Building and Zoning Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Code Enforcement board meet?

The City of Naples Code Enforcement Board meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

What building codes are in effect for the City of Naples?

• Code of Ordinances, City of Naples, Florida as adopted and effective June 2006
• Electric - NFPA 70/NEC 2005 (New)
• Fire - NFPA 2003 Codes w/Florida Amendments
• Life/Safety - NFPA 101 2003 Edition
• Plumbing - Florida Building Code (Building) 2004 w/Supplement
• Mechanical - (HVAC) Florida Building Code (Building) 2004 w/Supplement
• Structural - Florida Building Code (Building & Residential) 2004 w/Supplement
• Structural - Florida Building Code (Existing Building 2004) w/Supplement
• Fuel/Gas - Florida Building Code (Building) 2004 w/Supplement

Fire Requirements for Plan Review

• Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Plan Submittals: Multi-Family building plans for new construction and for additions/alterations must include a full set of fire sprinkler and fire alarm plans.
• The fire sprinkler plans must include submittal data on all heads, hangers, pipe and fittings; and hydraulic calculations. For new construction, underground detail including pipe, riser, fire department connection and PIV should be included.
• The fire alarm plans must include submittal data on all equipment, devices and wire; line loss and battery calculations; sequence of operations and riser diagram.
• If no fire alarm or fire sprinkler devices will be affected by the construction being permitted, you must note this on the permit application.
• Note: Work involving fire walls, tenant separation walls, floors, ceilings, kitchen and bathroom remodeling will require a structural fire wall inspection.

Fire Line Underground, Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Plan Submittals for all commercial construction:

Building plans for new construction and for additions/alterations/renovations must include a full set of plans as follows:

• Fire line underground plans must include submittal data on all pipe, valves, backflow prevention devices, fire department connections, fire hydrants and PIVs.
• Fire alarm plans must include submittal data on all equipment, devices and wire; line loss and battery caculations; sequence of operations and riser diagram.
• The fire sprinkler plans must include submittal data on all heads, hangers, pipe and fittings; and hydraulic calculations.

If no fire alarm or fire sprinkler devices will be affected by the construction being permitted, you must note this on the permit application.

Work involving fire walls, tenant separation walls, floors, ceilings, kitchen and bathroom remodeling will require a structural fire wall inspection.

Fire Hydrant Flow Tests

To order a fire hydrant flow test, complete the Fire Hydrant Flow Test Application and return to the city of Naples Building & Zoning with a check in the amount of $100.00. The flow test results will be mailed or faxed to you according to your instructions.

Mechanical Equipment Requirements

Recent changes to the Naples Code of Ordinances, Section 56-41 will affect HVAC contractors doing business in the City of Naples, as well as Pool Equipment and Permanent Home Generator installations.

New Homes or Additions Exceeding 50% of Assessed Value

All Mechanical Equipment installed with new construction or with additions or alterations exceeding 50% of the assessed value of the existing structure may NOT be located in a required yard regardless of the height or projection of the equipment.

All new and replaced Mechanical equipment must be screened from view to the full height of the equipment consistent with all applicable Fencing and landscaping requirements and manufacturer's specifications. Screening walls and Fences around replacement equipment may exceed the allowable height limitations provided the height is the minimum required to screen from view to the full height of the equipment and the projection into the required yard is the minimum encroachment necessary per manufacturer's specifications. Fences under 50' in length require no permit.

Existing Homes, Replacement Equipment or Additions Less Than 50% of Assessed Value

Air conditioning and pool equipment permitted and installed prior to the effective date of this ordinance may be maintained and replaced provided the new equipment does not encroach more than 36' into any required yard.

All new and replaced Mechanical equipment must be screened from view to the full height of the equipment consistent with all applicable Fencing and landscaping requirements and manufacturer's specifications. Screening walls and Fences around replacement equipment may exceed the allowable height limitations provided the height is the minimum required to screen from view to the full height of the equipment and the projection into the required yard is the minimum encroachment necessary per manufacturer's specifications. Fences under 50' in length need no permit.

Excessive Mechanical Equipment Noise

There are many ways to reduce Mechanical Equipment Noise, here are some suggestions.

