Single Family

New Townhome

New separately permitted attached townhouse with rated separation. Use New Duplex for two units on one permit and Condo for a unit in a shared building.

Last updated: Sep 29, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Construction Plans
    Construction plans for the work. Plans prepared by a Florida-registered architect or engineer carry that professional's seal. Plans prepared by a contractor or owner are accepted without a seal unless Florida law or the building department requires professional plans.
  • Energy Compliance Forms
    Energy compliance documentation per FBC Chapter 13 / IECC
  • Product Approvals
    Florida Product Approvals for windows, doors, roofing materials, and other regulated components
  • Site Plan / Survey
    Current site plan or survey showing property boundaries, setbacks, and building footprint

Conditional

  • Truss Engineering OR Truss Deferral Affidavit
    Truss engineering package, conventional framing per FBC, or a truss deferral letter requesting deferred submittal of truss engineering.
    WhenRequired only when structure uses pre-engineered trusses and truss engineering is not shown in the plan set; satisfied by truss engineering in plan set OR conventional framing per FBC OR a truss deferral letter.

Courtesy screen

Courtesy screen on every plan review

Every plan FCC reviews receives a limited courtesy screen for the items below when they are reasonably visible in the submitted documents. If we see an apparent issue that could cause the plans to fail review by another agency, we will identify it as a Courtesy Comment. Courtesy Comments alone do not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope. The responsible agency makes the final determination—for example, Planning and Zoning for setbacks, lot coverage, use, and other lot-compliance matters. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  1. #01Plan and document coordination

    Obvious clerical, title-block, sheet-index, permit-description, or cross-sheet inconsistencies visible in the submitted documents. A Courtesy Comment on these items does not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope.

    FBC-B 107.2.1
  2. #02Zoning and site coordination

    Apparent setback, lot-coverage, use, or site-dimension conflicts visible in the submitted plans that could cause the plans to fail Planning and Zoning review. Planning and Zoning makes the zoning and lot-compliance determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  3. #03Floodplain coordination

    Apparent inconsistencies or missing coordination in flood-zone, design-flood-elevation, finished-floor, or flood-opening information shown on the plans that could cause the plans to fail floodplain review. The floodplain administrator makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  4. #04Fire-authority coordination

    Apparent separately reviewed fire alarm, sprinkler, hood-suppression, smoke-control, or similar coordination issues visible on the plans that could cause the plans to fail fire review. The fire marshal makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

Section 2

Approval criteria for this project type

These are the building-code criteria FCC uses to determine the plan-review result. An unresolved item may be issued as a Required Correction and cause the plan set to be returned for correction.

BuildingRequired

  1. #01Design wind speed & exposureLife Safety

    Structural drawings must declare design wind speed (Vult) and exposure category matching the jurisdiction's wind speed map.

    FBC-R R301.2.1ASCE 7-22
  2. #02Egress from sleeping roomsLife Safety

    Each sleeping room must have an emergency escape and rescue opening meeting R310 dimensions.

    FBC-R R310
  3. #03Smoke and CO alarm coverageLife Safety

    Smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on each story. CO alarms where fuel-fired appliances or attached garages exist.

    FBC-R R314FBC-R R315
  4. #04Structural wall section and load pathLife Safety

    A continuous wall section from foundation through roof must show framing, sheathing, connectors, and uplift resistance.

    FBC-R R301FBC-R R602FBC-R R802
  5. #05Townhouse fire-resistance separationLife Safety

    Each townhouse must be treated as a separate building and provided with a compliant fire-resistance-rated separation assembly, continuous construction, and protected penetrations.

    FBC-R R302.2FBC-R R302.2.1FBC-R R302.2.2FBC-R R302.4
  6. #06Florida product approvalCode

    Florida product approval (statewide FL#, Miami-Dade NOA, or local approval under F.S. 553.8425) must be listed for each product subject to Florida product approval (F.S. 553.842 and 553.8425; Rule 61G20-3 F.A.C.).

