Each county in the ARROW region handles land-use planning and development permitting differently.
On this page you will find contact information and/or web links for each county, along with information about the process of comprehensive land-use planning.
County offices and their phone numbers, as well as county procedures and regulations are subject to change.
Please consider this information as a starting point, not as the final word.
Calhoun County
-
Who do I contact if I want to build a home in Calhoun County?
A development permit issued by the Calhoun County Planning and Zoning Department is required before the building permit can be issued. Take the development permit to the Calhoun County Building Department to apply for your building permit.
-
How do I contact that department?
Planning Department: call the Calhoun County Courthouse at (850) 674-4545
Building Department: (850) 674-8046.
-
What information will I need to submit to get development and building permits? How much does it cost to apply for permits?
Call the Planning & Zoning Department or Building Department.
-
How long does the process usually take before I can start building my home?
Call the Building Department.
-
What other permits might I need?
Call the Building Department.
-
How will I know what other developments might be taking place in my area?
Call the Planning Department.
-
How do the requirements differ for commercial developments?
Call the Building Department.
-
Is this information available on the Internet?
No
-
Is planning information available on the Internet?
No
-
When and where do the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission meet to consider these planning issues?
The Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the courthouse.
The Planning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. (one hour prior to the County Commission meeting) and is also held on the 2nd floor of the courthouse.
Franklin County
-
Who do I contact if I want to build a home in Franklin County?
Call the Franklin County Planning and Building Department for construction information in Franklin County and the City of Carrabelle.
-
How do I contact that department?
Franklin County Planning and Building Department, 34 Forbes Street, Suite #1, Apalachicola, FL 32320
(850) 653-9783
-
What information will I need to submit to get development and building permits? How much does it cost to apply for permits?
You will need: two complete sets of building plans; a valid septic tank permit or letter of service from the local sewer district; a survey; Florida Energy Code Form; site plan; Portalet and Culvert Agreements; Notice of Commencement; and a list of all subcontractors you plan to hire. Additional permits are needed if the building will be near the coast, on an island, or near a wetland. Please contact the Planning and Building Department for these and other special requirements and for fee information.
-
How long does the process usually take before I can start building my home?
If an applicant has all the necessary paperwork, a building permit for a house can be issued in a few days. However, if a house is being built in an environmentally sensitive area, or seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line, then a permit can take much longer to obtain because there will be additional review for such areas.
-
What other permits might I need?
Special permits are needed if the building will be near the coast, on an island, or near a wetland or if you plan to build a dock. Please contact the Planning and Building Department for these and other special requirements.
-
How will I know what other developments might be taking place in my area?
Contact the Planning and Building Department.
-
How do the requirements differ for commercial developments?
In addition to the information and permits required for a residential permit, a commercial building permit requires: a commercial review process; a topographical survey; stormwater permit; a fire safety review; and plans for food service establishments. The instructions for obtaining a commercial building permit can be found on Franklin County's website at www.franklincountyflorida.com (under Planning and Building Department--Building Permits/Online Forms) or by calling the Planning and Building Department at (850) 653-9783.
-
Is this information available on the Internet?
The Franklin County website has printable applications and forms on the Internet, as well as land use regulations and instructions sheets for obtaining permits. The website address is
www.franklincountyflorida.com. This site also includes information on zoning, contractor licensing and minutes/agendas for Planning and Zoning and Board of Adjustment meetings.
-
Is planning information available on the Internet?
The Comprehensive Plan is not on the Internet. The county is in the process of getting the land development regulations on the Internet.
-
When and where do the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission meet?
The Franklin County Board of County Commission meets at 9 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Franklin County Courthouse at 33 Market Street Apalachicola, Florida. Contact the County Commission office at 850/653-8861, Ext. 100.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Franklin County Courthouse Annex. Contact the Planning and Building Department at (850) 653-9783.
Gadsden County
-
Who do I contact if I want to build a home in Gadsden County?
Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to pick up a permit application package.
