Account, Portal & Visit US
Can you help me navigate the Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal step by step?
If you need assistance with the CSS portal, please call 305-460-5245.
I cannot access my account or receive the verification code. Can you unlock my account?
Staff does not have access to unlock accounts or reset passwords. You must use the forgot password tool to reset your password or unlock your account. If you need assistance with the CSS portal, please call 305-460-5245.
Where is the Development Services Department located, and what are your hours?
Development Services is located at 427 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
Main phone: 305-460-5245 | Email: DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com
- Building Division: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Planning & Zoning: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.– 5 p.m.
- Code Enforcement: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. –7 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.
The office is not open to the public on weekends, except for Code Enforcement. Check live wait times before visiting at Development Services Wait Time.
Inspections
What is the status of my inspection?
You may check the status of your inspection by browsing our Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal. Click on Today’s Inspections and enter your relevant search information in the search box.
When will the inspector arrive for my inspection?
You may check your place in line by browsing our Inspection Queue Tracker available at the link below. Inspection Queue Tracker
Where is my inspector currently?
You may check your inspector's daily progress by browsing our Inspection Queue Tracker available at the link below. Inspection Queue Tracker
What do I need to have ready for my inspection?
Requirements vary by inspection type, but in general you should:
- Have a copy of your approved permit and approved plan set on site and accessible.
- Ensure the work area is visible and accessible to the inspector.
- Have a ladder available if the inspection requires elevated access.
- Have someone present who is familiar with the work.
How do I cancel my inspection?
Cancellations must be handled by calling our office at 305-460-5245. Please call as early as possible. Same-day cancellations may not be possible once the inspector has already built and started their route for the day.
Can you schedule an inspection for me?
You can schedule your inspection by utilizing the self-service portal linked below. After logging in, if you are a contact on the permit, you can browse to the permit and request inspections from the inspection tab. Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal
I don't see the inspection I need in my permit. Can you add it?
If a required inspection is missing from your permit record, please call 305-460-5245 and ask for the Chief Inspector for your trade (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical).
I don't need this inspection, but it is blocking my permit. Can you remove it?
Removal of an inspection requires review and approval by the Chief Plan Reviewer for your discipline. Please call 305-460-5245 and ask to speak with the appropriate Chief Plan Reviewer:
- Chief Plan Reviewer — Building: 305-569-1844
- Chief Plan Reviewer — Electrical: 305-460-5256
- Chief Plan Reviewer — Plumbing: 305-460-5259
- Chief Plan Reviewer — Mechanical: 305-460-5243
Please have your permit number ready when you call.
Permits
What is the status of my permit?
Your permit status is available 24/7 through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal. Search by your permit number. If you need help interpreting a status, call 305-460-5245 during Building Division hours.
How long will it take for my permit to enter review after I upload my documents?
After all required documents are uploaded to the CSS portal, most permits enter review within 2 to 3 business days. You will receive a notification when your permit enters active review. If you have not received an update within that window, email DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com with your permit number.
What permits do I need to apply for?
For a complete list of permit categories and what each requires, start with the Permit Requirements Guide at Permit Requirements Guide. If after reviewing the guide you are still unsure which permit applies to your project, visit us in person during Building Division hours or contact our Development Services Ambassador at 305-460-5245.
What are the prerequisites for a permit, and what documents do I need to upload?
Requirements vary by permit type. Start with the Permit Requirements Guide for the full checklist for your specific permit. All documents must follow the Electronic Submittal Guide. If you have any questions, please contact our Development Services Ambassador at 305-460-5245.
Can the city change the address on my permit application?
Email DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com with your permit number, the correct address, and supporting documentation such as a property deed. Staff will review and process the correction.
Can the city revise the description of my permit?
Email DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com with your permit number and the requested change, and staff will advise you on the right path.
My approved plan set is missing sheets or files. How can I get them?
Email DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com with your permit number and the names of the specific files or sheets that are missing. Staff can verify what was approved and provide missing documents or advise next steps. For permit records prior to 2021, a public records request may be required. Submit public records requests at Coral Gables Public Records or email publicrecords@coralgables.com.
