Bay Harbor Islands Building Permits, Inspections & Office Information
The Town of Bay Harbor Islands Building & Zoning Department handles building permits, construction plan reviews, and inspections for properties within Bay Harbor Islands, Miami-Dade County, Florida. Most regulated construction projects require a permit, and applicants can use the Town’s Citizenserve portal to submit applications, upload documents, make payments, and request inspections.
Need assistance? Call 305-993-1786. For inspections, submit your request at least 24 hours in advance. Exterior alterations may require separate planning or design review before permit approval.
Building Department Contact Information
Building Department Address
The Town’s Building Department page identifies the physical office as 1045 95th Street, Trailer 3, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. The Town’s August 2026 permit application and Miami-Dade County’s September 2026 building-official directory also use 1045 95th Street.
Some other municipal listings still identify 1030 95th Street or the older Government Center location at 9665 Bay Harbor Terrace. Because these official records differ, call 305-993-1786 to confirm the current public counter and entrance before visiting.
Jurisdiction matters: Bay Harbor Islands and nearby Bal Harbour Village have separate municipal building departments. Use the permitting authority responsible for the actual property address, not simply the nearest office.
What Requires a Building Permit?
The Town states that most construction work requires a building permit. Whether a particular project needs one depends on its scope, applicable codes, permit exemptions, and local zoning requirements.
| Project Type | What to Check Before Starting |
|---|---|
| New construction and additions | Building permit, zoning compliance, approved plans, and any required design review. |
| Interior remodeling | Structural changes, plumbing, electrical, mechanical work, and applicable exemptions. |
| Roof replacement | Roofing permit, approved product information, and applicable wind-resistance requirements. |
| Windows and exterior doors | Permit requirements, product approvals, wind-load requirements, and exterior design approval. |
| Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC | Appropriate trade permits, licensed contractors, and required inspections. |
| Fences, driveways, and awnings | Zoning regulations, exterior approvals, site plans, and relevant construction permits. |
| Demolition, pools, and signs | Project-specific permits and any additional agency approvals. |
| Exterior painting | Town Planner and/or Design Review Board approval; ask whether a separate construction permit applies. |
Before purchasing materials or hiring a contractor, give the Building Department your property address and a specific description of the work. Ask whether the project needs a master permit, separate trade permits, zoning approval, or another agency’s authorization.
How to Apply for a Building Permit in Bay Harbor Islands
The Town uses Citizenserve for online construction-related permit services. Prepare your project details and required approvals before starting the application.
- Confirm your permit type and jurisdiction. Check that the property lies within Town limits. Explain the proposed work to the Building Department, particularly if it involves structural changes, exterior alterations, or multiple construction trades.
- Download the current permit application. Open the August 5, 2026 Building Permit Application (PDF). Complete the applicable property, owner, contractor, and project sections.
- Prepare the supporting documents. Gather applicable plans, contractor credentials, product approvals, engineering documents, owner authorization, and zoning or design-review approvals. Requirements vary by project.
- Open the online permit portal. Visit the Bay Harbor Islands Citizenserve Permit Portal. Choose the permit application option and sign in or register when prompted.
- Enter the project information and upload documents. Select the appropriate permit category, provide the job address and project description, attach required files, and submit the application. Save the confirmation or application number.
- Track the review and complete corrections. Check your permit record for comments, requested revisions, and outstanding payments. Respond to plan-review corrections and obtain all necessary approvals before starting regulated construction.
- Complete inspections and final approvals. Keep approved plans and required documents available at the job site. Schedule inspections at the appropriate construction stages and obtain any required certificate of completion or occupancy.
What Information Does the 2026 Application Request?
- Job address, folio number, lot, block, and owner contact information.
- Contracting company, qualifying individual, and license number.
- Specific description of work, estimated construction value, and square footage.
- Permit category: building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, public works, or landscaping.
- Applicable master or sub-permit information.
- Required owner and contractor affidavits, signatures, and notarization.
The application also addresses changes of contractor, revisions, extensions, supplemental permits, reinspections, and permit renewals. Separate permits may be needed for individual trades or components of the project.
Important for property owners: The Town’s application discusses Notice of Commencement requirements and warns about recording and posting obligations before the first inspection. It also states that receiving a building permit does not replace any required condominium or homeowners’ association approval. Confirm the requirements applicable to your specific job.
