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1. Why do I need a building permit?

Not only is it the law, but building permits can also protect you. With a building permit you get the advice of reviewers and inspectors who will approve each phase of your project, checking to see that the work is done in accordance with the Florida Building Code, zoning laws, and the approved plans. Additionally, a building permit is required to show compliance with sanitary, safety, and welfare concerns including required setbacks from property lines and adjacent structures.

Working without a permit when one is required can result in fines and can cause problems when you sell your home. More importantly, you lose the assurance that the work you are paying for is built to code, a minimum standard for safety.

2. What types of work need a building permit?

Section 101.4.2 of the Florida Building Code states, “It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove, or demolish any building structure or any part thereof; or any equipment, device, or facility therein or thereon; or to change the occupancy of a building from one use group to another requiring greater strength, means of egress, fire, and sanitary provisions; or to change to an unauthorized or prohibited use; or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this code; without first having filed application and obtained a permit thereof from the building official, validated by payment thereof.”

Exception: No permit shall be required, in this or any of the following sections, for general maintenance or repairs which do not change the occupancy of the building and the value of which does not exceed $500 in labor and material as determined by the Building Official. However, no repairs maybe made without prior approval of the building official. The most common types of projects that permits are requested for are:

• Single-family residences and duplexes


• One- and two-story additions


• Minor repairs, remodeling, and alterations


• Accessory structures such as sheds, gazebos, and chickees


• Carports


• Pools and spas


• Fences and walls


• Decks (wood or concrete)


• Screened porches, patios, and enclosures


• Awnings and canopies

3. How do I get a Building Permit?

Building permits are issued in the name of the person performing the work. Only licensed contractors or owners / builders may obtain a permit.

4. What are the contractor requirements?

Contractors must have a copy of state certification with an occupational license for place of business or copy or certificate of competency with a Municipal Contractor’s Occupational License and Certificate of Insurance made out to:
City of Opa-locka Building and Licensing Department
780 Fisherman Street
Opa-locka, FL 33054


The contractor's insurance must cover liability with no less than $300,000 per accident or occurrence for bodily injury, and $50,000 per accident for property damage as well as worker’s compensation. The certificate of insurance must show name of insurer, type of policy issued, policy number, date of inception and expiration, type of insurance, and that no material change or cancellation of the insurance shall be effective without 30 days written notice by registered or certified mail. All permits will be issued to contractors with an affidavit of authorization from the owner on all buildings.

5. What are the requirements for owner-builders?

Owner-builder applicants making application for a building permit should be advised of the following provisions and requirements that apply to owner builders. You must submit proof of ownership of the land concerned in the application in a form of a recorded deed, showing you own the property, or a copy of mortgage or warranty deed of the land, showing you are obligated to purchase the property. You may also submit a Dade County tax receipt, which should contain a legal description of the property and indicate that the property is in your name. The legal description and name on the document of proof must correspond to the name and legal description on the application or as defined in the Florida Building Code.

6. What is the permit intake and processing?

Permit intake and processing involves the intake and processing from the time of building permit application to the issuance of those permits. Many of these will require sub-permits for electrical, mechanical, roofing, and gas. There are several separate functions that comprise the permitting process in the city. First, all building permit applications must be submitted in a complete form at the intake counter. Once the application is reviewed for sufficiency, it is given a process number and routed to the Zoning Department. The Zoning Department reviews the application to insure the zoning district allows the use and reviews applicable setback requirements, height restrictions, flood zone determination, and other demographic information that is used in the department’s database. Once Zoning approves the application, it is routed to the plans examination review, where it is reviewed for compliance with the Florida Building Code.

Once the plans are reviewed and approved, the plans are routed to the processing section for the permit to be finalized and issued. Finally, the approved permit is routed to the cashiers for collection of any outstanding fees. A permit will expire after six months if no inspections have been performed. If the project has been inspected, the permit will be valid for an additional six months from the inspection date. If the permit is allowed to expire without all inspections being obtained or with work partially completed, a new or reissued permit must be obtained or the partial work removed. If you need a new or reissued permit, contact the Building and Licensing Department at (305) 953-2868.

7. What is a stop work order?

Chapter 1, Section 114.1: Authority - Whenever the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner either contrary to the provisions of this code or dangerous or unsafe, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

Chapter 1, Section 114.2: Issuance - The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order, and the conditions under which the cited work will be permitted to resume.

Chapter 1, Section 114.3: Unlawful Continuance - Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

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1. What offices are elected in the City of Opa-locka?

The Offices of Mayor and City Commissioners are elected.

2. How often are elections?

General Elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even numbered year.

3. How can I register to vote?

To register to vote, you must be a US Citizen and 18 years of age or older. For more information contact Miami-Dade County Elections at 305-499-VOTE (8683) or visit Miami-Dade County Elections website.
Miami-Dade County Elections website

4. What are the requirements to run for office?

To become a candidate for the Office of Mayor or City Commission, you must:
• Be a qualified elector of the City of Opa-locka
• Be a resident of the City of Opa-locka for more than 365 days prior to the day of the election at
which said person seeks to qualify for the office of mayor or city commissioner.

5. What is the term of office for the office of Mayor and the office of Commissioners?

The term of office for the Mayor is four years. The term of office for commission members is four years.

6. What is a candidate?

A candidate is any person who:
• Seeks to qualify for nomination or election by means of the petition process;
• Seeks to qualify for election as a write-in candidate;
• Receives contributions or makes expenditures, or consents for any other person to receive
contributions or make expenditures, with a view to bring about his or her nomination or
• Appoints a treasurer and designates a primary depository; or
• Files qualification papers and subscribes to a candidate’s oath as required by law.
• However, this definition does not include any candidate for a political party executive
committee.

