Frequently Asked Questions

 

Welcome to the Community Development Department frequently asked questions page.  Please select a category below to browse questions and answers by topic.
 

General

What does the Community Development Department do?
How do I get in touch with someone in Community Development?
What is the role of the City and its new Community Development Department?
Where are your offices?
What is a STRAP number and how do I know if my property is located within the incorporated area of City of Bonita Springs?

Building

What regulations are used to review building permits?
What determines when a building permit is required?
Who can apply for a permit?
What forms of payment are accepted?
Can a home owner apply for a permit?
When do I need to apply for a certificate of use?
How does the city track licensed contractors?
How do I check the status of my permit and/or obtain inspection results?
What is the office address and business hours for building inspectors?
What are the availability and office hours for building inspectors?
How do I obtain a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance?
How do I obtain a threshold construction certification?
How can I obtain temporary residential or commercial power electric service?
Do I need a health inspection to open a restaurant?
Who conducts septic inspections?
Who conducts well inspections?
Who issues and inspects driveway permits?
Who issues and inspects driveway permits in the San Carlos Drainage District?
How do I obtain a Sign Permit?

Development Services

How do I schedule development review site plan approval and inspections?

Environmental

Who can I call regarding Sea Turtle compliance and inspections?
Do I need a permit to remove trees and native vegetation?
Do I need a permit to alter the planted landscaping on my multi-family or commercial site?
Do I need a Dock & Shoreline permit to repair or redeck my dock?

Flood Insurance

What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and how do I use it?
Where can I find more information about the maps that were used to determine my relative risk level for flood?
Why does my mortgage lender require me to buy flood insurance?
Why do I need flood insurance, even though my community has never been flooded?

Planning and Zoning

What is the Bonita Plan (Comprehensive Plan)?
What is zoning?
Where can I find the Zoning Code?
My property is zoned "PD" (Planned Development). Who can help me understand what these ordinances mean?
What is the zoning classification of my property and the zoning regulations for development?
Are all properties zoned the same? Are the property development regulations the same?
How do I file an application for a variance, special exception, rezoning, or comprehensive plan amendment?