Building Permits & Inspections

Building Permits & Inspections 

City of Monticello 

If you are planning construction, remodeling, or development within the City of Monticello, written approval from City Hall is required before any work begins. 

This applies to residential, commercial, modular, and manufactured structures. 

 

Start Here: 

If you are unsure whether your project needs approval or a permit, contact City Hall before starting work. Staff are available to help answer questions and guide you through the process. 

Starting early can help avoid delays, added costs, or having to redo work. 

Why approval is required 

The City of Monticello’s Land Development Regulations are designed to: 

  • Ensure development follows the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances
  • Preserve the character of the community 
  • Protect public health, safety, and welfare 

No development may be approved unless it is found to be in conformance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances.

 

Do I need approval? 

Approval is required for most development activities, including but not limited to: 

  • New construction 
  • Remodeling or additions 
  • Modular or manufactured buildings 
  • Commercial construction or renovations 
  • Change of occupancy 
  • Accessory structures (garages, sheds, accessory dwelling units) 

If you are not sure whether your project requires approval, contact City Hall before beginning work. 

 

Submitting Plans 

Plans may be submitted in one of the following ways: 

  • In person to the City Planner at Monticello City Hall 

 

What must be submitted with a building permit application 

All building permit applications must include: 

  • Two (2) copies of a site plan and construction plans, drawn to scale 
  • Plans showing the exact shape and dimensions of the lot 
  • The location and size of all existing and proposed buildings, including accessory structures 
  • The location of driveways and required off-street parking, if applicable 
  • A description of the intended use of each building or space 
  • The number of dwelling units or families, if applicable 

 

Planning & Zoning Review 

The Monticello Planning Agency (LPA) reviews development applications to ensure compliance with City regulations and the Comprehensive Plan. 

The LPA reviews and makes recommendations to City Council for: 

  • Special exceptions 
  • Variances 
  • Zoning changes 
  • Site plans 
  • Subdivision preliminary plats 
  • Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), including: 
  • Concept plans 
  • Final development plan 

 

Additional requirements 

Commercial construction 

All commercial construction projects — new construction or remodeling — require engineered drawings. 

Change of occupancy applications also require engineered drawings. 

 

Review by the Local Planning Agency (LPA) 

Plans for single-family dwellings must be reviewed by the Local Planning Agency (LPA) to ensure compliance with City regulations. 

LPA Meeting Schedule 
Second Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM 
City Hall Council Chambers 
245 South Mulberry Street, Monticello, FL 32344 

 

Historic District properties 

Properties located within the City of Monticello Historic District must receive approval from the Historic Design Review Board (HDRB) before any permits can be issued. 

If your property is located within the Historic District, HDRB review is required in addition to Planning Agency review. 

 

After City approval 

Once approved by the appropriate board(s) and/or City Council, applicants will be issued a Development Permit. 

This permit must then be taken to the Jefferson County Building Department to obtain the required building permits. 

Building Permits & Inspections 

Building permit and inspection services are provided by the Jefferson County Building Department, which is responsible for: 

  • Issuing building permits 
  • Issuing certificates of occupancy 
  • Reviewing building, electrical, and plumbing plans 
  • Conducting routine construction inspections 

Jefferson County Building Department 
445 West Palmer Mill Road 
Monticello, FL 32344 
850-342-0223 

For residential and commercial building applications and additional information, visit: 
 https://www.jeffersoncountyfl.gov/p/county-departments/building 

 

Permit timelines 

Any permit issued becomes invalid if: 

  • Work does not begin within six (6) months, or 
  • Work is suspended or abandoned for six (6) months 

Extensions of up to 90 days may be granted in writing by the Development Administrator. 

 

 

Last updated: 01/26