Bay Harbor Islands Building Permit Fees — 2026
Resolution No. 2555 established an updated Building and Zoning fee schedule for applications submitted on or after February 11, 2026. Permit costs depend on construction value, project classification, additional trades, and applicable charges.
| Fee Category | Published 2026 Rate |
|---|---|
| New construction building permit | $150 minimum or 3% of job cost, as applicable |
| Additions or alterations | $150 minimum or 2% of job cost, as applicable |
| Electrical permit | $150 minimum or 3% of applicable trade job cost |
| Plumbing permit | $150 minimum or 3% of applicable trade job cost |
| Mechanical permit | $150 minimum or 3% of applicable trade job cost |
| Change of contractor | $200 |
| Certificate of Completion | $50 for the specified project categories |
| Technology fee | 10% of permit fee |
These are selected charges from the official schedule, not a complete permit quote. The resolution also addresses nonrefundable processing fees, reviews, certificates, reinspections, extensions, surcharges, and other services. Construction valuation may be evaluated using the verified contract or the applicable published estimating method.
Official fee document: Resolution No. 2555 — Building & Zoning Fee Schedule (PDF).
Before budgeting, request an itemized fee calculation from the department, especially for commercial projects, multiple trades, or major renovations.
How to Schedule a Building Inspection
Bay Harbor Islands allows inspection requests through Citizenserve or by calling 305-993-1786. The official instruction is to schedule the inspection at least 24 hours before the requested date.
- Open the Citizenserve portal and sign in.
- Find the relevant permit and choose the inspection request option.
- Select the appropriate inspection type and requested date.
- Provide the permit number, job address, contact name, and telephone number.
- Confirm that the request was received. Check the permit record for inspection results and any required corrections.
Official Inspection Days and Time Windows
| Inspection Type | Available Days | Published Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Building | Monday–Thursday | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
| Electrical | Tuesday–Thursday | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
| Plumbing | Tuesday–Thursday | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
| Mechanical | Tuesday–Thursday | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
All times are Eastern Time. These are published inspection windows, not guaranteed appointment times. Confirm the scheduled inspection before arranging site access or coordinating contractors.
Before the Inspector Arrives
- Confirm that the inspection has been scheduled for the correct permit and address.
- Make approved plans, permit documents, and required inspection records available.
- Provide safe access to the work that needs to be inspected.
- Complete any previously requested corrections before requesting reinspection.
- Do not conceal work that must be inspected before covering it.
If an inspection fails, review the correction comments, complete the required work, and request another inspection. The 2026 fee schedule includes reinspection charges for certain circumstances, including incomplete corrections, lack of access, and missing permit documents.
Zoning, Exterior Changes & Local Construction Rules
Exterior Alterations May Need Design Approval
The Town requires Town Planner and/or Design Review Board review and approval for exterior modifications. Its published examples include additions, awnings, doors, driveways, fences, exterior paint, signs, and windows.
For these projects, ask about design approval before submitting final construction plans. A project can satisfy building-code requirements and still require separate zoning or design review.
For larger developments, the Town also provides a Development Review Committee application (PDF).
Applicable Florida Building Code
As of October 2026, Florida’s statewide code in effect is the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), effective December 31, 2023, with applicable updates and amendments. The 9th Edition (2026) is part of a separate code-update process and should not be assumed effective merely because the year is 2026.
Bay Harbor Islands is in Miami-Dade County, where high-velocity hurricane-zone requirements can be important for roofing systems, exterior openings, product approvals, and structural design.
The Town’s older online permit instructions still mention the 2017 code. Applicants should use the current code and confirm any project-specific amendments or transition provisions with the Building Official. See the Florida Building Commission for official code information.
Permitted Construction Hours
Under Town Code Section 12-26, the Town publishes these construction restrictions:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Contractor work is not permitted.
- Town-recognized holidays: Contractor work is not permitted.
The Town lists escalating penalties beginning at $1,000 for a first violation, $2,000 and a one-workday stop-work order for a second violation, and higher penalties for further violations. Contractors should confirm any applicable exceptions or authorizations before arranging work outside the normal schedule.
