Pompano Beach, FL Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

The city adopted the Florida Building Code in its entirety as Chapter 152 of the Code of Ordinances (§ 152.01), and § 152.03 sets the local procedure for getting a permit under it. The Building Department issues construction permits, defined as written authorization from the Building Official to proceed with construction, alteration, repairs, installation or demolition, listing every contractor authorized to work on the job. Before a permit issues, the applicant must submit plans and specifications for every phase of the project at the same time (per FBC § 104.6.2), sign and notarize the application (per FBC § 104.6), pay the fee set in the chapter's fee schedule, and be deemed a qualified applicant by the Building Official under FBC § 104.6.1.2.

A builder erecting a building as a bare 'shell' consisting of exterior walls, roof and common areas may file permits for that phase separately, but no work on any phase, including tenant or interior build-out, may proceed without its own valid permit once the shell certificate of completion issues under FBC § 106.2. The permit applicant and property owner share joint and several responsibility for compliance under the related debris-mitigation provision, § 152.06(D). A permit is not a substitute for compliance with the Florida Building Code or any other applicable law, and § 152.03(D) makes clear the section cannot be read to repeal or restrict FBC requirements. Under § 152.04, every permit expires according to FBC § 104.9.3's timelines, so an inactive permit can lapse and force a fresh application.