Emergency Permitting Procedures

Office Hours and Location Information

Office Location: 1500 Monroe St, Fort Myers FL, 33901
Office Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm (Monday-Friday)

Permitting Information

Phase II of the Disaster Recovery procedures extends permitting, review, and inspection services to all Record Types regardless of damage, while ensuring those with hurricane damage are given priority.

Please review the Phase II Disaster Recovery Permitting Requirements and the Guides and Forms webpage for information about Permitting Requirements by Record Type. 

Work Not Requiring a Permit

  • Removal of debris from on or inside a structure.
  • Minor demolition to prevent injury or prevent further damage to buildings.
  • Structural shoring and bracing.
  • Replacement of broken glass within existing framing for windows and doors.
  • Repair/Replacement of soffit and gutters.
  • Roof Shingle replacement of 1 square of shingles (10ft x 10ft area, or less).
  • Minor non-structural repairs made to the exterior of structures.
  • Repair of minor water leaks (attributed to plumbing, i.e., drain cleaning and rodding, and the repair or replacement of existing faucets, fill valves, flushometers and similar fixture trim and fittings) that do not involve structural, mechanical, or electrical systems. 

  • Previously permitted fences destroyed due to the storm may be re-installed, like for like, in the exact same location, except for fences used as a pool enclosure. Pool enclosure fence replacements must be reviewed for compliance with pool safety requirements.  

The FEMA 50% Rule is still in effect and will be enforced during review.  Please click here for more details.

Contractors are encouraged to continue applying online via eConnect/ACA. 

Owner Builders may apply online or in person at the Permitting Office. All Owner Builders must appear in person to sign applicable documents for permit issuance. Please contact the Permitting Department with any questions at eConnect@leegov.com or 239-533-8329. 

Expired Permits/Permits Due to Expire

Existing Permitting Records (all Record Types) that have an Expiration Date of 8/30/2023 - 12/30/2023 will be auto-extended, with a new Expiration Date of 12/31/2023. 

These procedures are designed to facilitate permitting during a major catastrophic event. These procedures may be subject to change, without notice, depending on circumstances which may occur during recovering from the catastrophic event.

Contractor Licensing Information

Click here for detailed information.  

Inspections Information

All inspections are being accepted at this time, with priority being given to Hurricane related repairs. 

It will be the responsibility of the Contractor or Owner-Builder to request the required inspections, based on the approved scope of work. The use of an approved Private Provider Inspection firm to perform the necessary inspections and provide inspection reports to the Lee County Building Inspections Office by email at inspections@leegov.com is acceptable. 

Inspections can be scheduled via eConnect/ACA or by Phone (IVR) at 239-533-8997.

Inspections must be scheduled by 5:00pm for next business day inspections. We are temporarily suspending same-day inspection scheduling. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will Phase II last? 
Until further notice. Updates will be provided on this webpage as they become available. 
How long will it take for my permit to be issued? 
The Permitting Department is processing applications as quickly as possible, in the order in which applications are received, with priority being given to hurricane related repairs. 
Do I need a Fence Permit to replace my fence that was damaged due to the storm? 
Previously permitting fences destroyed due to the storm may be re-installed, like for like, in the exact same location, without a permit. (Commercial and Residential Fences)
What types of Payments are being accepted?

We are currently waiving fees for Temporary Housing and Demolition Permits related to hurricane damage. All other permits will have fees assessed normally. This may change, so please continue checking our website for updates. 

What should I do about my existing Permit or Permit Application, now that I have Hurricane Damage also? 
If the additional damage still relates to the existing Record Type, a Revision will be required to describe the additional scope of work, allowing the Permit to be deemed hurricane damage related.

If the additional damage exceeds the scope of the existing Record Type, you must re-apply with the correct Record Type. The original Permit or Permit Application will be voided, allowing the new Permit Application, covering all work, to be issued. 
 - Example: Individual Trade Permit was issued (i.e. Roof, Electrical, A/C, Plumbing, etc.), but you now have interior drywall damage, or require multiple Trade Permits. You would now need a Remodel Permit. 
What if I have structural damage? 
Please refer to the Phase II Disaster Recovery Permitting Requirements  for information. Also, the Guides and Forms webpage is a helpful tool for non-hurricane related submittals and detailed information about additional documents that might be required based on the Record Type. 
What if my record has expired or is expiring soon? 
Existing Permitting Records (all Record Types) that have an Expiration Date of 8/30/2023 - 12/30/2023 will be auto-extended, with a new Expiration Date of 12/31/2023. 
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