Choose the Correct Portal, Clear Drainage and Zoning Reviews, and Keep Every Inspection on Track
Port St. Lucie does not use one portal for every construction task. Licensed contractors use the Building E-Permitting Portal, homeowner-builders must apply in person, and driveway, culvert, drainage and right-of-way work can require a separate Public Works permit.
This guide shows exactly where to search property records, which application and checklist to open, what must be uploaded before inspections, how current residential fees work and what to do before a permit reaches its 180-day deadline.
What Do You Need to Do Right Now?
Port St. Lucie Permit Route Finder
Select the closest project to see the most useful first step.
Port St. Lucie Building Department Contact Information
Search Every Permit Record Attached to the Property
Open the City property search
Enter the house number and street name. The City recommends using less information rather than an over-specific search.
Select the Property Key
The Property Key opens the permits connected with that City property record.
Check both address results
The City warns that two addresses may appear: one from the current system and another labeled Legacy Data. Check both records.
Read permit and inspection activity
Look for issuance, open inspections, failed inspections, expiration, final approval and permit type.
Investigate a red address
An address displayed in red can indicate a possible violation or issue. Email Contractor Licensing for details and allow time for a response.
Use lien services for a title or open-permit search
The Building property search is useful research, but the City directs formal title and open-permit searches to its lien-services process.
Choose the Correct Port St. Lucie Permit Package
Project |
Primary application |
Important supporting review |
|---|---|---|
New single-family home or duplex |
Single-Family Residence |
Planning, addressing, drainage, utilities, Public Works, impact fees and trade documents |
Room addition |
Room Addition |
Survey, setbacks, structural plans, energy, electrical, mechanical and plumbing |
Garage conversion |
Garage Conversion |
Parking, zoning, floor elevation, energy, structural opening and trades |
Residential remodel |
Residential Remodel |
Existing/proposed plan, structural work and separate trade permits |
Roof repair or reroof |
Roof Replacement |
Product approvals, roof deck, underlayment and required affidavits |
Windows and exterior doors |
Exterior Door / Window |
Florida product approvals, opening dimensions and in-progress inspection |
Shed, gazebo or detached garage |
Accessory Structure |
Fence/Shed diagram, survey, slab, anchoring, setbacks and utilities |
Fence |
Fence Zoning Permit |
Fence Diagram Tool, location, height, corner visibility and easements |
In-ground pool |
In-Ground Pool |
Public Works drainage, barrier, electrical bonding, equipment and enclosure |
Generator |
Generator Permit |
Site location, electrical, gas, equipment clearances and flood elevation |
Commercial building |
Commercial New Building |
Approved site plan, Public Works, utilities, Fire, accessibility and impact fees |
Change of business use |
Change of Use and Occupancy |
Planning, Business Tax, Fire, accessibility, parking and impact-fee review |
Apply in the Correct Order
Confirm that the property is inside City jurisdiction
A Port St. Lucie mailing address does not always prove City jurisdiction. Check earlier City records or confirm with the department.
Check zoning, setbacks and flood information
Use the City maps to identify the zoning and flood layers, then ask Planning to confirm project-specific setbacks.
Open the current application and checklist
Download a fresh copy from the City. The Building Department specifically advises against using stored or printed old forms.
Complete Public Works or outside approvals
New homes, pools, driveways, culverts, drainage changes and right-of-way work can require a separate Public Works record.
Choose the applicant route
Registered licensed contractors submit through the E-Permitting Portal. Homeowner-builders must personally apply and sign in person.
Upload a complete, coordinated package
Separate digitally signed and sealed plans by trade where instructed. Ensure the owner, contractor, address, square footage and valuation match.
Pay filing and plan-review charges
One- and two-family calculators use living and non-living square footage with current ICC valuation data. Commercial calculations depend on occupancy, construction type and scope.
Answer every review comment
Upload the revised documents and a clear response explaining where each correction was made.
