Building Frequently Asked Questions

If the inspection requires the inspector to enter your building or there are animals on the property, someone must be there to meet the inspector.

For all owner/builder permits, the owner must be present for all inspections.

Option #1
If the project was complete then the owner can apply for a administrative permit ($30.00 each) to enable an inspector to visit the site for life and safety issue and if approve this will close out the permit.

Option #2
If the project is not complete or not approved then a new permit must be applied for by a licensed contractor will have to obtain a permit and inspection approvals to close the permit.

The owner / contractor shall submit to the Building Official for approval a signed and notarized pre-power agreement, which may be obtained from the Building Department, or the forms section of this Web site.  Upon approval of the application by the Building Official the Florida Keys Electric Co-op with be notified.

All permitted construction must be inspected and you must call or email to schedule your inspection.
During normal business hours, please call directly to 305-289-4133.
Fill out the Inspection Request Form and submit
At any time email inspections@ci.marathon.fl.us

Inspections received prior to 3PM will be scheduled for the following business day.

Ensure the following information is included in your request:
1. Permit or Project Number
2. Type of Inspection needed
3. Date the Inspection  is to be performed
4. Contractor’s Name and Phone Number
5. Owner’s Name and Phone Number
6. Address of Job Site

Inspections called in after 3 p.m. will be performed within the next two business days.

In order to expedite the inspection, contractors and/or homeowners are asked to ensure that the building is posted with clearly visible numbers for identification.

Work shall be considered to be in active progress when the permit has received an approved inspection within 180 days.  Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 6 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months after the time the work is commenced.

Fees are established as fixed, or based on the estimated total cost of the project, or based on the total square footage of the project,depending on the type of permit.  A copy of the fee schedule can be accessed on this Web site, or may be obtained from the Building Department for a nominal charge.

Because of the volume of inspections, we are unable to provide an estimated time of arrival for inspectors; however, their normal field hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  If the inspection has been carried over from the previous work day, the inspection is generally completed first thing in the morning.

In order to receive an exemption to Chapter 489 Florida Statutes, which requires the use of a licensed contractor to do the work, the residence MUST be for the use and occupancy of the homeowner only.  It may not be built for sale or lease.