Emergency Permitting Information
When storms impact Volusia County, residents and business owners often need to make urgent repairs to restore their homes, businesses, and daily lives. To ensure safety, protect property values, and maintain compliance with local and federal regulations, certain post-storm repairs require building permits. Other minor fixes may be completed without one. Understanding these requirements helps property owners move forward quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Volusia County has established streamlined procedures to support recovery while keeping structures safe and resilient. This includes expediting specific permits, providing online and in-person application options, and ensuring that floodplain regulations are followed where applicable. The information below outlines which repairs require permits, how to apply, what documents are needed, and special considerations for properties in FEMA flood zones.
Repairs That Will Require a Building Permit:
- Roof replacements or substantial roof repairs
- Structural repairs (Walls, trusses, foundations)
- Electrical Service (restoration/replacement)
- HVAC equipment replacement
- Window/door replacement
- Structural and non-structural siding
- Interior environment (electrical, plumbing, drywall, insulation)
Repairs That Will Not Require a Building Permit:
- Like for like shingle patching, under 100 sq ft (provided the secondary water barrier and/or sheathing does not require repair)
- Mold Mitigation (Removal of drywall, flooring, carpet, insulation, countertop, or cabinets)
- Interior doors, cabinets, or flooring,
- Painting
How to apply:
- You may apply online (preferred) using our Volusia County Connect Live portal. If you have not logged in before, you will need to create an account to get started.
- In person – Physical Locations:
Primary - 123 W. Indiana Ave, Room 203, Deland, FL 32720
Back-Up- (if activated per State of Emergency) – 440 S. Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (Hours of operation will be posted here, if activated by State of Emergency)
Documents Needed for Permit Approval:
- Scope of work (includes all work to be completed)
- Photos of damage
- Site plan (as needed for exterior work)
- Any applicable waivers that may be required, specific to the emergency event
- If the building is located in a flood zone, the following documentation will be required to be submitted:
- Substantial Damage Assessment Packet
- If available, a FEMA Elevation Certificate for the affected building.
How to obtain forms:
- Visit our website
- Select the “Application and Forms” link on the right-side column.
The following Hurricane Repair Permits will be expedited:
- Roof
- Electrical repairs
- Windows/doors/garage doors
- Demolition
Floodplain regulations will still be followed for repairs to structures in a FEMA regulated Flood Zone.
Floodplain requirements:
Repairs and/or improvements to structures where any portion of the building footprint is situated in or partially placed in a FEMA flood zone and/or Regulatory Floodway will require additional documentation for permitting.
- Post-storm repairs must adhere to the National Flood Insurance Program and Volusia County local Ordinance.
- Permit for repairs must be evaluated for substantial damage. All repairs to damaged structures in the FEMA flood zone must undergo a substantial damage assessment. Along with the permit application, the following supplementary materials will need to be submitted as well.
- Substantial Damage Assessment Packet
- Itemized cost sheet or estimate for repairs completed by a licensed professional
- For repairs that do not require a permit, a Flood Hazard Permit must be applied for (i.e.. flooring, interior doors, cabinetry, painting), This cannot be obtained through the Connect Live portal, but should be submitted directly to the Chief Plans Examiner
- Optional – A current FEMA Elevation Certificate that shows the top of slab for the habitable floor to be one foot above the base flood elevation may be submitted as evidence of current code compliance in lieu of submittal of the previously listed documents.
Structures Deemed Substantially Damaged:
The substantial damage assessment process determines if the repairs to restore the structure back to its pre-damaged state exceeds 50% of the fair market value of the building only. It is considered substantially damaged and must now meet current code requirements.
Temporary Habitability Permit:
This is a minimum repair permit that allows an owner to perform basic repairs, making the substantially damaged structure habitable for human occupancy while going through a mitigation process. This type of permit typically starts as a residential repair or renovation permit, but it may be determined to be a temporary habitability permit, with mitigation. Mitigation to the structure can be either:
- Elevation of the existing structure to the minimum requirements of one foot above the base flood elevation.
- Complete rebuilding of a replacement residence.
- Dry-Flood Proof for non-residential structures only
These emergency permitting policies are established to help facilitate permitting following an emergency event. Changing circumstances may alter this policy at any time. Volusia County will update its website with the most up to date information as needed. To contact the Permitting Office, please call: 386-736-5929