• Compressors in both Condensing units and pool heat pumps can have a Sound Jacket installed around the compressors to help quiet them.
• The use of isolation pads under units helps reduce vibration noise.
• The installation of higher efficient units will also result in quieter operation.
• In some cases a sound barrier will be required. This can be done by means of,
  • A fence that surrounds all mechanical equipment. ( Fences under 50' do not require a building permit.)
  • A wall that blocks sound from neighboring properties
  • A row of tall, dense, mature bushes or hedges.
• Contact manufacturer of equipment for specific direction
• In extreme cases consult a qualified professional engineer.
• Some contractors have installed a quieter pool pump. WhisperFlow is one brand that has been used to decrease noise.
• Other brands may be available.

In cases where a fence alone does not quiet the equipment enough, further sound absorbing materials may be necessary. Here are a few web sites that may be helpful.

• www.kochllc.com
• www.acoustic-material.com
• www.allnoisecontrol.com

What are the requirements for temporary construction fencing?

All construction sites are required to have a 6-foot chain link fence with windscreen. At the base of the chain link fence a silt screen fence is also required. On waterfront lots the construction fence on the waterside shall be only 3 foot high with windscreen and silt fence at the base. Only in commercial areas and the R1-15A area is the construction fence required on the front side of the property.

Before any permit for a new or major addition project can be issued, a Temporary Construction Fence permit must be issued and inspected. Also, before any permit for a complete or partial demolition can be issued, a Temporary Construction Fence permit must be issued and inspected. This requirement is retroactive; all permits that are currently in plan review will have to meet this requirement before the building permit can be issued.

Can I dispose of construction material in the trash? What about furniture and appliances?

Sec. 54-35. of the Code of Ordinances, Disposal of residential and commercial nonresidential household goods, says that all residential and commercial nonresidential household goods such as furniture and appliances shall be placed at curbside to be removed by the city on specific dates established by the director of public works or his designee. Items may be placed curbside for pickup no sooner than 24 hours prior to pickup. Customers must prearrange pickup with the solid waste division no later than 48 hours prior to pickup. The schedule may be established by phone contact to the Solid Waste Division at 213-4700. Items must be incidental and not a part of remodeling, reconstruction, or renovation.

What is the required wind load design speed for the City of Naples?

140 mph

What are the new site drainage requirements listed in the code?

All new projects, major additions, and new swimming pools (with no coinciding construction) are now required to submit a site drainage plan when submitting for their building permit. This plan will show the permanent drainage for the property after construction is completed, and will require steps to be performed in order to keep water from draining on to the neighbor's property.

What about the construction site management plan

All building permits being submitted for plan review must include a Construction Site Management Plan. There is an application that must be accurately completed and attached to your plans. A site plan must also be submitted detailing the location of the various construction supplies (ex: dumpsters, fences, temporary toilets, temporary trailers, and parking). For minor interior commercial and multi-family alterations, this site plan is usually waived.

How should I assemble the plans required for a building permit?

When applying for a building permit, it is always helpful to have your plans properly assembled before coming into submit for the permit. Here is a list of detailed instructions on how your plans should be assembled:

• We require two sets of plans. If your plans are less than three pages per set, they need to be folded together with any and all attachments stapled on the left hand side.
• If your plans are more than three pages they need to be rolled together, with the print facing outward. Again, any and all attachments must be stapled on the left hand side.
• In regard to your attachments, they should be staggered down the left hand side of your plans with the Energy Calculations and Construction Site Management Plan on top and easy to remove.
• Your Permanent Site Drainage and Construction Site Management Plans should be fairly visible and easy to turn to.
• Only one copy of the permit application, water meter sizing chart, driveway permit application and Notice of Commencement is required.

For any additional questions or concerns please call our Permitting Department at 213-5020.

Minimum Requirements for 450 Inspection - Residential Only

• Main service completely installed as per ON SITE City Approved Riser Drawing (Drawing must be on site for the 450 inspections)
• All Sub Panel (s) and sub panel (s) feeders will be installed and terminated
• All panels will be Labeled.  (example - High Voltage, Danger High Voltage etc.)
• All panels will be Labeled.  (example - panel A, B, main circuit breakers, main panels, etc.)
• All grounds will be terminated in panels
• All neutrals will be terminated in panels
• ONLY the CIRCUIT BREAKER (S) for the CONDENSING UNIT (S)unit /s and AIR HANDLER (S)) will be installed and connected using permanent installation wiring methods (NO TEMPORARY WIRING) including all disconnects, whips, etc., and all disconnects must be permanently labeled.
  • NO other circuit breakers can be installed!
• NO other 240 volt or double pole circuit breakers (other than A/C circuit breakers) will be installed
• NO 120 volt or single pole circuit breakers will be installed
• All non terminated branch circuit current carrying conductors must be terminated with wire nuts.
• All panel covers must be installed, disconnect /s installed, all KOs, in panels, unused circuit breaker openings, and any other openings not listed here must be Blanked off in a NEC approved method.
• The 430 underground inspection must be made prior to the 450 inspection, or at the same time as the 450 inspection.