    F.S. 553.842F.S. 553.8425Rule 61G20-3 F.A.C.FBC-R R609.3FBC-R R609.11FBC-R R301.2.1.2FBC-R R905

MechanicalRequired

  1. #01Combustion air and ventingLife Safety

    Fuel-fired equipment requires combustion air and proper venting per FBC-M 303 / 804.

    FBC-M 303FBC-M 804FBC-FG 304.1FBC-FG 503
  2. #02Manual J / S / D load calculationPerformance

    HVAC equipment sizing per Manual J; selection per Manual S; duct design per Manual D.

    FBC-R M1401.3FBC-R M1601.1
  3. #03VentilationPerformance

    Whole-house or occupancy-based ventilation per FBC-R M1507 / FBC-M 403.

    FBC-R M1507FBC-M 403

ElectricalRequired

  1. #01AFCI and GFCI protectionLife Safety

    AFCI protection for dwelling unit branch circuits per NEC 210.12; GFCI per NEC 210.8 at required locations.

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  2. #02Grounding and bondingLife Safety

    Grounding electrode, equipment grounding, and bonding per NEC Article 250.

    NEC 250
  3. #03Service size and load calculationCode

    Electrical service and feeder sizing supported by NEC Article 220 load calculation.

    NEC 220NEC 230

PlumbingRequired

  1. #01Water service and DWV sizingCode

    Water service line sizing and DWV sizing consistent with fixture unit count.

    FBC-P 604FBC-P 709FBC-P 906
  2. #02Backflow preventionCode

    Backflow prevention required at well, irrigation, or other cross-connections per FBC-P 608.

    FBC-P 608

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your own inspection list comes from your approved plans. Inspections marked “If in scope” apply only when your plans include that work. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Plumbing

Phase #1

Plumbing Underground

  1. Pipe material and sizingCritical

    Compare pipe material with approved plans and water-distribution sizing with the approved design criteria.

    FBC-P 604.3FBC-P 605.4
  2. Burial depthCritical

    Measure pipe cover against approved plans and utility requirements before backfill.

    FBC-B 110.3
  3. Pipe slope and supportCritical

    Verify proper slope on drain lines and adequate support

    FBC-P 704.1
  4. Pressure testCritical

    Verify plumbing system holds required pressure test

    FBC-P 312.2
  5. Cleanout locations

    Verify cleanout access points are installed per plans

    FBC-P 708.1

Electrical

Phase #2

Electrical Underground

If in scope
  1. Conduit installationCritical

    Verify conduit material, size, and routing per plans

    NEC 300.5
  2. Burial depthCritical

    Verify conduit burial depth meets code minimum

    NEC 300.5
  3. UFER ground connectionCritical

    Verify UFER grounding electrode is properly connected to rebar in footing

    NEC 250.52
  4. Conduit protection

    Verify conduit is protected from damage where exposed

    NEC 300.5
  5. Equipment grounding at underground boxesCritical

    Where circuit conductors splice or terminate in an underground box, show equipment-grounding conductor continuity and connections before backfill.

    NEC 250.148

Building

Phase #3

Footing / Grade Beam

  1. Footing dimensionsCritical

    Verify footing width and depth match approved plans

    FBC-R R403.1FBC-R R403.1.1
  2. Rebar size and spacingCritical

    Verify rebar size, spacing, and placement per plans

    FBC-R R403.1
  3. UFER grounding electrodeCritical

    Verify minimum 20 feet of #4 bare copper or rebar is encased in footing

    NEC 250.52
  4. Foundation anchorage layout

    Verify anchor bolt placement for sill plate attachment

    FBC-R R403.1.6
Phase #4

Slab

If in scope
  1. Slab vapor barrierCritical

    Verify vapor barrier is installed under slab per plans

    FBC-R R506.2.3
  2. Slab thickness and wire meshCritical

    Verify slab thickness and reinforcement per plans

    FBC-R R506.1
  3. Slab forms and elevationCritical

    Verify slab outline, thickness, and elevations match the approved plans.

