Apply, Upload Plans, Schedule Inspections and Close a Martin County Permit Correctly
Start with the exact task—not a generic permit explanation. This guide helps you confirm jurisdiction, choose the correct record, prepare Martin County forms, submit through Accela, answer Digital Plan Room comments and complete inspections.
It also explains the issues that commonly stop local projects: owner-builder appearance rules, floodplain review, Florida Product Approvals, zoning setbacks, septic or utility coordination, Notice of Commencement requirements and unfinished permit records.
The steps apply to unincorporated Martin County. A Stuart, Indiantown or other municipal mailing address does not automatically prove that the county is the permitting authority.
Choose the Exact Martin County Task
Martin County Building Department Contacts
Martin County or a Municipal Building Department?
Use Martin County Accela when
- The property is in unincorporated Martin County.
- The Martin County property and zoning tools recognize the parcel.
- The permit history appears under the MARTINCO Accela portal.
Verify first when
- The mailing address says Stuart, Indiantown or another municipality.
- The parcel is close to a municipal boundary.
- You are researching an older permit issued before a boundary change.
Does the Martin County Under-$7,500 Exemption Apply?
Project condition |
Possible result |
Required next action |
|---|---|---|
Single-family property with nonstructural work below $7,500 |
May qualify |
Submit the county exemption request, signed contract or quote and required property documents. |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas work |
Not exempt |
Apply for the applicable regulated-trade permit. |
Roofing, windows, exterior doors, shed, elevated deck or load-bearing work |
Structural permit required |
Use the normal building-permit checklist and application. |
Property partly or fully inside a flood-hazard area |
Not eligible |
Submit the project for building and floodplain review. |
Fence or exterior footprint |
Extra documents |
Include a survey or plot plan; fences also require the applicable compliance affidavit. |
One project divided into smaller contracts |
Prohibited |
Submit the complete scope and full combined value. |
Current charge
$100 total
$75 exemption-waiver fee plus $25 plan-review fee.
Required proof
Provide a signed contract or official quote showing the scope and final project price.
After approval
Exempt work is not inspected by Building Department staff. The owner and contractor remain responsible for code and zoning compliance.
Match the Project to the Correct Permit Route
Project |
Start with |
Local requirement to check |
|---|---|---|
New home or commercial building |
Full building application |
Zoning, site plan, drainage, utilities, septic, fire, flood and impact fees |
Room addition or structural remodel |
Addition/remodel checklist |
Survey, setbacks, structural plans, energy forms and all affected trades |
Roof replacement or roof repair |
Roof permit |
Product approvals, roof forms, deck attachment and flood review |
Windows, exterior doors or garage door |
Building permit |
Florida Product Approvals, design pressure, opening size and virtual-inspection eligibility |
A/C, water heater, electrical or plumbing work |
Trade permit |
Licensed contractor, equipment information and related building work |
Fence, gate, shed, carport or accessory structure |
Project-specific checklist |
Survey, setbacks, easements, anchoring, drainage and flood zone |
Pool or spa |
Pool permit package |
Survey, barrier, electrical, zoning, septic and flood requirements |
Dock, boatlift, piling or seawall |
Marine-structure checklist |
Environmental, waterfront, engineering and outside agency approvals |
Commercial tenant improvement or use change |
Commercial alteration |
Zoning use, occupancy, fire, accessibility, parking and impact fees |
Complete or partial demolition |
Demolition permit |
Utilities, asbestos responsibility, septic, environmental and site restoration |
Apply Through Accela in Eight Clear Steps
Confirm jurisdiction, address and parcel
Verify that Martin County is the correct permitting authority. Save the street address, parcel ID, legal owner and subdivision information.
Open the exact project checklist
Martin County publishes different requirements for additions, roofing, windows, generators, pools, docks, mobile homes and many other projects.
Check zoning, flood and site restrictions
Confirm setbacks, use, flood-zone conditions, septic or sewer service, easements and environmental requirements before finalizing the design.
