Bay Harbor Islands Building Permits & Inspections
The Bay Harbor Building Department search generally leads to the Town of Bay Harbor Islands Building & Zoning Department in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The department handles construction permitting, plan review, building-code enforcement and inspections for properties within the town.
For 2026, applications and inspection requests can be managed through the town’s online permitting system. Below are the official contact details, current fee examples, application steps and inspection times.
Building Department Contact Information
| Official department | Town of Bay Harbor Islands Building & Zoning Department |
| Jurisdiction | Bay Harbor Islands, Miami-Dade County, Florida |
| Office address | 1045 95th Street, Trailer 3, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 |
| Building Department phone | 305-993-1786 |
| buildingdepartment@bayharborislands-fl.gov | |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Building Official | Alexander Garcia |
| Building Department Manager | Ayanidys J. Martinez |
| Official department page | Bay Harbor Islands Building Department |
Office information is based on the town’s published department directory. Older forms may show different office locations; use the current department page before visiting.
Official Permit, Inspection & Form Links
When Is a Building Permit Required?
The town requires permits for most construction activities. Its floodplain guidance also states that development and improvements valued at $100 or more generally require a permit. Even smaller projects should be checked with the department because permit exemptions and work classifications vary.
| Project | What to check before starting |
|---|---|
| New construction or additions | Building plans, zoning approval, structural review and applicable trade permits. |
| Interior renovations | Structural changes, plumbing, electrical or mechanical work and condominium requirements. |
| Roof replacement | Roofing permit, product approvals and required inspections. |
| Windows and exterior doors | Permit, applicable product approvals and town planning or design review. |
| Fences and driveways | Permit classification, setbacks, zoning and exterior-design approval. |
| Electrical, plumbing or HVAC | Separate trade permits and appropriately licensed contractors where required. |
| Swimming pools or demolition | Building and related safety, utility, zoning or site requirements. |
| Exterior painting, signs or awnings | Town Planner and/or Design Review Board approval. |
How to Apply for a Bay Harbor Building Permit
Bay Harbor Islands publishes online permitting instructions through its Citizenserve portal. The portal supports applications, document uploads, payments, inspection requests and permit tracking.
- Confirm the property and permit type. Verify that the job address is within Bay Harbor Islands. Identify whether the work requires a building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing or other permit. Check exterior-design requirements before preparing the application.
- Prepare the 2026 application details. Use the official permit form as a reference. Gather the job address, property folio number, owner information, contractor license number, description of work, project value and square footage.
- Collect supporting documents. Prepare the relevant drawings, specifications, Florida product approvals, contractor insurance, notarized signatures and association authorization where applicable. The department may request additional documents depending on the work.
- Open the official application portal. Visit the town’s online permit page, follow its Citizenserve link, and sign in or register. Select the appropriate permit application and enter the project information.
- Upload documents and submit. Attach the required files, review the property and contractor information, and submit the application. Save the application or process number for later reference.
- Respond to review comments and pay fees. Monitor the application for zoning, building and trade-review comments. Upload corrections when requested and pay the applicable fees through the authorized payment process.
- Receive the approved permit before starting work. Obtain the issued permit and approved documents. Display the required permit card and make approved plans available on-site. Schedule inspections as construction reaches the required stages.
The exact online screens can change. If the application portal or login is unavailable, call 305-993-1786 rather than submitting through an unrelated third-party website.
Documents commonly required
- Completed permit application and required notarized signatures.
- Property and owner information, including the folio number.
- Clear description, estimated cost and scope of work.
- Construction plans, drawings or floor plans as applicable.
- Product approvals, technical specifications and supporting engineering documents where required.
- Contractor licensing and insurance information.
- Condominium or homeowners association approval, if applicable.
- Recorded Notice of Commencement when legally required.
- Separate subcontractor applications for regulated trade work.
The town’s August 2026 form warns that a required Notice of Commencement must be recorded and posted before the first inspection. Confirm whether the notice applies to your project and follow the form’s instructions.