  4. Under-slab preparationCritical

    Show prepared base, penetrations, and required under-slab work before the pour.

  5. Reinforcing supportCritical

    Show slab steel or mesh supported at the planned position and with required laps.

Phase #5

Fill Cell / Column

If in scope
  1. Open cells and cleanoutsCritical

    Show reinforced cells and required cleanouts before grout is placed.

    FBC-B 110.3FBC-R R606.3.5.2
  2. Reinforcement and coverCritical

    Compare bar size, spacing, laps, ties and cover with approved structural details; measure code minimum cover.

    FBC-R R606.3.4
  3. Cell cleanlinessCritical

    Show mortar droppings and foreign material removed before inspection and grouting.

    FBC-R R606.3.5.2
Phase #6

Lintel / Tie Beam

If in scope
  1. Tie beam reinforcementCritical

    Verify tie beam rebar size, spacing, and lap splices per plans

    FBC-R R606.1
  2. Lintel reinforcementCritical

    Compare masonry lintel support and reinforcement with approved structural details before concealment.

    FBC-R R606.10
Phase #7

Window / Door Framing

If in scopeBD-Dependent

Most jurisdictions skip this inspection for this project type. Confirm with your building department whether they'll require it.

  1. Anchor and fastener patternCritical

    Verify anchoring method and fastener spacing per manufacturer installation instructions

  2. Rough opening dimensionsCritical

    Measure each opening against the approved plans and selected unit.

  3. Buck attachmentCritical

    Show buck material, anchors, spacing, and substrate before the unit covers them.

  4. Product approval matchCritical

    Have the approved opening product and installation details available.

  5. Opening conditionCritical

    Show a sound, prepared opening and required clearance for the unit.

Phase #8

Framing

  1. Wall stud spacing and sizeCritical

    Verify stud size and spacing match approved plans

    FBC-R R602.3
  2. Headers and beamsCritical

    Verify header and beam sizes over openings per plans

    FBC-B 110.3
  3. Top and bottom plate connectionsCritical

    Verify plate configuration, laps and anchorage against the approved framing design; do not assume double top plates.

    FBC-B 110.3
  4. Corner and intersection bracingCritical

    Verify proper bracing at corners and wall intersections

    FBC-B 110.3
  5. Window and door rough openingsCritical

    Verify rough openings match approved plans for size and location

    FBC-B 110.3
  6. Hurricane straps and hold-downsCritical

    Compare roof-to-wall connectors and straps with the approved high-wind design and connector schedule.

    FBC-R R301.2.1.1
  7. Fire blockingCritical

    Verify fire blocking is installed at required locations

    FBC-R R302.11
  8. Fire separation wall framingCritical

    Verify party/fire wall is framed continuously from foundation to underside of roof sheathing per plans

    FBC-R R302.1FBC-R R302.2
  9. Rated penetrationsCritical

    Show protected openings and penetrations in the dwelling-unit separation before concealment.

    FBC-R R302.4
  10. Truss spacing and alignmentCritical

    Verify truss spacing and alignment match approved plans

    FBC-R R802.10.1
  11. Truss-to-wall connectionCritical

    Compare roof-to-wall connectors and straps with the approved high-wind design and connector schedule.

    FBC-R R301.2.1.1
  12. Truss bracingCritical

    Verify lateral and diagonal bracing is installed per truss engineering

    FBC-R R802.10.3
  13. Truss engineering on siteCritical

    Verify the truss engineering package is available and matches installed trusses

    FBC-R R802.10.1
  14. Gable end bracingCritical

    Verify gable end trusses are properly braced

    FBC-R R802.10.3
Phase #9

Roof Sheathing

If in scope
  1. Roof sheathing attachmentCritical

    Verify wood structural panel roof fastening against the approved schedule before dry-in.