Confirm permit issuance before starting
Keep the issued permit card and approved documents at the site. A submitted or paid application is not automatically an issued permit.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Property and application
- Site address
- Legal description
- Parcel ID
- Owner information
- Contractor information
- Detailed scope and valuation
Construction plans
- Signed and sealed survey
- Site or plot plan
- Architectural plans
- Structural plans
- Energy documents
- Product approvals
Supporting records
- Trade permit applications
- Owner affidavit
- Owner-builder affidavit
- Utility or septic documents
- Notice of Commencement
- Public Works approval
Some Communities Need a Signed and Sealed Site-Drainage Plan
The current single-family checklist identifies the following communities for a design-professional site-drainage plan at permit submittal:
- Vikings Landing
- Vikings Lookout
- Sawgrass Lakes
- Osprey Ridge
- South River Shores
- Bay St. Lucie
- Charleston Oaks
- Kitching Cove
- Lake Lucie Estates
Who Should Pull the Permit?
Licensed contractor
- Must hold the correct Florida license.
- Must remain registered with the City.
- Can register as a Computer Member for online permitting.
- Can apply, upload revisions and manage inspections online.
- Must maintain current liability and workers’ compensation documents.
Homeowner-builder
- Must personally apply in person.
- Must sign and notarize the required affidavit.
- Must provide direct onsite supervision.
- Cannot use an unlicensed person as the hidden contractor.
- Must show the property is for the owner’s use and occupancy.
The owner-builder affidavit warns that permits expire after 180 days without a passed inspection.
Verify the Contractor and the Permit
Before signing
- Verify the DBPR license
- Search the City contractor record
- Get a written scope
- Confirm payment schedule
- Check insurance
- Keep copies of every document
Before work begins
- Permit is formally issued
- Job address is correct
- Contractor name matches
- Scope matches the contract
- Required NOC is recorded
- Permit card is posted
Port St. Lucie Residential Permit Fee Examples
Permit |
Counter or standard fee |
Published online fee |
Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
A/C changeout |
$86 |
$72 |
Virtual inspection may be available. |
Water-heater replacement |
$86 |
$72 |
Virtual inspection may be available. |
Shingle reroof |
$175 |
$160 |
Inspection documents and roof-stage inspections apply. |
Metal or tile reroof |
$250 |
$235 |
Product and installation documents may be required. |
In-ground pool |
$550 |
$535 |
Deck, barrier, enclosure, heater and trade fees can be separate. |
Pool enclosure |
$200 |
$185 |
Pool and electrical permits are not included automatically. |
Residential renovation |
$150 |
Not listed |
Subpermit fees can apply. |
Room addition up to 200 sq. ft. |
$250 |
$235 |
Trade, mobility and impact fees can apply. |
Room addition 201–400 sq. ft. |
$350 |
$335 |
Trade, mobility and impact fees can apply. |
Prefabricated shed |
$65 |
$55 |
Slab permit is excluded. |
Site-built shed |
$150 |
$135 |
Slab, structure, zoning and anchoring apply. |
Screen-roof enclosure |
$200 |
$185 |
Separate slab or electrical work can add fees. |
Solar photovoltaic system |
$250 |
$235 |
Electrical and structural review applies. |
Permit extension or renewal |
$25 |
Submit through upload portal |
Request before expiration while the permit is in good standing. |
State surcharges
BCAIB/BIC: 1.5% of the permit fee, with a $2 minimum.
DBPR/FBC: 1% of the permit fee, with a $2 minimum.
Electronic payment fee
The Building Department states that a 2.35% third-party service fee applies to online and over-the-counter electronic payments.
New-home calculation
Single-family building and plan-review fees use living and non-living square footage with current ICC valuation data.
The calculator states that its new-home fee includes A/C, electrical, plumbing and insulation subpermits.
New Homes and Duplexes Can Carry Major Impact and Mobility Fees
Single-family City charges
- Public building: $565.50
- Police: $347
- Parks: $2,356
- Mobility: Per square foot based on location east of I-95, southwest of I-95 or northwest of I-95
County impact categories
- Education
- Library
- County buildings
- Fire and EMS
- Law enforcement
- Parks and roads
Schedule the Correct Inspection Before Work Is Covered
How to schedule
- Open the contractor permit or public scheduling page.
- Enter the permit number and three-digit PIN when using public scheduling.
- Select the required inspection.
- Add gate, lockbox and access details.
- Choose the desired business day.
- Submit the inspection request.
What must be available
- Permit card
- Approved plans
- Product approvals
- Manufacturer specifications
- Recorded NOC when required
- Adult representative for access
Which Inspections Can Be Completed by Video?
A/C changeout
Eligible for the City’s current virtual-inspection program.
