Residential Building

This page explains the basic requirements for submitting a permit application for new residential accessory dwelling unit (ADU) building construction. This page provides links to guides and other resources to assist customers with the online permitting process.

• How to Apply
• Minimum Submission Requirements
• Inspection Requirements
• Permit Issuance
• Contact Us

Please submit all required plans and documentation as part of your permit application using Orange County’s Fast Track Online Services permitting portal. Before you get started, please refer to the One-Stop Permitting Guide for information about the application process, review the Residential Plan Review Checklist and visit the Fast Track Training Hub and download the User Guide.

DETAILED PERMITTING REQUIRMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES MAY BE FOUND IN THE FOLLOWING: Guide for Residential Plan Approval

Attached ADU (Addition to the primary residential unit)

1. Site plan or Survey showing the location of the proposed structure. For questions on the requirements for a site plan/plot plan/survey, contact zoning at Zoning@ocfl.net or call 407-836-3111. 
2. Lot Grading/Drainage Plan and finished floor elevation. For questions on the requirements for a lot grading/drainage plan, contact developmental engineering by calling 407-836-3111. 
3. Construction Plans prepared by an Florida Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect in accordance with the most current Residential Florida Building Code. 
   1. All documents shall be properly signed, dated and sealed for the required method of submittal. 
   2. Both an existing and proposed floor plan must be included as part of the plan set. All room uses must be labeled. A minimum of one emergency escape and rescue opening is required in every sleeping room. On the proposed floor plan label the existing and proposed emergency escape and rescue openings as either “Emergency Escape & Rescue Opening" or "EERO". 
   3. Fire separation is required between units and must be in accordance with the most current Residential Florida Building Code section for to two-family dwellings.
4.  Construction Documents 
5. When applicable, Energy Calculations, ACCA manuals J, S, D and Energy Performance Level (EPL) display card are required when installing HVAC equipment. 
   1. When installing or modifying ductwork, a mechanical duct layout is required. 
6. When applicable, Truss engineering prepared by a Florida Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect are required and must be submitted as part of the initial plan review. 
   1. All documents shall be properly signed, dated and sealed for the required method of submittal. 
   2. A truss layout provided by the truss manufacturer is required to be submitted. This layout is not required to be signed and sealed but must match the roof framing plans provided by the design professional of record.
7. A Completed Orange County Product Approval Specification Sheet. 
   1. Note: Approved installation details and screen shots for all products listed below are NO LONGER required to be submitted for plan review. However, you are required to have the approved installation details on the jobsite for inspection. Failure to do so will result in a failed inspection. If the applicant chooses to submit the installation details and instructions with the screen prints, the documents will be stamped as a part of your approved plan set reducing the risk of a failed inspection for not having the required documents available onsite for inspection. 

Alteration to create an ADU (Alter the use of existing space in the primary residential unit)

1. Construction Plans prepared by an Florida Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect in accordance with the most current Residential Florida Building Code. 
   1. All documents shall be properly signed, dated and sealed for the required method of submittal. 
   2. Both an existing and proposed floor plan must be included as part of the plan set. All room uses must be labeled. A minimum of one emergency escape and rescue opening is required in every sleeping room. On the proposed floor plan label the existing and proposed emergency escape and rescue openings as either “Emergency Escape & Rescue Opening" or "EERO". 
   3. Fire separation is required between units and must be in accordance with the most current Residential Florida Building Code section for to two-family dwellings
2.  Construction Documents 
3. When applicable, Energy Calculations, ACCA manuals J, S, D and Energy Performance Level (EPL) display card are required when installing HVAC equipment. 
   1. When installing or modifying ductwork, a mechanical duct layout is required. 
4. When applicable, Truss engineering prepared by a Florida Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect are required and must be submitted as part of the initial plan review. 
   1. All documents shall be properly signed, dated and sealed for the required method of submittal. 
   2. A truss layout provided by the truss manufacturer is required to be submitted. This layout is not required to be signed and sealed but must match the roof framing plans provided by the design professional of record.
5. A Completed Orange County Product Approval Specification Sheet. 
   1. Note: Approved installation details and screen shots for all products listed below are NO LONGER required to be submitted for plan review. However, you are required to have the approved installation details on the jobsite for inspection. Failure to do so will result in a failed inspection. If the applicant chooses to submit the installation details and instructions with the screen prints, the documents will be stamped as a part of your approved plan set reducing the risk of a failed inspection for not having the required documents available onsite for inspection. 

Detached ADU. (Detached from the primary residential unit)

1. Site plan or Survey showing the location of the proposed structure. For questions on the requirements for a site plan/plot plan/survey, contact zoning at Zoning@ocfl.net or call 407-836-3111. 
2. Lot Grading/Drainage Plan and finished floor elevation. 
3. Construction Plans prepared by an Florida Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect in accordance with the most current Residential Florida Building Code. 
   • All documents shall be properly signed, dated and sealed for the required method of submittal.
   • When applicable, fire separation is required between units and must be in accordance with the most current Residential Florida Building Code section for to two-family dwellings. 
4. Construction Documents 
5. When applicable, Energy Calculations, ACCA manuals J, S, D and Energy Performance Level (EPL) display card are required when installing HVAC equipment. 
   • When installing or modifying ductwork, a mechanical duct layout is required. 
6. When applicable, Truss engineering prepared by a Florida Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect are required and must be submitted as part of the initial plan review. 
   • All documents shall be properly signed, dated and sealed for the required method of submittal 
   • A truss layout provided by the truss manufacturer is required to be submitted. This layout is not required to be signed and sealed but must match the roof framing plans provided by the design professional of record.
7. A Completed Orange County Product Approval Specification Sheet. 
   • Note: Approved installation details and screen shots for all products listed below are NO LONGER required to be submitted for plan review. However, you are required to have the approved installation details on the jobsite for inspection. Failure to do so will result in a failed inspection. If the applicant chooses to submit the installation details and instructions with the screen prints, the documents will be stamped as a part of your approved plan set reducing the risk of a failed inspection for not having the required documents available onsite for inspection. 

Inspections are required for all permits. For additional information, refer to the inspection record provided upon permit issuance for a list of inspection types that may be required for your project.  For additional questions, please contact 407-836-5550 and request to speak to a Building Inspections Team Member. Use Fast Track to schedule and manage inspections online. To learn more, please visit the Fast Track Video Resources. 

A passed "290 Final Inspection" is required in order for the permit status to change to complete. Failure to schedule and pass a Final Inspection within the allowed time will result in the permit Expiring. Additional expense to reinstate/replace the permit and possibly updated plans and documentation may be required. 

A licensed contractor will be required to accept permit issuance. An owner-builder may act as Contractor under Exemption to F.S. 489.103(7)(a).