Lake County, FL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 6-3(a) of the Lake County Code makes clear that anyone who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to install electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work, must first apply for and obtain a permit from the Building Official before starting. The permit holder must then notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection and keep the site accessible, per § 6-3(b). Lake County enforces this chapter through the Office of Building Services and, where violations occur, through the code enforcement process in Chapter 8, acting under authority granted by Chapters 489, 162, 455, 775 and 286, Florida Statutes (§ 6-2).

Not every project needs a permit. 2), Lake County exempts a defined list of minor residential work: one-story detached accessory structures such as tool sheds, pergolas, gazebos or playhouses up to 120 square feet built by the owner; retaining walls two feet or less in height; slabs-on-grade of 400 square feet or less with no future structure planned; water tanks up to 5,000 gallons; owner-built freestanding decks up to 30 inches high and 120 square feet; accessibility ramps; flagpoles 25 feet or less; sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; and wood, vinyl or chain-link fences six feet or less (masonry fences four feet or less). 5). 4).