Water-heater changeout
Eligible when the installation can be shown clearly through the approved video platform.
Pool heater
Eligible for virtual inspection under the current published list.
Virtual-inspection preparation
- Schedule at least one business day ahead
- Select a one-hour slot from 7:30 AM–3:30 PM
- Install FaceTime or WhatsApp
- Provide phone number and platform
- Keep the installation accessible
- Answer within two inspector attempts
Inspection Codes You May See in the Permit Record
Inspection |
Alpha code |
Numeric code |
Use |
|---|---|---|---|
Footing, foundation or slab |
FOOT |
4000 |
Before concrete or required concealment |
Framing |
FRAM |
4200 |
After required rough trades are ready |
Electrical rough |
R-ELER |
3100 |
Before wiring is concealed |
Mechanical rough |
R-MECR |
5201 |
Before ducts and mechanical work are covered |
Plumbing rough |
R-PLUR |
6300 |
Before piping is concealed |
Roof deck re-nailing |
RFRN |
6807 |
Before underlayment covers required attachment |
Roof underlayment and flashing |
RDRY |
6802 |
Before final roof covering conceals the work |
In-progress roof |
IPRI |
6804 |
When the approved roof assembly requires progress verification |
In-progress window or door |
IPWD |
4204 |
Before installation details are covered |
Pool steel |
POOL |
6400 |
Before pool reinforcement is covered |
Pool barrier |
BARR |
1451 |
Safety enclosure and access-control approval |
Final building |
FINL |
3400 |
After all applicable work and supporting finals are complete |
Record and Upload the NOC Before Requesting Inspections
Where to record
St. Lucie County Clerk South County Annex
250 NW Country Club Drive
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
The Clerk’s main Fort Pierce office is also listed by the City.
City processing steps
- Record the NOC with the Clerk when required.
- Obtain the recorded copy.
- Upload it through the City Document Upload portal.
- Allow approximately 24 hours for City processing.
- Confirm it is accepted before scheduling the inspection.
Driveways, Culverts, Swales and Right-of-Way Work
Public Works can control
- New-home lot permits
- Driveway modifications
- Culvert replacement
- Pool drainage
- Swale grading
- Right-of-way work
Before touching the driveway
- Submit the driveway-modification application.
- Provide the site plan and dimensions.
- Allow Public Works to inspect the culvert condition.
- Wait for approval before removing the existing driveway.
- Complete required final grading and drainage.
Use the City Diagram Tool Before Filing
Fence application
The fence record is a zoning permit. Prepare the property address, legal description, owner, contractor, fence type, valuation and placement diagram.
Check visibility at corners, utility easements, gates and waterfront or canal conditions before purchasing materials.
Accessory structure
Show the exact shed, gazebo, pavilion or detached-garage location, dimensions, slab, anchoring, setbacks and utility connections.
A prefabricated structure can still require City approval before delivery or installation.
Check the Flood Layer Before Repairing or Expanding
Locate the flood zone
Use the City’s interactive flood map and FEMA map service to identify the mapped flood hazard.
Substantial improvement
The City flood-variance material explains that a project reaching 50% of the existing building value is treated as substantial improvement.
Storm damage
Contact Building after flood or storm damage before removing structural components or beginning permanent repairs.
A Building Permit Usually Comes After Site-Plan Approval
Planning and Zoning
Confirms allowed use, site plan, parking, landscape, concurrency and development conditions.
Public Works and Utilities
Reviews driveways, roadway improvements, drainage, discharge, parking layout and utility service.
Building and Fire
Reviews construction, occupancy, accessibility, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas and life-safety requirements.
Protect the Permit From Abandonment or Expiration
Application deadline
A permit application is considered abandoned when no action is taken within 180 days of filing, unless it has been actively pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued.
Permit activity
The City’s owner-builder material states that permits expire after 180 days without a passed inspection.
Written extension
The Building Official may approve one or more written extensions of up to 90 days each when justifiable cause is demonstrated.
Check the permit’s current status
Search the permit, last passed inspection and expiration risk before submitting an extension.
Complete the extension form
Explain the scope, original issue date, last approved inspection, reason and estimated additional time.
Submit before expiration
The form states that the permit must be in good standing. Upload the completed request through the Document Upload Portal.