    FBC-R R803.2.3.1
  2. Roof sheathing material and thicknessCritical

    For wood structural panels, verify thickness, grade and span rating against approved plans; use the applicable detail for other deck materials.

    FBC-R R803.2.1FBC-R R803.2.2
  3. Panel gap spacing at roof deck

    Compare panel edge gaps with the panel manufacturer instructions and approved plans.

Phase #10

Wall Sheathing

If in scope
  1. Wall sheathing attachmentCritical

    Verify wall sheathing nailing pattern and edge spacing per the approved nailing schedule (shear wall zones often require tighter spacing).

    FBC-R R602.3
  2. Wall sheathing material and thicknessCritical

    Verify wall sheathing panel material, thickness, and grade stamp match the approved plans.

    FBC-R R602.3
  3. Panel gap spacing at walls

    Verify proper edge gap between wall sheathing panels per the panel manufacturer.

    FBC-R R602.3
Phase #11

Roof Dry-In

  1. Underlayment installationCritical

    Verify roof underlayment is installed per code and manufacturer specs

    FBC-R R905.1.1

Plumbing

Phase #12

Plumbing Rough-In

  1. Supply pipe sizing and materialCritical

    Compare supply pipe material with plans and sizing with approved water-distribution design.

    FBC-P 604.3FBC-P 605.4
  2. DWV pipe sizing and slopeCritical

    Compare DWV pipe sizes with approved plans and measure horizontal drain slope.

    FBC-P 704.1
  3. Pipe support and hangingCritical

    Verify pipes are properly supported at required intervals

    FBC-P 308.1
  4. Vent termination locationsCritical

    Verify the vent terminates outdoors through an approved roof or sidewall method shown on plans.

    FBC-P 903.1
  5. Water heater rough-inCritical

    Where a water heater is in scope, compare location and connections with approved plans and instructions; show pan where leakage could cause damage.

    FBC-P 502.1FBC-P 504.7

Electrical

Phase #13

Electrical Rough-In

  1. Panel installationCritical

    Verify panel rating and overcurrent protection match approved design, with clear working space.

    NEC 408.36NEC 110.26
  2. Wire sizing per circuitsCritical

    Verify wire gauge matches breaker amperage for each circuit

    NEC 310.16NEC 240.4
  3. Box fill and installationCritical

    Verify electrical boxes are properly installed and not overfilled

    NEC 314.16
  4. GFCI and AFCI locationsCritical

    Verify GFCI and AFCI protection is provided where required

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  5. Alarm locations, power provisions and interconnection methodCritical

    When alarms are in the approved scope, identify planned smoke and CO alarm locations, exposed smoke-alarm power provisions and the approved wired or listed wireless smoke interconnection method. Record the permitted CO power method; installed devices are checked at final.

    FBC-R R314.3FBC-R R314.4FBC-R R314.6FBC-R R315.1FBC-R R315.1.1
  6. Grounding and bondingCritical

    Show grounding electrode system and its approved electrode types and connections.

    NEC 250.50NEC 250.52

Mechanical

Phase #14

Mechanical Rough-In

  1. Ductwork installationCritical

    Verify duct sizes, routing, and support match approved plans

    FBC-M 603.1
  2. Duct sealingCritical

    Verify duct joints and connections are properly sealed

    FBC-M 603.9
  3. Equipment placementCritical

    Verify air handler and condenser locations per plans with required clearances

    FBC-M 304.1
  4. Refrigerant line installationCritical

    Compare refrigerant piping routing and sizing with approved plans; leave field-made joints exposed before concealment.

