City of Alachua Permits and Inspections: Quick Guide
The City of Alachua Building Division handles building permits, construction plan reviews, inspections, building-code enforcement, and certificates of occupancy within its jurisdiction in Alachua, Florida.
To apply for a permit, schedule an inspection, pay a building department fee, or search permit records, use the city’s official BS&A Online permitting portal. For help with a project, call (386) 418-6120.
This guide covers the City of Alachua, not the entire county. Properties in unincorporated Alachua County generally use the Alachua County Building Division. Confirm the property’s jurisdiction before submitting an application, especially if it has an Alachua mailing address but lies outside city limits.
Building Department Contact Information
| Department | City of Alachua Building Division |
|---|---|
| Parent department | Planning & Community Development |
| Building Official | Robert Bitgood |
| Office address | 15100 NW 142nd Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 9, Alachua, FL 32616 |
| Building Division phone | (386) 418-6120 |
| Fax | (386) 418-6130 |
| City Hall hours | Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Confirm Building Division counter availability before visiting. |
| Official website | City of Alachua Building Division |
| Online services | City permit portal |
Official Online Permit and Inspection Services
Start a residential, commercial, or other eligible building permit application.
Open official permit portal →Request an inspection associated with an existing permit.
Inspection scheduling →Look up building permit records, available status information, and inspection history.
Search city records →Access building department invoices and available online payment services.
Building fee payments →These services are provided through BS&A Online, the portal linked by the city. Some transactions require registration or sign-in. Online service availability can vary by permit type.
Which Building Permits Can You Apply For?
Permit requirements depend on the type and extent of construction. The city publishes applications and supporting documents for the following work:
| Project | City document or requirement |
|---|---|
| New homes, additions, major residential alterations | Residential permit application (PDF) |
| Commercial construction and remodeling | Commercial permit application (PDF) |
| Roof replacement, HVAC replacement and certain smaller projects | Same-day permit application (PDF) — eligibility requires confirmation |
| Swimming pools and spas | Swimming Pool/Spa Permit and related safety documentation |
| Demolition and manufactured homes | Separate project-specific application forms |
| Signs and changes of building use | Sign Permit or Change of Use/Occupancy Permit, as applicable |
| Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work | Applicable trade documentation, licenses, and inspections |
For swimming pools, signs, demolition, manufactured homes, electrical affidavits, and other project-specific documents, open the city’s complete Building Department forms library.
How to Apply for a City of Alachua Building Permit
- Confirm the property is inside city limits. Have the street address and parcel number ready. If jurisdiction is uncertain, call the city at (386) 418-6120 before using the portal.
- Check zoning and land-use requirements. New construction, additions, and changes of use may require zoning approval or a Certificate of Land Development Regulations (LDR) Compliance. Contact the city’s Planning Division before preparing extensive plans.
- Prepare the application documents. Choose the correct residential, commercial, same-day, or specialty application. Gather site plans, construction drawings, contractor information, and supporting affidavits required for your project.
- Access the city permit portal. Open City of Alachua BS&A Online, locate Apply for a Permit, and sign in or register when prompted. Select the appropriate permit category and enter the project information. If your project cannot be submitted online, contact the division for the accepted submission method.
- Respond to reviews and pay assessed fees. Check your application for zoning or plan-review comments. Submit corrections or revised drawings as requested. Review the city’s assessed charges and use the authorized payment option.
- Receive approval, complete inspections, and close the permit. Do not begin work requiring an issued permit until authorization is granted. Keep approved plans and permit documents available, request inspections at the required stages, and obtain final approval.
Practical tip: Save your permit number, approved documents, payment receipt, and inspection results together. You may need them when arranging utility service, selling the property, or demonstrating that work received final approval.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Residential projects
The city’s residential application and plan-review checklist identify information such as:
- Property address, parcel number, owner and contractor information.
- Project description, total floor area, and construction valuation information.
- Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, structures, driveway, and stormwater flow.
- Floor plans, elevations, foundation and roof-framing details.
- Applicable energy calculations, mechanical load information, and equipment details.
- Product approvals for regulated windows, doors, roofing, and other building components.
- Flood-zone information, utility verification, and additional engineering where required.
Commercial projects
Commercial applications may need approved site plans, sealed construction drawings, structural calculations, fire-protection details, occupancy and egress information, accessibility provisions, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans. The exact package depends on the proposed occupancy and scope.
For changes of use or occupancy, check planning requirements and any required Alachua County Fire Marshal review before requesting final occupancy approval.
Owner-builder applications
Eligible Florida property owners may qualify to act as their own contractor under limited statutory conditions. The City of Alachua provides an Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement (PDF). It describes direct supervision, personal responsibility, licensing restrictions, and legal and financial obligations. Do not use an owner-builder permit to have an unlicensed contractor supervise the project.
How to Schedule and Check Building Inspections
Inspections are required at applicable stages of construction to verify compliance with approved plans and codes. The city’s commercial and residential application forms instruct applicants to provide 24 hours’ advance notice when ready for inspection.
- Have your permit number, property address, and inspection type ready.
- Open the city BS&A portal and select Schedule an Inspection, or call (386) 418-6120.
- Request the correct inspection before covering or concealing work that requires approval.
- Make sure the work is accessible, approved plans are available, and any required documents are on site.
- Check the recorded inspection result. Correct deficiencies and arrange reinspection if required.
- Request all applicable final inspections to close the permit.
The city’s commercial application instructs applicants to call the day before an inspection and states that specific appointment times cannot be requested. It also requires the permit to remain posted visibly and protected from weather until final sign-off. Confirm current scheduling cutoffs and procedures with the Building Division.
