One of the most valuable steps in the permitting process is having the work looked at by someone who knows how it should look. If you are doing the work yourself, then it is another set of eyes checking things out. If you are hiring a contractor to do the work, having it inspected reassures you that the work is meeting the safety requirements established in the Florida building codes.

Most over the counter permits need one or two inspections. Only the more complex projects, such as a home addition, require a number of inspections.

Permits help to protect your family by ensuring the project is done safely and correctly. It can also save you money by catching errors to make sure the project is done right the first time. These inspections also can ease the frustration many homeowners experience during home improvement by eliminating mistakes and preventing extensive rework.

The home inspection process is straight-forward and nothing to fear. There is no need to worry about a surprise inspection. Inspectors only visit when you call and schedule an inspection. When an inspector comes into your home for a permit inspection, they only should be there to look at the specific project that is permitted. They are not supposed to search your home for code violations.

Permit Submission

Permits can be:

• Delivered to City Hall, 327 S. Lakeview Drive, Lake Helen
• Mailed to PO Box 39, Lake Helen, Florida 32744; or
• Emailed to permits@lakehelen.org.

Please bring 2 complete sets of all forms and documents with you (except energy forms – 3 sets required).

Check the status of your permit application.

If you are doing the project yourself

When a project is ready to be inspected you need to request an inspection –

• The inspector will visit your project site and evaluate your work.
• If the work is up to code, the inspector will approve the work.
• If there are required changes, the inspector will give you a list of items that needs to be corrected.
• Once you have completed the list, you need to schedule another inspection where the inspector can verify everything was fixed correctly and approve the work.
• Once the work is approved, the inspector will file your completed permit with the building department, and you are done. Make sure you keep a copy for your records.

If you hire a contractor

Talk to your contractor about scheduling the inspection(s), keeping informed about what is being inspected and when. If interested, let them know you want to be present during these visits.

• The inspector will visit your site and evaluate the work.
• If the work is up to code, the inspector will approve it. If there are changes that need to be made, the inspector will discuss these with the contractor and provide a list of the codes to meet in order for the project to be approved.
• Once the contractor has made the changes, another inspection should be scheduled.
• With each inspection, once the work is approved, the inspector will file your complete inspection with the Building Department. Make sure you get a copy of each permit and inspection approval for your records.