The City of Bonita Springs resumed normal business hours on Monday, Sept. 18. The City of Bonita Springs Community Development Department is helping people seeking permits for recovery repairs and rebuilding. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Please be advised that permitted repair work must be done by a licensed contractor or as an owner builder. All contractors seeking permits must be registered in Florida and/or Lee County and must provide proof of license and liability insurance.
All hurricane related repairs/restoration must be clearly labeled on the application as “Hurricane Related Restoration”
The City of Bonita Springs is currently waiving permitting fees due to Hurricane Irma damage for the following permit types until further notice:
- Residential Roofing (single and multi-family)
- Screen Enclosure
- Shed
- Fence
- Trade Electrical
- Dock and Shoreline (rip-rap and seawall)
Although permit fees are waived, permits and inspections are still required
A FEMA Help Center opens in Bonita Springs. The help center is located at 26738 Pine Avenue in Bonita Springs. The center will be open 10:00am-5:00pm, seven days a week. This schedule is subject to change based on FEMA’s assessment.
The center will serve both Lee County and Collier County. Residents are encouraged to visit the center to meet with FEMA representatives, file applications and ask questions.
Visit www.disasterassistance.gov for more information about the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Additional information:
- Work that does not require a building permit: This includes removal of debris from on or in a structure, minor demolition to prevent injury or further damage to buildings, structural shoring and bracing, replacement of broken windows and door components only (full replacement will require a permit), repair/replacement of soffit and gutters, roof shingle replacement of 1 square of shingles (10 foot by 10 foot or less of shingles), fence repair/replacement (if fence was previously issued certificate of compliance), minor non-structural repairs made to the exterior of structures, repair of minor water leaks that do not involve structural, mechanical or electrical systems.
- Emergency mechanical and electrical repairs: Where equipment replacement or electrical repairs must be made in an emergency situation, a properly licensed contractor may perform the work while onsite and submit a permit application within 48 hours of completing the repairs. Note that power releases and required inspections will not be performed until the work has been permitted.
- Buildings with structural damage: Buildings that require structural repairs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To speed this process, permit applicants should provide photographs of damaged areas to assist City staff in determining what construction documents will be required for permit approval.
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If you have any questions regarding the safety of a structure or if a permit is needed for any damage incurred, please contact the Community Development Department from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday located at 9220 Bonita Beach Road Suite 111 or call (239) 444-6150.
During this emergency permitting period, The City of Bonita Springs Community Development will accept applications for new permits but the review of those permits will not take priority over those seeking permits to repair or rebuild structures due to storm-related damage. Power releases to the utility companies will be done as soon as possible; certificates of occupancy and building inspections will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
Damage Assessment and Description of Colored Tags
The City of Bonita Springs Community Development inspectors, began conducting damage assessments on Wednesday, Sept.13 following Hurricane Irma. The City of Cape Coral building inspectors assisted with assessments on Sept. 14 & 15.
Building inspectors conducted damage assessments to inform property owners about the visible levels of damage to structures to protect resident’s safety and welfare along with guiding recovery efforts. Damage assessment teams will continue to provide assessments in the coming weeks as required and when requested.
Color coded tags are placed on structures that have been assessed. Tag descriptions are below.
RED TAG: Structure was damaged to the extent it is unsafe to occupy. People entering any part of the structure should use extreme caution. A follow up inspection will determine whether or not the structure could be habitable, repairable, or demolished. A building permit will be required to repair the structure. A subsequent demolition order may be issued if the structure is deemed not repairable..
YELLOW or SKY-BLUE TAG: The principal structure or accessory structure (such as a carport, a lanai, etc.) incurred some structural damage. People entering any part of the structure should use extreme caution. A building permit will be required to repair the structure in most cases.
Select this image to view important information relative to Operation Blue Roof. You may qualify for a FREE roof tarp to protect your roof while you wait for repairs.
Select this image to view the latest public information offered by the City of Bonita Springs Communications Director. This is an Adobe PDF document which will be updated regularly.