09/19/2017
Emergency Work Exempt from Permitting and Emergency Permits
The Mayor of Monroe County has announced that certain work will be temporarily exempt from requiring a permit. County officials are working to help restore local homes and businesses as quickly as possible to a safe condition.
A copy of the official order is available at keysrecovery.org.
Exempt Work in Unincorporated Areas of Monroe County
1) No permit shall be required where imminent danger to life or safety exists or to prevent further property damage caused by the hurricane. Property owners may make necessary repairs to the minimum extent necessary without a permit, however, photographs should be taken before and after the necessary repairs. This exemption is for a period of 60 days from the declared state of emergency.
2) No permit shall be required for any residential work involving the replacement of 300 square feet or less of storm damaged roof. This exemption is for a period of 60 days from the declared state of emergency.
3) No permit shall be required for any work involving the demolition/removal of dry wall, cabinet and vanities, heating/cooling and electrical systems, and floor coverings in flooded structures, and demolition of storm damaged accessory structures or docks, seawalls, and lifts. This exemption is for a period of 90 days from the declared state of emergency.
Emergency Work Permits
Any work that is not exempted shall require an emergency permit. Emergency work permits are for building repairs (this applies to buildings that would normally require a certificate of occupancy) where delay would clearly have placed life or property in imminent danger.
No work will be authorized, emergency repairs or otherwise, to enclosed areas below base flood elevation that is NOT solely used for limited storage, parking or entryways.
All emergency permits are subject to the Monroe County floodplain management regulations (Chapter 122 of the Monroe County Code).
The County is required to inspect all structures to determine whether substantial flood damage has occurred. If emergency permits are issued to a building that is determined to be substantially damaged (cost of repairs exceed 50% of the building value) from flooding by IRMA during this required inspection, the building will later be required to meet floodplain regulations (Chapter 122 of the Monroe County Code). This means the building will be required to be constructed above the minimum required flood elevation to prevent future flooding during time of a disaster.
As soon as the Building Department can open its Key Largo permitting office, the Building Department will review building permit applications and conduct inspection activities for the following emergency permits:
1. Commercial & Residential Roofing
2. Reconnect/Safety Electrical
3. Electric
4. Plumbing
5. Electric/Sewer Tie in
6. Plumbing/Sewer Tie in
7. AC Replacements within the same footprint and above base flood elevation
8. Commercial & Residential Component New/Replace
9. Stairs
10. LP Gas
11. Temporary RV/Emergency Housing
12. Temporary Use/Structure/Tents
13. Gas/Fuel Tanks (Above Ground/In Ground)
14. Foundation & Piling
15. Commercial & Residential Remodel/Repair Exterior/Interior
16. Generator Auxiliary/Building
17. Shutters
18. Demolition of other items outside of the items exempt from permitting
No new permit applications will be accepted, other than items 1-18 above, until further notice to ensure we can focus on restoring homes and businesses as quickly as possible to a safe condition.
The Building, Planning, and Environmental Departments will work with you to restore life safety during this Local State of Emergency. Work on any building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that is being done contrary to the provisions of the Building Code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, shall immediately cease.