Building Permit Fees in 2026
Bay Harbor Islands adopted updated Building, Planning and Zoning fee schedules through Resolution No. 2555, effective for applications submitted on or after February 11, 2026.
Examples from the published schedule are below. These are base charges or calculation rules, not guaranteed final permit totals.
| Fee category | 2026 published amount |
|---|---|
| New building construction | $150 minimum or 3% of job cost |
| Additions or alterations to existing structures | $150 minimum or 2% of job cost |
| Electrical permit | $150 minimum or 3% of sub-trade job cost |
| Plumbing permit | $150 minimum or 3% of sub-trade job cost |
| Mechanical permit | $150 minimum or 3% of sub-trade job cost |
| Change of contractor | $200 |
| Certificate of Completion | $50 for listed eligible categories |
| Technology fee | 10% of permit fee |
| 180-day permit extension request | $300 or 50% of original permit fee, whichever is greater |
Example: If the town accepts a $10,000 construction value for an alteration subject to the 2% fee, the calculated base permit charge is $200. Other processing fees, surcharges or applicable charges may increase the final amount.
The official resolution also includes application processing charges, demolition fees, inspection-related charges, planning fees, impact fees and other project-specific items. Construction value may be evaluated using verified contract amounts or recognized construction-cost estimates.
Read the complete 2026 Building and Zoning Fee Resolution (PDF).
How to Schedule a Building Inspection
Submit your inspection request at least 24 hours before the requested inspection date. Scheduling remains subject to inspector availability and department confirmation.
Published inspection days and times
| Inspection type | Published availability |
|---|---|
| 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 the department’s published inspection windows, not guaranteed appointment times. Confirm holiday schedules and individual requests.
Information to have ready
- Permit number and complete job-site address.
- Inspection type, such as framing, electrical, plumbing or final building inspection.
- Requested inspection date.
- Contact name and telephone number.
- Site-access instructions, if necessary.
Before the inspector arrives, make sure the work is ready, the approved documents and permit card are available, and the inspector can safely access the work area. Failed or unnecessary repeat inspections may lead to additional fees.
Construction Hours and Local Restrictions
Office hours, inspection hours and permitted construction hours are different.
| Building Department office | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Permitted contractor construction hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Weekends and town-recognized holidays | Contractor work is prohibited under the town’s published construction-hours rules. |
Town Code Section 12-26 provides escalating penalties for construction-hours violations. Published penalties begin at $1,000 for a first violation, with higher penalties and possible stop-work orders for repeated violations.
Do not rely on old application forms for working hours; some historical forms contain outdated schedules. Follow the current town department page.
Contractor Registration and License Requirements
Contractors performing regulated work must meet the town’s applicable registration, licensing and insurance requirements.
The department states that contractor registration itself has no registration fee. Commonly requested documents include:
- Business Tax Receipt.
- Applicable State of Florida contractor license.
- Workers’ compensation insurance or qualifying exemption documentation.
- Liability insurance identifying the Town of Bay Harbor Islands as certificate holder.
- Certificate of Competency and municipal contractor tax receipt, where applicable.
- Company qualifier’s contact information.
The town requires insurance certificates to be emailed directly from the insurance company with supporting coverage information. Registration documents can be submitted through the authorized portal or by following the instructions on the official Contractor Registration page.
Florida contractor licenses can be checked through MyFloridaLicense before hiring or applying.
Building Codes, Zoning and Floodplain Rules
Applicable Florida Building Code
For 2026, the Florida Building Commission identifies the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), effective December 31, 2023, as the adopted code edition, subject to applicable supplements and amendments.
Some older town webpages still reference the 2017 code. Applicants should follow the currently applicable adopted code and verify project-specific requirements with the Building Official.
Florida Building Commission — Official Code Resources
Floodplain and elevation requirements
Bay Harbor Islands lies within a special flood hazard area. Floodplain rules are therefore important for construction, renovation, mechanical equipment installations and substantial improvements.