    FBC-M 1107.1FBC-M 1107.7
  5. Return air pathway

    Verify return air pathways are properly sized and located

    FBC-M 603.1

Building

Phase #15

Insulation

  1. Wall cavity insulation R-valueCritical

    Verify wall insulation R-value matches energy calculations

    FBC-E R402.1.2
  2. Ceiling/attic insulation R-valueCritical

    Verify ceiling or attic insulation R-value per energy calculations

    FBC-E R402.1.2
  3. Insulation coverage and gapsCritical

    Verify no gaps, voids, or compression in insulation installation

    FBC-E R402.4.1.1
  4. Air sealingCritical

    Verify air sealing at penetrations, top plates, and rim joists

    FBC-E R402.4.1.1
Phase #16

Roof In-Progress

If in scope
  1. Drip edge installationCritical

    Verify drip edge is installed at eaves and rakes

    FBC-R R905.2.8.5
  2. Valley and flashingCritical

    Verify valley flashing and wall flashing are properly installed

    FBC-R R903.2
  3. Roof penetration sealing

    Verify all roof penetrations are properly sealed and flashed

    FBC-R R903.2
  4. Covering materialCritical

    Match roof tile, shingles, or metal panels to the approved plans and product approval.

  5. Covering attachmentCritical

    Show fastener or clip pattern before it is concealed by the next course.

  6. Flashing installationCritical

    Show flashing at valleys, walls, edges, and penetrations while accessible.

Phase #17

Exterior Wall Covering (Lath / Stucco / Siding)

If in scope
  1. Wall covering material and installationCritical

    Verify exterior wall covering material matches approved plans and is properly installed

    FBC-R R703.1
  2. Weather-resistive barrierCritical

    Verify weather-resistive barrier is properly installed behind cladding

    FBC-R R703.2
  3. Flashing at penetrations and transitionsCritical

    Verify flashing is installed at windows, doors, and wall transitions

    FBC-R R703.4
  4. Fastener pattern and spacing

    Verify cladding fastener type and spacing per manufacturer and plans

    FBC-R R703.1
Phase #18

Drywall / Gypsum Board

If in scopeBD-Dependent

Most jurisdictions skip this inspection for this project type. Confirm with your building department whether they'll require it.

  1. Board product and exposureCritical

    Compare board type and thickness with the approved assembly; use an approved tub/shower backer and do not use water-resistant gypsum in direct water exposure.

    FBC-R R702.3.7.1FBC-R R702.4.2
  2. Fastener spacingCritical

    Verify screw or nail spacing meets code requirements

    FBC-R R702.3.5
  3. Fire-rated assembliesCritical

    Where the garage-to-dwelling separation is in scope, compare gypsum layers, fastening and openings to the approved assembly.

    FBC-R R302.6
  4. Dwelling-unit separation assemblyCritical

    Compare layers, fastening and continuity with the approved rated assembly.

    FBC-R R302.2

Electrical

Phase #19

Power Release / Service

If in scopeBD-Dependent

Most jurisdictions skip this inspection for this project type. Confirm with your building department whether they'll require it.

  1. Service equipment installedCritical

    Show meter enclosure, disconnect, and service conductors ready for utility connection.

  2. Service grounding and bondingCritical

    Show grounding electrode and bonding connections at the service.

  3. Panel and circuit identificationCritical

    Label service and affected panels clearly.

  4. Utility release readinessCritical

    Have the approved service plans and required utility coordination available.

  5. Safe energizationCritical

    Confirm exposed wiring is protected and all covers are installed before release.

Phase #20

Electrical Final

  1. Panel complete and labeledCritical

    Verify panel cover installed, all breakers labeled, no open knockouts

    NEC 408.4
  2. GFCI and AFCI operationalCritical

    Verify all GFCI and AFCI devices test and reset properly

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.12
  3. Receptacle and switch functionCritical

    Operate affected receptacles and switches in this permit and show completed connections.

    FBC-B 110.3
  4. Light fixtures installed

    Verify all light fixtures are installed and operational

    NEC 210.70
  5. Exterior lighting and outletsCritical

    Where this permit changes exterior lighting or outlets, show operation and required GFCI protection.