Consequences' of Non Compliance

These Guide Lines have been drawn up as a compromise from past inspection procedures. This is an attempt to allow electrical contractors to power up AC equipment ONLY in new house construction after sheet rock is installed. The existing temporary power pole will remain in place to allow for 120 and 240 volt power for construction.

This is not a procedure to replace the temporary pole.

Spot inspections will be made to check compliance to these rules. ANY violation of the above list of requirements will result in removal of the house meter.

When is a permit required?

Although a building permit is required for most construction related work, various improvements of real property may not require a Building Permit. The work exempted must still be constructed in accordance with minimum code standards. In addition as required by Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code, any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.

The following will help clarify the Building and Zoning Division requirements for non-permitted work.

Items Not Requiring A Permit

• Replace Window A/C unit, electrical existing
• Ceiling Fan - Replacement using existing outlet box and wiring
• Ceramic Tile - Floor and Wall
• Appliance - Replacement Residential
• Door - Replace any interior residential door within the individual unit
• Plumbing Fixture Replacement
• Drywall Repairs (Residential, Non-Fire Related, small areas - not to exceed two sheets of drywall)
• Window Repair
• Gutters and Leaders
• Heating Unit - Repair
• Carpet Installation
• Painting/Wallpaper
• Playground equipment - Residential only
• A/C Repair
• Water Heaters - Replacement of existing electric water heaters used in residential applications. Changes from original installation will require a permit.

If you have any questions, just ask. If you don't need a permit, we'll be happy to let you know. In the event of a conflict between this document and a specific rule or regulation, all applicable codes shall apply.

Do you have any helpful permitting hints?

• Notices of Commencement can be recorded at City Hall in the Collier County Clerk of Courts satellite office on the first floor
• No building (structural) inspections will be made until all sub-cards have been issued, so send your subs down A.S.A.P
• When anticipating a Certificate of Occupancy, contractors should always call to verify that requirements on the address have been completed before coming in to get their C.O.
• For all new permits and permits that are adding or altering bathrooms, a water meter-sizing chart should be submitted with the permit package.

What information do I need to provide when applying for a Shutter and Screen Enclosure Installation permit?

All screen enclosure and shutter installers must include sufficient installation information with the permit package to allow the field inspector to determine that the screen cage or shutter installed is in accordance with the approved engineering on file.

When applying for a screen enclosure permit, if the proposed screen enclosure is within one foot of the setback, a spatial perception drawing is required before the permit can be approved and issued.

Do pool heaters require a permit?

In response to several recent inquiries, the City of Naples does require a permit and inspection of a replacement pool heater. This includes gas heater, heat pumps and solar systems.

Where can I get information about installing backflow devices?

Questions regarding the installation of commercial backflow devices should be directed to Utilities at 213-4773, they will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

How can a general contractor make sure everything meets the flood level requirements?

Be sure to inform all of your subcontractors of what the flood level of your job site is (i.e. N.G.V.D.). Often, water heaters, electrical devices and air conditioners are installed below Flood simply because of a lack of communication between the job superintendent and the subcontractors.

Okay, so what does N.G.V.D mean?

National Geodetic Vertical Datum

Do I need to fill out a water meter sizing chart?

When performing any new construction or when altering or adding bathrooms a water meter-sizing chart must be submitted to the Engineering Department at time of permit submittal. Any upgrade or water meter fees must be paid to the Engineering Department before the building permit can be issued. Any water meter or back flow prevention questions should be directed to the Engineering Department located at 295 Riverside Cir or 213-5051.

If I have more specific questions, who should I call?

• For any plan review questions please contact the Building division at 213-5020.
• For any zoning questions please contact the Planning division at 213-1050

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