Create or sign in to the Accela account
Registration is required to create a Building, Fire or Growth Management application. Public record searches do not require an account.
Enter one complete project scope
Describe what will be built, removed, relocated or replaced. Include dimensions, use, construction value and every affected trade.
Upload coordinated plans and support files
The ePermitHub Digital Plan Room is integrated with Accela. Follow its document standards, digital-signature checks and required attachment types.
Read every plan-review issue
Open the Digital Plan Room comments, revise the correct sheets and clearly respond to each issue. Confirm that revised files were accepted.
Pay fees and wait for formal issuance
Pay through Accela, clear contractor or outside-agency conditions and download the issued permit and approved documents.
Make Electronic Plan Review Easier
Before the first upload
- Use searchable PDF files
- Keep page orientation consistent
- Use clear sheet titles
- Apply valid digital signatures
- Remove password protection
- Confirm every page opens
When comments arrive
- Read every issue
- Identify changed sheets
- Keep revision dates consistent
- Upload the requested files
- Explain each correction
- Verify successful submission
Prepare These Items Before Opening the Application
Property and applicant
- Street address
- Parcel ID or folio
- Legal owner name
- Applicant contact
- Contractor information
- Detailed project value
Plans and products
- Survey or plot plan
- Site plan
- Floor plans and elevations
- Structural details
- Energy-code forms
- Florida Product Approvals
Related approvals
- Zoning confirmation
- Floodplain documents
- Septic or sewer approval
- Environmental approval
- Fire review if required
- Owner-builder documents
What Common Martin County Projects Usually Need
Project |
Helpful documents |
Question to answer first |
|---|---|---|
Roof replacement |
Roof checklist, product approvals, assembly data and applicable affidavits |
Does floodplain or structural repair work expand the scope? |
Window, door or garage-door replacement |
Opening schedule, product approvals, design-pressure form and installation details |
Are any openings being enlarged or structurally altered? |
Addition or detached structure |
Survey, site plan, setbacks, grading, structural plans and energy forms |
Do flood, septic, easement or environmental limits affect placement? |
Pool or spa |
Survey, pool plan, barrier information, electrical plans and equipment data |
Does the location conflict with septic, setbacks or flood requirements? |
Generator |
Generator checklist, site plan, anchoring, gas/electrical details and equipment specifications |
Must the generator and servicing equipment be elevated above flood level? |
Dock, boatlift or seawall |
Survey, structural/marine plans, environmental approvals and waterfront information |
Which county, state or federal waterway approvals apply? |
Commercial alteration |
Code analysis, occupant load, accessibility, fire/life-safety and MEP plans |
Does the proposed use change zoning, parking, fire or impact-fee requirements? |
Owner-Builder Applications Require an In-Person First Step
What Martin County requires
- Personally appear at the Building Department.
- Bring acceptable photo identification.
- Sign the Building Permit Application before department staff.
- Sign the Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement before department staff.
- Complete later transactions electronically after this requirement is satisfied.
Who does not qualify
- A trust, LLC or corporation does not qualify for owner-builder status.
- An owner cannot use the exemption merely to help an unlicensed contractor control the project.
- The owner must provide direct, on-site supervision.
- Regulated workers must hold the licenses required for their work.
Clear the NOC Requirement Before the First Inspection
Why it matters
The county NOC form warns that a required Notice of Commencement must be recorded and posted at the job site before the first inspection.
Failure to handle the document correctly can also create construction-lien and payment risk.
What to verify
- Correct permit and property information
- Owner and contractor names
- General description of work
- Recording certification
- Expiration date
- Copy available at the job site
Schedule Online, by Text or Through VuSpex
Accela scheduling
Log in, select Building → Schedule an Inspection, open the permit and choose the pending or available inspection type.
Text-message scheduling
Text 202-937-0892 with the action word, permit number, exact inspection name and optional requested date.
Use Schedule/Create, Reschedule/Update, Cancel/Unschedule or Status/View/Result.