What do the reviewer's comments mean, and where can I find them?
Reviewer comments are posted in the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal under your permit record in the Reviews section. Corrections are also emailed to you directly. If the comment is unclear, you are welcome to visit during office hours. Public meeting hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with the following exceptions:
- Historic: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Public Works and Certificate of Use: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (all day)
- Inspectors: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. only
- Board of Architects: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Monday through Wednesday and Friday only — not available Thursdays (BOA public meeting day)
No appointment is needed. If you have any questions, please contact our Development Services Ambassador at 305-460-5245.
How do I cancel my permit if no work was performed?
If your permit has been issued, you will need to submit a cancellation request via the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal. You will have to schedule an inspection and provide the inspector access to the project area before your request is reviewed to confirm no work has been done. If your permit was never issued, you may simply email DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com.
How do I submit a recorded easement, plan set, or other required documents?
All permit documents are submitted digitally through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal under your permit record. Follow the Electronic Submittal Guide for sheet naming conventions, trusted agencies for digital signatures, and upload instructions. If you need help with an upload, call 305-460-5245 or email DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com.
How do I request certified plans or submit a public records request?
Public records requests can be submitted online at Coral Gables Public Records or by emailing publicrecords@coralgables.com. For certified copies of plans, contact our office or submit a public records request.
How can I speak with a plan reviewer?
Contact reviewers through our main line at 305-460-5245. You can also email DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com with the reviewer's name and your permit number.
How can I contact a specific inspector?
Your inspector's contact details can be found on the Inspection Queue Tracker. You may also call our main line at 305-460-5245.
What are the plan reviewers' office hours?
We offer office hours for plan reviewers. General office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with the following exceptions:
- Historic: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Public Works and Certificate of Use: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (all day)
- Inspectors: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. only
- Board of Architects: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Monday through Wednesday and Friday only — not available Thursdays (BOA public meeting day)
No appointment is needed. Bring your permit number and any questions in writing. If you have any questions, please contact our Development Services Ambassador at 305-460-5245.
Do I need a permit to perform this work?
Permit requirements vary based on the specific scope and details of the work and should not be assumed without review. Please refer to the Permit Requirements Guide for complete information and contact our office at 305-460-5245 if you have any questions before starting work.
Can I install or place this item on my property (pool, fence, generator, etc.)?
Your first step is to contact our Planning & Zoning Division at 305-460-5245, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will review your request and walk you through everything required to move your project forward. You are also welcome to visit us in person at 427 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
My permit has been in review for a long time with no update. What is happening?
If your permit has been in review longer than expected with no contact, email DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com with your permit number and request a status update.
I got reviewer comments on my permit. How do I respond and resubmit?
You must address all reviewer comments in writing by uploading a narrative response with your reworked plans. The narrative response and reworked plans must be uploaded to your permit via the CSS portal. Please review the Electronic Submittal Guide, linked below. Electronic Submittal Guide
I need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Completion (CC). How do I get one?
To request a CO or CC, email the CO/CC Request Form to DevelopmentServices@coralgables.com. Before submitting, make sure: all required inspections show Passed in the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal; there are no pending sub-permits under your master permit; all fees including the CO/CC certificate fee are paid in full. Once your request is received and confirmed, the certificate will be signed by the Building Official and uploaded to your permit record. A hard copy will also be available for pickup at our office at 427 Biltmore Way.
My contractor pulled the permit, but I have now changed contractors. What do I do?
If your permit has already been issued, a contractor change application must be submitted under the sub-records of the existing permit through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal. This can be submitted by the owner, the applicant, or the new contractor. If your permit has not yet been issued, simply submit a brand-new application with the new contractor. The new contractor must be registered with the City. Call 305-460-5245 if you need assistance.
How do I upload corrections or rework documents to my permit?
Corrections and rework documents are uploaded through the CSS portal under your permit record, following the same Electronic Submittal Guide used for the original submission.
What sub-permits will I need after my master permit is issued?
When your master permit is reviewed, our reviewers will add any required sub-permits to your application. Sub-permits may be applied for after your master permit has been issued.
