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MD CCS

The city of Miami has a stringent set of regulations governing various types of property improvements. These laws are promogulated to ensure safety, maintain building standards, and preserve the character of neighborhoods. That’s why property owners in the city are required to obtain necessary permits before undertaking major construction and remodeling projects.

Yet many times they do not obtain required permits to avoid paperwork and fees. When a city inspector discovers unpermitted work, it may lead to a series of actions and potential consequences, ranging from fines to mandatory corrections and even demolition orders.

Understanding what might happen after a city inspector finds unpermitted work on your property can help you navigate the situation and take the necessary steps to resolve it in a timely manner.

How Do City Inspectors Discover Unpermitted Work?

City inspectors in Miami have various methods for discovering unpermitted work. Typically, they may visit your property for the following reasons.

Can You Sell a House with Unpermitted Construction in Miami?

Routine Inspections

One of the primary ways city inspectors discover unpermitted work is through routine inspections, usually triggered by a permit application. When a property owner applies for a permit to conduct new construction work, a building department inspector will visit the site to assess the current conditions and determine whether the proposed work complies with the building codes. During the inspection, the inspector may compare the current state of the property with previous records and notices discrepancies, such as additional square footage or missing walls. If they a something that they suspect that was done without necessary permits, they may investigate the matter further.

Complaints from Neighbors

If your neighbors notice that a seemingly suspicious or disruptive construction has been done or is underway in your home, they might report it to the building authorities. These complaints may trigger an inspection, where the inspector investigates to determine if the necessary permits were obtained.

Visible External Changes

City inspectors may also discover unpermitted work when they observe external changes to a property. For instance, adding a new room or modifying the roofline are significant changes that are usually visible from the street or neighboring properties. If an inspector sees such changes during a visit to the area, they may decide to investigate further to ensure the proper permits were obtained.

Real Estate Transactions

Selling a property in Miami typically involves a thorough inspection, which may reveal unpermitted work. Additionally, appraisers and inspectors hired by mortgage lenders may notice discrepancies between the property’s current state and public records. If unpermitted work is discovered during the inspection, the city may require retroactive permits before the sale can proceed. No matter how the city inspector discovers the unpermitted work, they will likely document it and inform you about the violation.

Possible Consequences of Unpermitted Work

Engaging in unpermitted work in Miami can lead to a host of problems, especially if it is discovered during an inspection.

Issuance of Violation Notice

Once unpermitted work is identified, the inspector will issue you a notice of code violation. This document will outline certain areas where work was done without the necessary permits. The notice includes a deadline for addressing the issue and instructions on how to comply with local building codes.

Cease and Desist Orders

If the unpermitted work is underway, the building department may issue a stop-work order, halting all construction until the appropriate permits are obtained and the work is brought up to code.

Penalties and Fines

Failing to obtain necessary permits before conducting work on your property can result in financial penalties. The amount of the fine varies depending on factors like the type and extent of the unpermitted work and how long it has been since it was done. In some cases, the fines can be substantial, particularly if the undocumented work poses safety risks to the occupants or the community.

Required Permitting and Inspections

After receiving the violation notice, you will be required to apply for a retroactive building permit. This process often involves submitting detailed floor plans, paying permit fees, and scheduling additional inspections. The inspector verifies that the work meets current building codes, which may require you to make corrections or modifications.

Removal of Unpermitted Work

If the unpermitted work does not meet the minimum building codes and cannot be brought into compliance, the inspector may require you to remove or demolish it. This, however, can be a costly and time-consuming process, especially if the work involves major renovations or additions to the property.

How to Address Unpermitted Work after it is Discovered?

To resolve the situation, you will need to work closely with the building department. This may involve hiring a licensed contractor to bring the work up to code, obtaining the necessary permits, and scheduling follow-up inspections. Once the work complies with all regulations, the violation notice will be cleared, and the situation will be resolved.

Unpermitted Work
Final Words
Discovering unpermitted work in your home can be stressful; however, by understanding the potential consequences and taking prompt action, you can mitigate the impact. Working with the appropriate authorities to correct the issue ensures that your home remains safe, legally compliant, and maintains its value. It is always best to obtain the necessary permits before undertaking a major home improvement project to ensure that all work complies with the city’s building codes.

For years, we at CCS Inc have been
navigating the complexities of
unpermitted work for Miami homeowners.

No matter what the type and scope of the undocumented work, we work side by side with you to remove any violations and bring them up to the code.

Call us today and let us figure out the most feasible solution to legalize your unpermitted work.