Pay the $25 fee promptly
If approved, the extension form requires the fee to be paid within seven business days of notification or the extension becomes void.
What the Permit Status Usually Means
Fix Port St. Lucie Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Property search shows two addresses |
Current and legacy City records |
Open both Property Keys and compare all permits. |
Address appears in red |
Possible violation or unresolved issue |
Email Contractor Licensing and allow time for research. |
Contractor cannot submit online |
Computer Member account or licensing documents are incomplete |
Submit the registration form and current credentials. |
Upload page rejects a new application |
Document Upload is for an existing permit number and PIN |
Use the Contractor Portal for the new application. |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
NOC not processed, permit inactive or wrong PIN |
Verify status, upload the NOC and allow processing time. |
Public Works final fails |
Drainage, grading, swale or driveway differs from approval |
Request a site review before making another change. |
Application is nearing 180 days |
Corrections or project delays remain unresolved |
Submit a written extension request before abandonment. |
Permit already expired |
No passed inspection within the activity period |
Ask whether a new current-code permit or demolition permit is required. |
What to Say When You Contact the City
“I am planning [exact work] at [address], parcel [number]. Can you confirm the building, zoning, Public Works, utility and trade permits required?”
“The property search shows [two addresses/a red address/an open permit]. Can you identify the unresolved record and the department responsible for clearing it?”
“Permit [number] is ready for [inspection]. The permit card, approved plans, product approvals and NOC are available, and an adult will provide access.”
“Permit [number] was issued on [date], and the last passed inspection was [date/type]. Is it still in good standing for a written extension?”
Port St. Lucie Permit Completion Checklist
- City jurisdiction confirmed
- Current and legacy permits searched
- Zoning and setbacks verified
- Flood layer checked
- Correct application and checklist used
- Public Works approval completed
- Contractor or owner-builder route confirmed
- Permit formally issued and posted
- NOC uploaded and processed
- Work inspected before concealment
- Building, trade and Public Works finals passed
- Completed permit record saved
Port St. Lucie Building Department Map
Open the Correct Port St. Lucie Resource
Port St. Lucie Building Permit FAQs
Where is the Port St. Lucie Building Department?
The Building Department is in City Hall Building B at 121 SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34984. The permitting phone number is 772-871-5132.
What are the Building Department lobby hours?
The lobby is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday lobby hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. General department hours and drive-through hours are different.
Where can I search permits on a property?
Use the City’s Property Search. Select the Property Key and check both the current address record and any Legacy Data address that appears.
Can a homeowner apply for a permit online?
Homeowner-builder permits must be applied for in person. The owner must personally appear, sign the permit application and satisfy the City’s owner-builder requirements.
How do licensed contractors apply?
Registered licensed contractors use the Contractor E-Permitting Portal. The qualifier must complete the City’s online-permitting registration and maintain current licensing and insurance documents.
How do I schedule an inspection?
Use the contractor profile or enter the permit number and three-digit PIN on the public Schedule Inspection page. Inspections scheduled before midnight are listed for the following business day, subject to City scheduling.
Which permits qualify for virtual inspection?
The City currently lists A/C changeouts, water-heater changeouts and pool heaters. Virtual inspections use FaceTime or WhatsApp and are offered in one-hour time slots from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
When must the Notice of Commencement be submitted?
Record the NOC with the St. Lucie County Clerk when required, then upload the recorded copy to the City permit file. The City advises allowing 24 hours for processing before scheduling an inspection.
How long is a permit application active?
A permit application can be considered abandoned after 180 days without action. Written extensions of up to 90 days may be granted for justifiable cause.
What happens when an issued permit expires?
The City states that a permit expires after 180 days without a passed inspection. Once it becomes null and void, the City may require a new current-code permit or a demolition permit to remove the unapproved construction.
Source and Update Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Port St. Lucie. Applications, fees, plan-review decisions, inspections, records and enforcement must be handled through the City or the responsible outside agency.
This page was rebuilt using the current Port St. Lucie Building Department, Building Online Services, Property Search, Contractor E-Permitting Portal, inspection instructions, Planning and Zoning, Public Works, contractor-compliance requirements, residential fee schedule and impact-fee schedule effective June 30, 2026.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Forms, fees, impact charges, code editions, staff, portal functions and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements before filing, paying or beginning construction.
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.