The town explains that substantial-improvement or substantial-damage thresholds can trigger requirements to bring a building into compliance with applicable flood standards. Its published ordinance guidance also addresses cumulative improvements over a five-year period.
Before major remodeling, replacing low-lying equipment or changing the property’s grade, confirm the applicable base flood elevation, required freeboard, documentation and permit conditions.
The town offers flood-map assistance and access to available elevation certificate information through its Flood and Map Information Services.
Permit Status, Corrections and Final Approval
Check an existing permit
- Open the town’s official online permitting page.
- Access the Citizenserve portal and sign in if required.
- Select the appropriate permit search or permit-management option.
- Use the permit number or available search information.
- Review the permit status, outstanding requirements and inspection results.
If a plan review is marked for corrections, read each comment before resubmitting. Upload revised documents through the authorized process rather than starting a duplicate application unless instructed.
Final inspection and certificate of occupancy
Once the permitted work is complete, request the required final inspections. Depending on the project, the town may require a Certificate of Completion, Certificate of Occupancy or another applicable approval before the space may be used.
The Building Department provides official CO/CC and temporary occupancy application documents in its forms section.
Do not assume a passed trade inspection means the entire project is closed. Verify that all required disciplines and final approvals have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Bay Harbor Building Department located?
The Town of Bay Harbor Islands Building & Zoning Department lists its physical office at 1045 95th Street, Trailer 3, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. Its main telephone number is 305-993-1786.
2. Can I apply for a Bay Harbor building permit online?
Yes. Bay Harbor Islands provides online permit applications through its Citizenserve permitting system. Applicants can upload documents, manage applications, make payments and track permits through the authorized portal.
3. Do I need a permit to replace windows or install a fence?
These projects generally require permit review in Bay Harbor Islands. Exterior modifications may also require Town Planner or Design Review Board approval. Confirm the specific permit and approval requirements before starting work.
4. How much does a building permit cost in 2026?
Fees depend on the project. The February 2026 schedule lists new construction at a $150 minimum or 3% of job cost, and additions or alterations at a $150 minimum or 2% of job cost. Other fees and surcharges may apply.
5. What documents are needed for a building permit?
Typical requirements include a completed application, property details, work description, plans, contractor credentials, applicable product approvals, insurance information and required signatures. Additional documents depend on the project.
6. How do I schedule a building inspection?
Call 305-993-1786 or follow the town’s online inspection instructions. Request the inspection at least 24 hours in advance and provide the permit number, property address, inspection type, requested date and contact information.
7. What days are building and trade inspections available?
Building inspections are listed Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Electrical and plumbing inspections are listed Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon. Mechanical inspections are listed Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
8. Does Bay Harbor Islands charge a contractor registration fee?
No. The town states that contractor registration has no registration fee. Contractors must still satisfy applicable license, insurance and registration requirements before permits are issued.
9. Can construction work take place on weekends?
The town’s published rules prohibit contractor work on Saturdays, Sundays and town-recognized holidays. Regular permissible contractor construction hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
10. Which building code applies in Bay Harbor Islands in 2026?
The applicable statewide adopted code is the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023), with relevant supplements and local requirements. Applicants should confirm project-specific code requirements with the Building Department.
Official Sources and Verification
This guide was researched using the Town of Bay Harbor Islands’ official Building & Zoning Department pages, August 2026 permit application, Resolution No. 2555, inspection and contractor-registration instructions, floodplain resources and Florida Building Commission information. Information reviewed October 9, 2026.
- Town Building & Zoning Department
- Official Inspection Scheduling Information
- August 2026 Permit Application
- February 2026 Fee Resolution
- Florida Building Commission
Independent information notice: USBuilding.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or operated by the Town of Bay Harbor Islands. Permit requirements, fees, office hours and inspection schedules may change. The responsible government agency makes all official permit and inspection decisions.