    NEC 210.8NEC 210.70
  6. Installed alarm devices and operation, if in scopeCritical

    When alarm installation is in this permit, confirm installed smoke and CO device locations and labels against the approved plan and permitted power method; demonstrate smoke-alarm interconnection and applicable device tests per manufacturer instructions.

    FBC-R R314.3FBC-R R314.4FBC-R R314.6FBC-R R315.1FBC-R R315.1.1

Plumbing

Phase #21

Plumbing Final

  1. Fixture setting and alignmentCritical

    Verify in-scope fixtures are set level and aligned.

    FBC-P 405.3
  2. Fixture connections and operationCritical

    Show affected fixtures connected to water and drainage systems, then demonstrate operation and check for visible leaks.

    FBC-P 301.3FBC-P 301.4
  3. Water heater installationCritical

    If a storage heater is in scope, show installation, relief valve and discharge, and pan/drain where leakage could cause damage.

    FBC-P 502.1FBC-P 504.4FBC-P 504.6FBC-P 504.7
  4. No visible leaksCritical

    Run affected fixtures or equipment and show new visible supply and drain connections remain dry.

  5. Hose bibbs and exterior plumbingCritical

    Verify exterior hose bibbs have backflow prevention

    FBC-P 608.16.4.2

Mechanical

Phase #22

Mechanical Final

  1. System operational testCritical

    Demonstrate only the permitted mechanical system operating per approved design and manufacturer instructions.

  2. Air handler and condenser installationCritical

    Where air handler or condenser equipment is in scope, verify installation, access and clearances against approved plans and manufacturer instructions.

    FBC-M 304.1
  3. Condensate drainCritical

    Verify condensate drain is properly routed and terminated

    FBC-M 307.2
  4. Duct registers and grillesCritical

    Where ducts are in scope, show representative installed registers and grilles per manufacturer instructions.

    FBC-M 603.18
  5. Equipment labels and data plates

    Show equipment nameplates and compare capacity and efficiency to the approved schedule.

Building

Phase #23

Roof Final

  1. Roofing material installationCritical

    Verify roofing material is installed per manufacturer specs and approved plans

  2. Flashing completenessCritical

    Verify all flashing is complete at walls, valleys, penetrations, and edges

  3. Ridge vent or ventilation

    Verify roof ventilation is installed per plans

  4. Nailing pattern complianceCritical

    Where field fasteners are used, compare in-progress attachment evidence with the approved product instructions.

    FBC-R R905.1
  5. Cleanup and debris removal

    Verify job site is clean with no exposed nails or debris in gutters

  6. Completed roofCritical

    Confirm all roof planes, edges, penetrations, and terminations are complete.

Phase #24

Building Final

Typical Final
  1. Egress doors and hardwareCritical

    Verify egress doors provide minimum 32-inch clear width and proper hardware

    FBC-R R311.2
  2. Smoke alarms installed and operationalCritical

    Verify smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and each level

    FBC-R R314.3
  3. CO alarms installedCritical

    Verify carbon monoxide alarms where required

    FBC-R R315.1
  4. Emergency escape openingsCritical

    Verify bedroom windows meet egress size requirements

    FBC-R R310.1
  5. Stairway complianceCritical

    Verify stair rise, run, handrail height, and landing dimensions

    FBC-R R311.7
  6. Dwelling-unit separation and penetrationsCritical

    Show completed rated separation continuity and protected penetrations.

    FBC-R R302.2FBC-R R302.4
  7. Address numbers visible

    Verify address numbers are posted and visible from street

    FBC-R R319.1
  8. Exterior finishes complete

    Verify exterior cladding, trim, and weatherproofing are complete

    FBC-R R703.1
  9. Site grading and drainage

    Verify finish grade slopes away from foundation minimum 6 inches in 10 feet

    FBC-R R401.3