Contact the Gadsden County Building Inspection Division about applying for building permits in the unincorporated areas of Gadsden County and in the city limits of Chattahoochee, Midway, Havana, and Greensboro. In Quincy, contact the Building and Planning Department.
-
How do I contact those departments?
Gadsden County Planning and Zoning
5 East Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL 32351
(850) 875-8663
For all Gadsden County locations (except Quincy):
Gadsden County Building Inspection Division
9 E. Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL 32351
(850) 875-8665
For Quincy:
Building & Planning Director
City Hall, 404 W. Jefferson St., Quincy, FL 32351-2328
(850) 627-7681 ext. 226 // Fax (850)-875-3733
-
What information will I need to submit to get development and building permits? How much does it cost to apply for permits?
The Gadsden County Planning and Zoning office's permit package lists the requirements. A $50 application fee is required.
In Quincy, contact the Building and Planning Department for a permit requirements or visit their website for printable applications and other permitting information (www.myquincy.net/Residentialpermitrequirements.pdf).
-
How long does the process usually take before I can start building my home?
Once all the paperwork has been forwarded to the Building Inspections Division, it usually takes between 5 and 20 days to issue the permit.
-
What other permits might I need?
A septic system permit and the Planning and Zoning permit are required before the Building Inspections Division can proceed.
-
How will I know what other development might be taking place in my area?
The Gadsden County Planning and Zoning Department can provide this information. The department reviews all current planning projects in the county. It also helps to implement and update the Land Development Codes and the Comprehensive plan. The county Land Use Map is available online at www.gadsdengov.net.
-
How do the requirements differ for commercial developments?
Additional requirements for commercial developments include site plans for parking, flood letters, septic tank permits, and several other documents.
-
Is this information available on the Internet?
The county website (www.gadsdengov.net) has printable building permit applications for one- and two-family dwellings, as well as for commercial buildings, along with lists of the paperwork you must submit with the application. For the fee schedule, see www.gadsdengov.net/Building_inspections.htm.
-
Is planning information available on the Internet?
The Gadsden County website contains the Land Development Code Documents and Comprehensive Plan Elements (www.gadsdengov.net) in the Planning and Zoning section under “Forms and Documents.” The Planning and Zoning Department also provides support necessary to complete the required Evaluation and Appraisal Report.
-
When and where do the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission meet?
County Commission meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6 pm at the courthouse (4 E. Jefferson Street in Quincy). Call (850) 875-8650.
Planning Commission meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the 1st Wednesday of the month in the County Commission Room across from the County Courthouse in Quincy. Notices for monthly and special meetings are posted in the local paper. Call (850) 875-8663.
Gulf County
-
1) Who do I contact if I want to build a home in Gulf County?
The Gulf County Planning & Building Department
-
How do I contact that department?
Gulf County Planning & Building Department
1000 Costin Blvd., Rm. 303, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
(850) 229-8944 // Fax (850) 229-7873
-
What information will I need to submit to get development and building permits?
A Development Permit Application must be submitted to the Gulf County Planning & Building Department before a building permit can be issued. Once the Development Permit Application is approved, you must fill out a building permit application and provide the following: Owner's contact information, legal description of the property, property tax reference number, septic tank permit or copy of sewer tap receipt, plot plan, EPI form, two copies of plans and specifications for review, and a 911 address.
See “Requirements for Issuance of Building Permits” (www.gulfcountygovernment.com/onlineforms.html.)
-
How long does the process usually take before I can start building my home?
Allow about one or two weeks for plan reviews.
-
What other permits might I need?
Proof of license is required if the applicant is a contractor. A D.O.T. Access permit is required if the house fronts on a state highway. The grade elevation is required if the house is to be located in a flood zone. All plans within 5000 feet of the coast must be sealed by a Florida registered architect or engineer. All plans over 2,000 square feet must be sealed by a Florida registered architect or engineer. Other permits required include temporary power pole permit, electrical permit, plumbing permit, mechanical permit, and metal roof permit (if applicable).
