Calling a condominium home is great for people who want their own place but not major upkeep of a detached house. It’s also a great way to live in a highly desirable area with an abundance of amenities without the price tag of a single family home. But what happens when you’re ready to update the interior or start remodeling? You’ll need permission from the HOA (homeowners association) and possibly, permits from the county or city.
What’s the Difference Between HOA Permission and County Permits
When you purchased your condo, you most likely signed a document acknowledging that the HOA controls the changes you can make with your condo. It’s a legally binding document that is referred to as Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Some improvements that do not require a permit from your municipality may still need the approval of your HOA board of directors.
Municipal permits, whether they are city or county, are building permits provided by the local building department. The work needs to be done to current building code and is subject to inspection. According to Section 105 of the Palm Beach County Amendments to the Florida Building Code, most construction-related work requires a permit. Some home improvements may only require a Zoning review and do not need to be inspected. Palm Beach County Building Division also provides a list of various home improvements that do not need to be permitted.
How to Obtain County Permits for Condo Remodeling Projects
You can visit the PZB – Building Division online and gather all the necessary checklists and forms to begin the permitting process. Here you can also find their office locations and contact numbers as well as fees, forms and codes. You’ll be able to track your permit, find approved products and green construction resources.
They also provide a Permit Application list that details what type of work requires which permit . A link is provided for each type of permit and will show you the correct documents to submit.
Getting Permission or Permits to Remodel Your West Palm Beach or Town of Palm Beach Condo
Some municipalities have their own building and permitting departments. North Palm Beach, the City of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Island have strict rules about renovating or remodeling your condominium. Palm Beach homeowners cannot apply for their own permits. Only a licensed contractor that is registered with the city itself can apply for condominium renovation permits. This is stated in the town’s condo renovation plan review requirements.
Choose A Contractor Experienced in Condo Renovation and HOA Requirements
The permitting process can be both a headache and a nightmare for homeowners. The process never seems to be straightforward and the building department isn’t easy to navigate. Occasionally, you’ll even receive different answers depending on who answers the phone that day. You can save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress, confusion and frustration by opting to hire a professional.
Choosing a licensed, general contractor like CMetric Construction can help your project run smoothly and be completed within the approved timeline. Their team is familiar with each municipality’s building department and already knows what documents need to be submitted. They can also provide a proposal for your HOA and help speed the approval process along. Choosing our company is the best choice when you want a streamlined and stress-free condo remodeling project in the Palm Beaches.