervision, code compliance and inspections.
Does COJ handle permits in Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach or Baldwin?
Those municipalities maintain separate building and zoning departments. Confirm the actual municipality before using COJ JAXEPICS.
How do I know a Jacksonville permit is closed?
Look for Finalized or Finalized-NIF status. Finalized means required work and inspections are complete; a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion may be available to print. Also confirm related trade permits are closed.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Jacksonville.
This page was rebuilt using the official Building Inspection Division, JAXEPICS, Online Permit Submission, Inspections, Contact, Residential Permits, Checklists and Forms, Site Development Review and Certificate of Use resources.
Last verified: July 22, 2026.
Portal labels, staff, forms, fees and procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive details through the official city portal 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.