(Section 106.011(16), F.S.)

7. When may I announce my candidacy?

You may “announce” your candidacy at any time.
However, FS 106.021 provides that BEFORE you accept contributions or make any expenditure, YOU MUST FILE YOUR APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER AND DESIGNATION OF CAMPAIGN DEPOSITORY (FORM DS-DE 9) with your qualifying officer (City Clerk).

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1. Who do I contact if I have a question about the website?

The Information Technology Department will be more than happy to assist you with any question regarding the website.

2. Is this website available in other languages?

This website is available in a variety of languages. While visiting the homepage scroll down towards the bottom of the page and click on "Translate" and select the language of your choice.

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1. What will be the potential impact that the stormwater master plan and process have on residents ability to obtain and maintain flood insurance?

Flood insurance in the City of Opa-locka is discounted according to the NFIP community rating system (CRS). Currently the City has a rating of 9 and receives a 5% discount on flood insurance policies. Certain activities that the city undertake will improve the city’s rating that will result in larger insurance discounts. One such activity (Activity 510) is the adoption of the Citywide Stormwater Master Plan which will identify recommendations for flooding mitigation. An overview of the activities credited under the CRS is provided in Table 1 at https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/community-rating-system. After the Master Plan is completed and adopted by the City Commission, the City would notify FEMA so that the additional rebates on Home Owners insurance for city of Opa-locka residents can be made effective.

2. Is the online survey available on the City of Opa-locka website so that it is promoted to engage residents?

The online survey Residential Stormwater Input Form is available on the city’s website

3. When will the Commission get the anticipated cost of the projects and when the projects will be seen moving forward?

The recommendations for stormwater infrastructure improvements will be completed and presented to the city in a technical memorandum and presentation to the City Commission. EAC anticipates the Capital Improvement Plan will be developed and submitted to the City by November 2021.

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1. How do I set up new water service with the city?

To establish new service you go to the Utility Billing Department on the fourth floor of Opa-Locka City Hall, located at 780 Fisherman Street. City offices are closed on Saturday, Sunday, and all major holidays. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Office hours are extended to 6:00 pm only for a shut-off date.

If you purchased a residential property serviced by a 5/8” meter, you must bring the settlement statement (HUD-1) or warranty deed, photo identification (preferably driver’s license or state ID), Social Security card and a deposit of $170. Payment for deposit must be in the form of cash, money order, or cashier’s check.

If opening an account for a single-unit, residential rented property serviced by a 5/8” meter, the tenant must bring to our office an original signed lease, photo identification (preferably driver’s license or state ID), Social Security card, and a deposit of $170. Payment for deposit must be in the form of cash, money order, or cashier’s check.

For meters greater than 5/8”, the deposit amount varies based on the size of the meter; a multi-unit deposit is based on the number of units. Please contact Customer Service at (305) 953-2868 ext. 1308.

2. How do I disconnect my utility service?

An account can be closed only when a property is sold or rented. To request a disconnection, you can do it in person at the Opa-Locka Water Department, or by fax with a copy of your driver license and request letter at (305) 953-2900.

3. How can I temporarily disconnect my service if the property is going to be vacant for a while?

If your property is going to be vacant for more than 60 days, you can request to suspend service. The City will disconnect the water at the meter to assure that potential leaks won’t run up your bill or flood your home and that no one illegally uses your water from an outside tap. There is a $25 service fee for suspending service and a monthly service fee will be billed to your account, based on the meter size and zero consumption. To request suspend service you can do it in person at the City Hall, over the phone at (305) 953-2868 ext. 1308.

4. Why don’t I have running water in my home?

If you have no running water in your home, first check your main house shut-off valve to make sure it is open to full capacity. If your valve is open and you still do not have water, check with the utility billing department to verify that your account is up to date. If your valve is open, your account is ok, and you still have no water, please contact the Customer Care Division at (305) 953-3058.

5. Where do I report water leaks or main breaks?

Report water leaks or main breaks to the Customer Care Division. To report leaks or interruption in water service, please call (305) 953-3058 or (305) 953-2868 ext. 1308 for assistance.

6. Where do I report a sewer back-up?

If your sinks, tubs, or toilets are overflowing, you may be experiencing a sewer back-up in your home. The Customer Care Division can be reached at (305) 953-3058.

7. Why is my water bill higher than usual?

There are many reasons that may cause a resident’s bill to be higher than normal. Three of the more common reasons could be:

• The number of billing days between meter readings could be varied from month to month. Generally speaking meters are read around the same time of the month, but sometimes this is not possible.


• There could be a leak somewhere on the customer’s piping on the discharge side of the meter. If there is a leak between the meter and the main (generally located in the street) this water is lost before it gets to the meter and is not recorded. However, if there is a toilet that runs or a leak on any of the customer’s piping, the meter will record that flow and that could account for a high water bill.


• The meter may have been misread. Occasionally mistakes may occur that we are unable to catch before the account is billed. Once the error is identified, the Utility Billing Department will make all the necessary correction and a new water bill will be mailed out to you.

8. I have no water pressure in my home. What should I do?

No pressure usually indicates either of the following:

• The house valve is off


• There is a possible broken pipe


• The water meter may be off

The most common situation is the house valve has been turned off by mistake. To check your house valve: Please, ensure all faucets in your house are closed normally. Locate your house valve on the side or front of the house just below the garden hose connection. To open it, turn the valve counterclockwise.

If you notice standing water around the water meter box or in the roadway, this may indicate a leaking or broken pipe, and you should call (305) 953-3058. The water meter may also be off. Please call (305) 953-3058 to find out.