-
How will I know what other development might be taking place in my area?
Contact the Planning Department.
-
How do the requirements differ for commercial developments?
In addition to the requirements for a residential permit (see #3 above), the commercial permit application requires two copies of the site plan (drawn, signed, and sealed by a registered architect or engineer). The site plan must indicate buffer zones with location of vegetation and type of vegetation, the location of appropriate off-street parking areas, handicapped parking spaces, loading and unloading parking spaces if applicable, traffic circulation details with physical separation from roadways, space for non-motorized vehicles, and location of stormwater facilities (if applicable). Also required are the Florida DEP Stormwater Discharge Permit, DOT Connection Permit, certification of public water supply, design drawings of signs with size and location, and Fire Marshall approval.
-
Is this information available on the Internet?
No
-
Is planning information available on the Internet?
No
-
When and where do the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission meet?
The Board of County Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the County Commission Meeting Room of the Robert M. Moore Administration Building, Gulf County Courthouse Complex, Port St. Joe.
Special meetings may be scheduled at other times. Check the county website or the front of the Courthouse 24 hours in advance of the meeting date and time. Call the County Commission office at (850) 229-6106.
Any person wishing to speak at a board meeting or make a presentation must call the Clerk's Office by 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday prior to a meeting. Call (850) 229-6112 to be placed on the agenda.
The Planning Development Review Board meets the third Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the County Commission Meeting Room of the Robert M. Moore Administration Building, Gulf County Courthouse Complex, Port St. Joe.
Jackson County
-
Who do I contact if I want to build a home in Jackson County?
Submit an application to the Jackson County Community Development Department. There is a $5 fee for a Residential Development Order. The application is reviewed by the Planning Department. If the home is being built within the city limits, a development order must be obtained from City Hall.
Once approved, the residential development order application is then forwarded to the Building Department Permit Desk.
An application for a septic system permit must then be obtained from the Environmental Health Office. For existing septic tanks, a sewer tap receipt or copy of sewer tank approval is required.
The applicant must then submit a building permit application to the Building Department.
-
How do I contact those departments?
Jackson County Community Development/Planning (850) 482-9637
Environmental Health Department (850) 482-9227
Jackson County Building Department
(850) 482-9802 or 482-9805 // Fax (850) 718-0029
E-mail: permitting@earthlink.net
www.jacksoncountyfl.com/frameset1.html
All permitting offices are located at 4487 Lafayette Street in Marianna
-
What information will I need to submit to get development and building permits? How much does it cost to apply for permits?
All residential building projects require two complete sets of building plans and construction details (electrical, plumbing, square footage, etc.);
a Residential Development Order application with Site Plan Sketch;
Driveway Permit Application, as necessary;
the Residential Development Order fee of $5.00;
a Septic System Permit application;
a Florida Energy Efficiency Form (which must be signed by preparer, owner, or contractor);
if necessary to qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program, an elevation certificate from a registered land surveyor indicating the lowest floor elevation required;
a Building or Mobile Home Set-Up Permit application; and
a copy of the recorded deed to property and legal description.
If the applicant is not the property owner, then submit a copy of the property owner's recorded deed (including the legal description) and
a copy of the lease from the owner or a letter authorizing residential use of the property.
-
How long does the process usually take before I can start building my home?
The Community Development Department has five working days to complete review of Residential Development Orders. Reviews are often completed within 48 hours of submission. The application is then forwarded to the Building Department.
The Building Department requires a minimum of three working days to review plans. The permit will be issued after the complete application is filed. Plan review will not begin until a development order has been issued, if one is required.
-
What other permits might I need?
Check with the Community Development Department at (850) 482-9637.
-
How will I know what other development might be taking place in my area?
Jackson County does not use traditional zoning. The County relies on the policies stated in the Future Land Use Element (FLUE) of its Comprehensive Plan and the land use categories defined in it. The FLUE includes a Future Land Use Map, which shows the location and distribution of land use categories. These land use categories and associated policies determine what development is appropriate for a specific parcel of land.
