Lee County sets up emergency building operation, will waive permit fees

Lee County officials have opened an Emergency Building and Well Repair Permitting operation in downtown Fort Myers.

The operation will be at the Department of Community Development building, say officials in a statement. In addition, a temporary permitting office has been set up at 2115 Second St., Fort Myers, on the first floor.

County officials say they are working “to expedite permits for most types of work (and) permit fees are waived until further notice.”

Lee County is working diligently to bring back Building Services in a responsible way,” the release adds, “to assist residents and businesses to the maximum extent possible by maximizing resources to help the most customers possible.”

Homeowners, the release states, need to know the following information prior to arriving at the site:

• For building permits, hours and dates will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
• For well-repair permits, hours and days will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice.
• Permitting is limited to repairs to existing habitable buildings and repair to wells due to Hurricane Ian. Permit applications must be storm related.
• A specific landing page has been set up for more information:  www.leegov.com/dcd/BldPermitServ/AppsProcd/EmergProcd  
• Contractors, who typically file for permits online, are asked to continue to use that process. This emergency operation is intended for homeowners.