Home Government City Government City Manager Office of Communications FEMA Archived: Hurricane Ian Recovery Emergency Permitting

Emergency Permitting

Permitting Counter
Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.
Permit Counter Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Services: Emergency Permitting, Plan Review, and Building Inspections
See the Inspection information below

New permit applications not related to storm damage are being accepted online again through the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal at www.capecoral.gov/EnerGov

Please note: Permitting related to storm damage will be given priority over the processing of existing (pre-hurricane) permits.

Permitting Information
The first phase of the Disaster Recovery procedures focuses on helping residents and business owners obtain the necessary permits and inspections to correct the damage to their current inhabitable homes and businesses, with expedited permitting and review.

EMERGENCY PERMIT APPLICATIONS
Hold Harmless Permit Affidavit

The FEMA 50% Rule is still in effect and will be enforced during the review.
The 50% Rule, a regulation of the National Flood Insurance Program, requires that structures with damage exceeding 50% of their market value be rebuilt consistently with the current flood elevation and Florida Building Code.

During a Special Meeting on November 30, 2022, the Cape Coral City Council voted to approve Ordinance 96-22, which amends Articles 11 and 12 of the City's Land Development Code. This ordinance removes the 5-year cumulative impact rule, which adds the cost of building repairs and additions to the cost to repair damages when determining whether a structure is substantially damaged (at or above 50% damage by market value).

Questions about FEMA's 50% Rule?
Access the FEMA package and determine if FEMA requirements impact your property

Additional Information:

Work Not Requiring a Permit:

Removal of debris from on or inside a structure

Minor demolition to prevent injury or prevent further damage to buildings Structural shoring and bracing

Replacement of broken glass within existing framing for windows and doors. Repair/Replacement of soffit and gutters

Minor non-structural repairs made to the exterior of structures

Repair of minor water leaks that do not involve structural, mechanical, or electrical systems.

These procedures are designed to facilitate permitting during a major catastrophic event. These procedures may be subject to change without notice, depending on circumstances that may occur during recovering from the catastrophic event.

Inspections Information
It is the responsibility of the Contractor or Owner-Builder to request the required inspections based on the approved scope of work. Contractors and owners using approved Private Provider Inspection firms to perform the necessary inspections and provide inspection reports to the Cape Coral Building Division should send their information via email to corequests@capecoral.gov.

Inspections for permits ONLY related to Hurricane Damage can be scheduled Monday-Friday by calling 239-574-0555.

All other inspections for existing permits can be scheduled 24/7 through the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal at https://energovweb.capecoral.gov/EnerGovProd/selfservice#/home

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will Phase 1 last?
- Currently, 180 days.

How long will it take for my permit to be issued?
- Most hurricane damage permits will be issued over the counter. We will make every attempt to review and issue permits in one to three days.

What if I have structural damage?
- City staff will advise you on the necessary steps.

What types of payments are being accepted?
- Fees will not be charged for damage-related permits.

What should I do about my existing Permit or Permit Application now that I have Hurricane Damage also?
- These will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What do I do if LCEC says I need a permit to restore power and cannot obtain a license?
- The city’s electrical inspector will conduct an inspection and notify LCEC in lieu of a permit. An after-the-fact permit should be applied for within 30 days. Send inquiries to jokapal@capecoral.gov.

Click here to view Emergency Permitting Procedures.