Depending on the project, inspections may include foundation or slab, framing, rough electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, roofing, and final building inspections. Not every project requires every inspection.
Permit Fees, Review Times, and Payment
There is no single permit price for every project. Charges can depend on construction valuation, permit type, plan review, applicable state surcharges, zoning review, and utility-related work.
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Calculated for the specific project and application. |
| Plan-review charges | May apply when construction drawings require technical review. |
| Additional charges | State surcharges, land-development review, utilities, or other applicable items may be assessed. |
| Processing time | Depends on application completeness, workload, required approvals, and corrections. No universal turnaround is confirmed. |
| Payment method | Check the official BS&A portal for an assessed invoice and authorized payment options. |
For a more accurate estimate, provide the Building Division with the project address, permit type, size, proposed scope, and estimated construction value. The planning department’s separate development-application fees should not be mistaken for a universal building-permit fee schedule.
Building Codes and Local Requirements in 2026
For projects reviewed in 2026, the city’s published permit applications reference the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), and City of Alachua ordinances and Land Development Regulations.
The Florida Building Code’s 8th Edition took effect December 31, 2023. The state has also published materials concerning the 9th Edition (2026), but a code’s edition year does not by itself establish its effective date. Confirm the code edition and any applicable supplements or amendments for your actual application date.
- Florida Building Commission — adopted code information
- Florida Building Code resources and supplements
- City Planning — local land-use requirements
Notice of Commencement
A recorded Notice of Commencement may be required under Florida construction lien law. The city’s published permit applications identify thresholds of more than $5,000 in construction value, or more than $15,000 for qualifying HVAC work, and direct applicants to record and post the notice before the first inspection when required. Verify the applicable statutory requirements and any current form changes before relying on those thresholds.
Permit expiration and extensions
City permit forms identify a 180-day commencement or inspection-activity limit. The city’s owner-builder documentation also explains that an approved inspection can extend permit validity. Because activity, extensions, and applicable law can affect expiration, check your permit’s actual deadline in BS&A.
The city publishes a Permit Extension Request (PDF) that requests a 90-day extension and describes limitations. Ask the department about eligibility before your permit expires.
How to Check Permit Status or Resolve Problems
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Cannot find an application | Confirm you selected the City of Alachua in BS&A, not the county. Search by available permit or property information. |
| Permit review is delayed | Check for outstanding corrections, zoning approvals, missing plans, or unpaid charges. |
| Inspection failed | Review recorded comments, correct the work, and schedule reinspection before concealing regulated work. |
| Permit is approaching expiration | Contact the division and review the city’s extension-request process promptly. |
| Final approval not showing | Check whether all required trade and building final inspections are complete. Ask the department whether additional documentation is outstanding. |
| Portal is unavailable | Call (386) 418-6120 for the current application, payment, or scheduling procedure. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the City of Alachua Building Department the same as Alachua County?
No. The City of Alachua has its own Building Division. Alachua County operates a separate Building Division for unincorporated areas and certain other jurisdictions. Confirm which authority covers the property’s location before applying.
2. Can I apply for an Alachua building permit online?
Yes. The city links to BS&A Online, which provides an Apply for a Permit service. Some permit types may require additional documents or staff assistance. Use the city portal and confirm that your permit category is available.
3. What projects require a building permit in Alachua?
New construction, additions, significant alterations, demolition, pools, and various trade projects commonly require permits. Requirements for roofs, sheds, fences, windows, and minor repairs depend on the scope and applicable exemptions. Confirm your project with the city before starting.
4. What documents do I need for a residential building permit?
Typically, you need the residential application, property and contractor details, a site plan, construction drawings, and relevant code-compliance documents. Energy calculations, product approvals, engineering, utility verification, or a Notice of Commencement may also be required.
5. How do I schedule a building inspection in Alachua?
Use the City of Alachua’s BS&A portal and select Schedule an Inspection, or call (386) 418-6120. Published city permit forms instruct applicants to provide 24 hours’ advance notice. Confirm current scheduling cutoffs with the department.
6. How can I check my building permit status?
Open the city’s BS&A portal and select Building Department Record Search. Search using available permit or property details to review published records and inspection information. Contact the Building Division if a record is missing or unclear.
7. How much does a City of Alachua building permit cost?
Fees depend on the project type, valuation, review requirements, and applicable additional charges. No single amount applies to every permit. Request a project-specific estimate from the Building Division or review the assessed invoice in BS&A.
8. Which building code applies in Alachua in 2026?
The city’s published permit applications reference the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), and the 2020 National Electrical Code, together with local ordinances and land-development requirements. Verify applicable supplements and the controlling code edition for your application date.
9. Can homeowners obtain owner-builder permits in Alachua?
Eligible owners may apply under Florida’s owner-builder exemption, subject to legal conditions and direct responsibility for the work. The city requires an Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement where applicable. An owner-builder permit does not authorize unlicensed contractors to supervise the project.
10. How long is an Alachua building permit valid?
The city’s published forms identify a 180-day commencement or inspection-activity period. Approved inspections or authorized extensions may affect the deadline. Check your permit’s actual expiration date and obtain all required final approvals before closing the project.
Official Government Resources
- City of Alachua Building Division — department functions and contacts.
- City of Alachua BS&A Online — applications, inspections, record searches, and payments.
- Building Department Forms — official PDF applications, affidavits, and permit documents.
- Planning & Community Development — zoning and development coordination.
- Florida Building Commission — statewide building-code information.
- Alachua County Building Division — county permitting jurisdiction.
Information reviewed: October 8, 2026. Government forms, codes, fees, contact details, and portal features may change. USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the City of Alachua or Alachua County. Official agencies make all permitting and inspection decisions.