What inspections are likely required for my permit type?
The required inspections for your permit will be shown in your permit record in the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal once your reviewer has completed the permit setup. For a general idea of minimum required inspections by permit type before your permit is in the system, refer to the Permit Requirements Guide.
What approvals will my permit need before it can be issued?
Permit requirements can be found in the Permit Requirements Guide, linked below.
How do I submit shop drawings?
Shop drawings are submitted as sub-records under your master permit. You may submit your shop drawing application on the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal
Do I need a permit to paint the exterior of my house or building?
Yes. All exterior paint projects require Board of Architects (BOA) approval. For commercial properties, both a BOA application and a Building permit application are required. For residential properties, a BOA application is required. In either case, your application must specify which areas of the building are being painted and the exact color, including the paint manufacturer's reference code, color description, and color number, along with color photographs of the entire building and color swab samples of the proposed colors.
What permits do I need to install a generator?
Generator installation requires an Electrical permit. If the generator is gas-powered, a Plumbing Gas sub-permit is also required. Because generators are exterior equipment, they may require Board of Architects review depending on the specific installation. Apply for your permit, and the City will advise during the review process if Board of Architects approval is required. Refer to the Permit Requirements Guide or contact 305-460-5245 for project-specific guidance.
Do I need Board of Architects approval for my project?
Please contact the Board of Architects directly for information regarding your project requirements. You may reach them at 305-460-5245 or by email at building@coralgables.com.
I am buying a property and need to verify that all permits are properly closed out.
Please contact our Records Department at 305-460-5210 or at publicrecords@coralgables.com for assistance with permit history and status. You may also submit a public records request at New Public Records Request.
Code & Complaints
I received a code violation. What permit do I need to apply for?
The permit required depends on the type of work cited in your violation. If you are unsure, contact our Code Enforcement team at 305-441-5777.
I received a code violation. How can I speak with the Code Enforcement officer?
Code Enforcement can be reached at the hotline 305-441-5777. Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.
My neighbor is doing work. Do they have a permit?
You can search by property address at any time through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal. If you believe unpermitted work is taking place, file a Code Enforcement complaint at Submit Complaint - Suspected Code Violation or call the Code Enforcement hotline at 305-441-5777.
My neighbor is building close to the property line. What can I do?
Please contact the City’s Code Enforcement Division at 305-441-5777.
Business & Contractors
Can I conduct this activity (outdoor dining, food truck, hand out flyers, etc.)?
Commercial activities on private property or within the public right-of-way are regulated by the City’s Planning & Zoning Division. Applicants are encouraged to contact staff prior to initiating any activity to confirm applicable requirements and approvals.
Please note the following general regulations in Coral Gables:
- Food trucks are not permitted.
- Soliciting, distribution of flyers, and attention-getting devices are prohibited.
- Outdoor seating on private property requires review and approval by the Board of Architects, Concurrency, DERM/FOG, and Fire.
- Sidewalk cafés and any use of the public right-of-way require Public Works approval in addition to the above.
For assistance specific to your project:
- Outdoor seating on private property: Contact Zoning Reviewer Lead at 305-460-5254.
- Outdoor seating within the public right-of-way / Sidewalk Café Permits: Contact Principal Planner at 305-460-5215. Additional information is available at: https://www.coralgables.com/faqs-sidewalk-cafe-permits
- New businesses or changes to an existing business (Certificates of Use): Contact Certificate of Use Plan Coordinator Assistant at 305-460-5269.
Planning & Zoning staff will confirm the requirements applicable to your specific situation and guide you through the appropriate process.
How do I obtain my local Business Tax Receipt (BTR)?
A Business Tax Receipt is required for most businesses operating within Coral Gables city limits. For information on starting a business in Coral Gables, please visit Starting a Business in Coral Gables. To apply or for any questions regarding your Business Tax Receipt, contact our Business Tax team by email at localbusinesstax@coralgables.com or by phone at 305-460-5296. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How do I register as a contractor with the City?
You must first register for an account on the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal. After which, you may submit your documents using the Provide or Update Contractor Documents application.