-
How do the requirements differ for commercial developments?
Additional requirements for commercial and multi-family projects are:
1. Site plans, which must be prepared by an engineer. They should indicate stormwater retention and treatment, parking area layout, traffic flow, etc.
2. Fire Marshall Review. The site plan will be reviewed for compliance with the Life Safety Code, which costs 3 cents per square foot. This fee will is assessed only on commercial/industrial buildings.
3. Building Plans - Three sets of plans are required.
Please contact the Community Development Department for other requirements.
-
Is this information available on the Internet?
The Jackson County Community Development Department's website has information on the permit application process, fee schedules, housing grant information and links to other websites, as well as printable applications (www.jacksoncountyfl.com/frameset1.html.)
-
Is planning information available on the Internet?
Jackson County's Comprehensive Plan is at www.jacksoncounty-fl.com/comprehensive_plan.html.
-
When and where do the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission meet?
The Board of County Commissioners meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. and on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Board Room at 2864 Madison Street, Marianna.
The Jackson County Planning Board meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 pm. in the Board of County Commissioners Board Room at 2864 Madison Street, Marianna.
Liberty County
-
Who do I contact if I want to build a home in Liberty County?
The Liberty County Building Department
P.O. Box 399, Bristol, FL 32321
(850) 643-5463
-
What information will I need to submit to get development and building permits?
Plans from an architect and a legal description of the property
-
How long does the process usually take before I can start building my home?
The process usually takes four to ten days.
-
What other permits might I need?
A Septic System Permit from the Health Department
-
How will I know what other development might be taking place in my area?
Ask the Building Department.
-
How do the requirements differ for commercial developments?
Plans must be brought before the Liberty County Board of County Commissioners and the Local LPA.
-
Is this information available on the Internet?
No.
-
Is planning information available on the Internet?
No.
-
When and where do the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission meet?
County Commission meetings are held on the first Thursday after the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the County Courthouse.
Wakulla County
-
Who do I contact if I want to build a home in Wakulla County?
Contact the Clerk of Court for a recorded deed to the property.
The Planning and Zoning Department will fill out the paperwork for your Development Permit and Driveway Permit when they receive your deed and site plan. The owner or contractor can draw the site plan.
Ask the Building Department for a “Building Permit Application Package,” which explains the necessary steps to get a Building Permit.
-
How do I contact those departments?
Wakulla County Clerk of Court
3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327
(850) 926-0905, Ext. 226
Wakulla County Planning and Zoning
3093 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327
(850) 926-3695 // Fax (850) 926-1528
Wakulla County Building Department
3093 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327
(850) 926-7636 // Fax (850) 926-8086
-
What information will I need to submit to get development and building permits? How much does it cost to apply for permits?
Wakulla County's “Building Permit Application Package” includes a checklist of the paperwork, forms, permits, and fees needed to apply for a Building Permit.
-
How long does the process usually take before I can start building my home?
Ask the Building Department.
-
What other permits might I need?
A Septic Tank Permit from Environmental Health (926-2558, Ext. 108) OR a Sewer Concurrency Letter from U.S. Filter (926-7616) is required for all buildings. Elevation Certificates are required if you are building in a flood zone. Please see the “Building Permit Application Package” for information on other requirements.
-
How will I know what other development might be taking place in my area?
Contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
-
How do the requirements differ for commercial developments?
Contact the Wakulla County Building Department.
-
Is this information available on the Internet?
No.
-
Is planning information available on the Internet?
No.
-
When and where do the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission meet?
County Commission meetings are held the first and third Mondays of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers located at 29 Arran Road in Crawfordville, west of the County Courthouse. Call (850) 926-0919.
The Wakulla Planning Commission Hearings are held the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers located at 29 Arran Road in Crawfordville, west of the County Courthouse.