VuSpex virtual inspection
Current virtual options include A/C, garage door, water heater, windows and doors.
Have available
- Issued permit
- Approved plans
- Recorded NOC when required
- Florida Product Approvals
- Manufacturer instructions
- Prior inspection corrections
Make the site ready
- Correct stage complete
- Work remains visible
- Safe access provided
- Address clearly displayed
- Gates and rooms accessible
- Contact person available
Martin County Building Permit Fee Examples
Construction value |
Building fee |
Plan review |
Inspections |
|---|---|---|---|
Under $25,000 |
$75 |
$25 |
$75 each |
$25,001–$50,000 |
$100 |
$100 |
$75 each |
$50,001–$150,000 |
$250 |
$200 |
$75 each |
$150,001–$500,000 |
0.20% |
0.20% |
$75 each |
$500,001 and above |
0.20% |
0.18% |
$75 each |
Exemption request
$100 total
$75 waiver plus $25 plan review.
Master-plan lot setup
$300
Late revision pages
$100 per page
After the second submittal.
Orange Data record search
$75 each
Separate from ordinary emailed building-file requests.
Resolve These Martin County Issues Before Final Plans
Zoning
Confirm the zoning district, future land use, permitted use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking and accessory-structure rules.
Floodplain
Almost all permitted development in unincorporated Martin County receives floodplain review. Special Flood Hazard Area projects can require additional certificates.
Flood elevation
New or substantially improved structures in a Special Flood Hazard Area generally must place the lowest finished floor and servicing equipment at least one foot above Base Flood Elevation.
Five-year 50% rule
For older noncompliant structures in a flood hazard area, Martin County evaluates cumulative improvement value over a five-year period.
Trees and clearing
Tree removal, landscape changes and clearing can require environmental or land-clearing review before the building permit is issued.
Septic and utilities
Confirm septic approval, sewer availability, water service, easements and utility clearances before locating a new structure or addition.
Fire review
Commercial, multifamily, hazardous-material, alarm, suppression and other regulated projects may require Martin County Fire Prevention review.
Wind and products
Current county forms reference the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code and require product and wind information for covered building-envelope components.
Verify the Contractor Before the Permit Is Filed
Florida license
Confirm that the state license is active and covers the exact work in the contract.
Martin County authorization
Use the county’s licensed-contractor search to verify that the company is authorized to work locally.
Payment protection
Use a written contract, avoid cash payments to individuals and do not make final payment until the permit is properly closed.
What Common Accela Statuses Mean
Find Permit Status, Old Plans, Surveys and Blueprints
Search by complete record number
Use Accela’s Building search. A complete permit number is normally more accurate than an owner-name search.
Search by house number and street
The county says public users can search without logging in. Try the base property address when a unit number returns no result.
Open the entire permit record
Review status, inspections, fees, professionals, attachments and related departmental applications.
Request unavailable plans or permit files
The Building Department accepts requests for blueprints, surveys, site plans, building plans and permit files.
Choose the delivery method
The county says emailed documents are provided without charge. A disk costs $1, while paper-copy fees depend on the document size and quantity.
Fix Common Martin County Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Address not found |
Wrong jurisdiction, address format or parcel mismatch |
Verify the parcel with the Property Appraiser before creating another record. |
Owner-builder application cannot be completed online |
Personal appearance and staff-witnessed signatures are required |
Visit 900 SE Ruhnke Street with photo identification and both forms. |
Digital Plan Room rejects files |
Signature, format, security or document-standard problem |
Review ePermitHub standards and upload a corrected readable PDF. |
Plan review keeps returning |
A comment was missed or revised sheets conflict |
Use a numbered response and coordinate every affected sheet. |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Permit not issued, NOC missing, hold exists or inspection is unavailable |
Open the permit record, read all conditions and contact inspection staff. |
Exemption request is incomplete |
Missing contract, quote, survey, fence affidavit or fee |
Submit every item listed on the two-page application. |
Generator or equipment location rejected |
Setback, clearance, anchoring or flood-elevation problem |
Revise the site plan and equipment data before resubmitting. |
Permit remains open after construction |
Missing final, trade permit, certificate, fee or correction |
Request a discipline-by-discipline closeout list using the permit number. |
What to Say When Contacting the Department
“I am planning to [exact work] at [full address and parcel ID]. Can you confirm whether Martin County is the correct jurisdiction, which application and checklist apply, and whether zoning, flood, septic, environmental or fire review is required?”