Official Permit Forms & Resources
Use these Town-published documents when preparing applications or resolving permit issues:
- 2026 Building Permit Application: Property, owner, contractor, project, and permit classification details.
- 2026 Fee Schedule: Permit, inspection, review, zoning, and other applicable fees.
- Special Inspector Form: For qualifying work requiring special inspection procedures.
- Development Review Committee: Application and review information for applicable development proposals.
- CO/CC Application: Certificate of Occupancy or Completion form.
- Town Zoning Map: A reference for local zoning districts; verify current zoning before relying on mapped information.
- Building Department Document Library: Additional forms, including roofing, contractor changes, scanned plans, and temporary occupancy certificates.
Form accuracy: Some older documents in the Town’s library retain previous office addresses or references to other municipalities. Confirm that the form is currently accepted before using it, particularly for occupancy certificates or specialized applications.
Permit Search, Corrections & Final Approval
Check an Existing Permit
Open the Citizenserve permit page and select the permit search or existing-permit option. Enter the information requested by the portal. Applicants can also sign in to access their own permit records, payments, and inspection information.
Permit Application Not Moving Forward?
Check for missing signatures, incomplete plans, outstanding zoning approval, review comments, contractor information, or unpaid fees. Contact the department with the permit number and ask which specific items remain unresolved.
Finishing Construction
After the required final inspections pass, determine whether the project needs a Certificate of Completion (CC), Certificate of Occupancy (CO), or another final authorization. Do not occupy a new or altered space when an applicable occupancy approval is still required.
For major remodeling, owners should also review floodplain and substantial-improvement requirements. The Town’s 2026 application includes disclosures concerning work that reaches specified percentages of structural value; the actual legal requirements depend on the project and applicable rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Bay Harbor Islands Building Department located?
The Town’s Building Department page lists 1045 95th Street, Trailer 3, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. Because some official listings show other addresses, call 305-993-1786 before visiting.
2. How do I apply for a building permit in Bay Harbor Islands?
Use the Town’s Citizenserve portal to start a construction-related permit application, upload required documents, and manage payments. Confirm the correct permit category and any zoning approvals before submission.
3. What is the Building Department’s telephone number?
The Building & Zoning Department’s published telephone number is 305-993-1786. The Town lists regular department hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4. How far in advance should I schedule an inspection?
The Town instructs applicants to request inspections at least 24 hours before the requested date. You can submit a request through Citizenserve or call the Building Department.
5. When are building and trade inspections available?
Building inspections are listed Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Electrical and plumbing inspections are Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to noon, while mechanical inspections are Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
6. How much does a building permit cost in 2026?
Under the February 2026 fee schedule, new construction building permits are listed at a $150 minimum or 3% of job cost, as applicable. Alterations, trade permits, processing fees, and other charges may differ. Request an itemized calculation for your project.
7. Do I need approval to replace windows or exterior doors?
Exterior windows and doors are among the modifications for which the Town requires Town Planner and/or Design Review Board review. Applicable building permits and product approvals may also be required.
8. Which Florida Building Code applies in Bay Harbor Islands in 2026?
As of October 2026, Florida’s 8th Edition (2023) Building Code remains the statewide code in effect, subject to applicable updates and amendments. The Town’s older webpage references 2017, so applicants should confirm project-specific requirements using current official code sources.
9. Can I check permit status and inspection results online?
Yes. The Town’s Citizenserve portal provides permit searches and account access to permit records and inspection results. Some account-specific information may require signing in.
10. Is construction allowed on weekends in Bay Harbor Islands?
The Town states that contractor construction work is not permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, or Town-recognized holidays. Published weekday construction hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Official Sources & Verification
Information checked October 9, 2026, using official municipal, county, and state resources. Government rules, addresses, fees, and office procedures can change after verification.
- Town of Bay Harbor Islands — Building & Zoning Department
- Town — Construction Permit Application Instructions
- Town — Official Inspection Scheduling
- Resolution No. 2555 — Effective February 11, 2026
- Miami-Dade County — Building Officials Directory
- Florida Building Commission — Current Code Resources
Independent resource notice: USBuilding.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or operated by the Town of Bay Harbor Islands. Official authorities control permit approvals, inspections, fees, and regulatory decisions.