General Submittals
The Application Portal will provide a step-by-step process for filing the necessary building permit application information and documentation. Read the application carefully, as submitters will be affirming certain actions.
- Online application form – simply fill in the fields
- Upload a detailed scope of work including information specific to materials or equipment to be installed
- Upload drawings, plans, or schematics depicting location, elevation, size, setbacks, etc.
- If provided by an engineer or architect, these must be digitally signed
- If there are multiple pages in a plan set, please upload these together in a single file (disparate documents may be uploaded as separate files)
- Upload subcontractor applications, if applicable
- Upload, if applicable, Product Approvals or Notice of Acceptance with relevant expiration dates. If multiple products are listed, please identify with a check mark the product(s) that will be installed.
- Upload the Product Approval Affidavit form – available in the MGO portal. For multifamily and commercial buildings, this form must be completed and signed by a design professional.
- Pay the permit fee; an invoice will be issued upon receipt of your application. Payment can be made in cash or by check at Town Hall or by credit card or ACH in your MGO portal
A Notice of Commencement is required to be recorded with the Indian River County Clerk of Court prior to the first inspection on projects with a total cost of $5,000 and up. This refers to the aggregate value of the project. For HVAC permits, the threshold is $15,000. Please upload a copy of the recorded Notice of Commencement to the Orchid Building Department prior to scheduling the first inspection.
Please note that the Town must have your up-to-date license and insurance certificate to issue a building permit. The Town requests that your Certificate of Insurance has the Town of Orchid as certificate holder.
For permits pertaining to commercial or multifamily buildings, plans must be approved by Indian River County Fire Safety prior to submittal to Orchid.
Additional Requirements Specific to Type of Work
Please note that some information must be provided at the time the building permit application is submitted, while other items may be required at a different stage of the project. Not all listed items may be necessary on all projects, please contact the Building Department if you have questions specific to your project. The Building Official may require further documentation or clarification depending on your specific project. Feel free to contact the Building Department with any questions.
- Upload the Planning and Zoning Form - available in the MGO Portal
- Upload engineer's certification regarding wind load
- Upload energy calculations
- Upload Compaction Engineering Report
- Upload density report
- Upload form board survey and termite treatment certificate prior to scheduling footing/foundation/slab inspection
- Upload Elevation Certificate - available from FEMA - for "Building Under Construction"
- Upload insulation certificate
- Upload Blower Door Test Certificate - check whether the Testing Agency has provided the Town with a Blower Door and Duct Leakage Approved Testing Agency Affidavit
- Upload final termite treatment certificate
- Upload final survey
- Upload final Elevation Certificate
- Upload Asbestos Notification Statement - available in the MGO Portal
- Upload the Electric Service Change Affidavit - available in the MGO Portal - if applicable, prior to scheduling your appointment with Florida Power and Light.
- Upload engineering detail for underground tank
- For above ground tanks, submit a photo showing the elevation of the house.
- Upload form for Required Information for Gas Permit Application - available in the MGO Portal and below
- Upload drawing/schematic that depicts site placement of tank and/or lines with defined distances to property lines and home.
- Provide location information for air handler
- Upload Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (A.H.R.I.) documents
- Upload Affidavit for In-Attic Equipment - available in the MGO Portal - if applicable, prior to scheduling the final inspection
- Upload drawing/schematic that depicts site placement of slab/pad with defined distances to property lines and home.
- An elevation certificate may be required to be uploaded prior to scheduling the final inspection.
- Upload Pool Notice of Requirements form - available in the MGO Portal
- For roof repairs, upload a schematic, drawing or photo showing the area of repair clearly circled and be prepared to fill in information regarding square footage of total roof and of area of repair
- Nailing and Sheathing Affidavit and required photographic evidence as described on the affidavit:
- The photos must be submitted prior to the dry-in and flashing inspection. This in-person inspection is a requirement! Do not pass beyond the point of dry-in and flashing without obtaining an approved inspection by the Building Official.
- The completed affidavit must be uploaded prior to scheduling the final inspection.
- For installation of windows and/or doors in an existing building, upload a basic floor plan or window schedule on which every opening is identified by a number which corresponds to the numbers on the photographs that will accompany the Affidavit for Window/Door Bucks for Existing Buildings - available in the MGO portal - which must be uploaded in advance of the Window/Door Buck inspection
Other Permits and Approvals
In addition to the requirements of a building permit issued by the Town of Orchid, there may be additional restrictions applicable to a project property that may be found in the public records of Indian River County, and there may be additional permits required from other governmental entities such as water management districts, state agencies, or federal agencies. The Orchid Island Golf & Beach Community Association may also require certain approvals, particularly for any outdoor work.
An issued building permit from the Town of Orchid does not absolve the applicant or property owner from obtaining other required permits or approvals.