“Permit [number] has comments from [discipline]. I uploaded revised sheet [number] and a response to issue [number]. Can you confirm whether another document or review still blocks approval?”
“Permit [number] is issued. I need inspection [exact name] at [address] on [date]. The NOC, approved plans and product documents are available, and the work is uncovered and ready.”
“Permit [number] at [address] does not appear closed. Which inspection, fee, certificate, correction or related trade permit is still outstanding?”
Do Not Mark the Project Finished Until These Are Complete
- Correct jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct application selected
- Zoning and flood reviews cleared
- Plans accepted in Digital Plan Room
- Contractor or owner-builder verified
- All permit fees paid
- Permit formally issued
- NOC recorded and posted when required
- Approved documents available on site
- Every inspection passed
- Related trade permits closed
- Final certificate or closure proof saved
Martin County Building Department Map
Open the Correct Martin County Resource
Martin County Building Permit Questions
Where do I apply for a Martin County building permit?
Use Martin County’s Accela Citizen Access portal. Register or sign in, select the Building application that matches the project, complete the required fields and upload documents through the integrated Digital Plan Room.
Can I search Martin County permits without an account?
Yes. Martin County says public users can search permit status without logging in. Use Advanced Search, select Search Records or Applications, choose Building and search by record number, address or contractor.
Are all Martin County permit applications online-only?
No. The county accepts permit submissions electronically and at the permit counter. Qualifying owner-builders must personally appear at the Building Department to sign the application and disclosure before staff. Later transactions can be handled electronically.
Does every project under $7,500 avoid a permit?
No. Beginning July 1, 2026, only certain nonstructural work at an eligible single-family residence may qualify. Flood-hazard properties and electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas or structural work are excluded. Submit the written exemption request and wait for approval.
How much does the Martin County permit-exemption request cost?
The current application lists a $100 total charge: a $75 permit-exemption waiver fee and a $25 plan-review fee. The request also requires project and cost documentation.
How do I schedule a Martin County inspection?
Log in to Accela, select Building, choose Schedule an Inspection, open the permit and select the pending or available inspection. The county also accepts properly formatted inspection text requests at 202-937-0892.
Which Martin County permits qualify for VuSpex virtual inspection?
The current county page lists air-conditioning, garage-door, water-heater, window and door permits. Contractors and owner-builders need a device with a camera, a reliable signal and the VuSpex GO app.
Does an owner-builder have to visit the Building Department?
Yes. Martin County requires owner-builder applicants to personally appear with photo identification and sign both the Building Permit Application and Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement before department staff.
How do I request old plans or blueprints?
Search Accela first, then use the county building-record request page for blueprints, site plans, surveys, building plans or permit files. Martin County says emailed documents are provided without charge, while paper and disk options may have fees.
What flood requirements can affect a Martin County permit?
Almost all permitted development in unincorporated Martin County receives floodplain review. New or substantially improved structures in a Special Flood Hazard Area may need elevation, floodproofing, V-zone or engineered-opening documents and a finished Elevation Certificate before final approval.
Independent Guide Using Current Martin County Resources
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Martin County government.
This page was rebuilt using current Martin County Building Department, Accela, Digital Plan Room, permit-checklist, owner-builder, inspection, VuSpex, zoning, floodplain, contractor, record-request and July 1, 2026 fee and permit-exemption resources.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Forms, fees, exemptions, staff assignments, inspection options and code requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive information with the Martin County Building Department before paying, ordering final plans 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.