Coral Gables Same Day Permit Program Delivers Faster Review for Qualifying Residential Projects
Coral Gables, FL — The City of Coral Gables is making it easier for residents to move forward with qualifying home improvement projects through its Same Day Permit Program, a pilot initiative offering expedited review at no additional cost.
The program, administered by the city’s Development Services Department, is available for qualifying permit applications submitted before 8 a.m. Applications must have the initial application fees paid to receive same-day review. Applications submitted after 8 a.m. are reviewed by the end of the following business day.
The Same Day Permit Program is intended for smaller residential projects that do not require structural or mechanical review. Qualifying work at single-family residences includes roofing, doors and windows, exterior painting, asphalt driveways and certain kitchen and bathroom renovations.
The program has processed 158 qualifying applications during its first month, with the department completing 295 individual discipline reviews. Of those applications, 65 were approved and 52 permits were issued.
“We want to make the permitting process as straightforward and efficient as possible for residents completing routine home improvement projects,” said Doug Ramirez, acting director of Development Services. “By automatically enrolling qualifying applications in the Same Day Review program, we can provide a faster review without requiring residents to complete any additional steps.”
While the program provides expedited review, same-day review does not guarantee approval or permit issuance. Applications requiring corrections or additional information must be updated before they can be approved.
After all required disciplines have approved an application, the applicant is invoiced for the remaining permit fees. When those fees are paid that day, the permit is automatically issued that evening. Work may begin once the permit has been issued, and the applicant can request the required inspections.
Certain projects are excluded from the program, including work involving historic properties or properties within historic districts, projects using private providers, projects requiring structural or mechanical review and sub-permits filed under a master permit. Kitchen and bathroom renovations involving HVAC work or range hoods requiring outside air or ventilation are also ineligible. Applications may also be removed from the program if a Board of Architects reviewer determines that they cannot be approved administratively.
The Same Day Permit Program is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve permitting services. Applicants can apply for, track and pay for permits online through the city’s Citizen Self Service portal.
For more information on same-day permits, visit the permits page.
