Plantation permits are filed online through Accela Citizen Access. Building Safety: 954-797-2765. Planning and Zoning: 954-797-2225. Inspections: 954-678-2632.

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Plantation’s Department of Building Safety, its permit services page, Building Safety FAQ, same-day permit page, the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development pages and the City Council’s meetings page.

Two city departments share one building. The Department of Building Safety issues permits and runs inspections under the Florida Building Code. Planning, Zoning and Economic Development handles zoning, site plans, variances, land use changes and business tax receipts. Both are at 401 NW 70th Terrace, next to the Police Department.

Who to call

  • Building permits and plan review: Department of Building Safety, 954-797-2765, helpmebuilding@plantation.org
  • Inspections (automated line): 954-678-2632
  • Zoning questions and application packets: Planning, Zoning and Economic Development, 954-797-2225, HelpMeZoning@plantation.org
  • Online: Accela Citizen Access

Applying for a permit

Plantation runs permits through Accela Citizen Access. From the permit services page:

  • Anyone can search property records, check a permit or inspection status and make payments without an account.
  • Registered users can apply for building, right-of-way (Engineering) and planning permits, apply for or renew a business tax receipt, file a code enforcement complaint and schedule inspections.
  • Only properly licensed contractors, or accounts registered and activated by Building Safety, can submit a permit application or schedule inspections.
  • All plans and supporting documents are processed electronically and must come with a new permit application.

Contractors register with the city by sending a state certified or registered license, a Broward County competency license and proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance naming the City of Plantation as certificate holder, the city’s FAQ says.

How long it takes

The city says minor permits can be issued the same day. Larger plans take from a week to 10 working days, depending on the size of the job.

Same-day permits are available for some jobs on existing single-family homes only: mechanical replacements, water heaters, reroofs, shutters and windows and doors. The application package goes in through Citizen Access between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Wednesdays, and must include every item on the city’s checklist for that permit type.

Before hiring a contractor, an owner, agent or architect can get a preliminary plan review by opening a cost recovery account, the city says.

Inspections

  • Requests received by noon are scheduled for the next business day; later requests take two business days or the next opening.
  • Schedule by calling the automated line at 954-678-2632, or through Citizen Access (registered contractors only; not available for owner-builder permits).
  • You need the permit number and the three-digit inspection code on your permit card.
  • A failed inspection carries a $100 reinspection fee, paid before the next inspection.
  • A reroof does not need a renailing inspection, the city says.

Copies of plans for your house

The Building Department’s microfilm division keeps plans for existing homes. Printed copies cost $3 a page up to 11 by 17 inches and $5 a sheet for larger sizes, and research requests need a $25 deposit, according to the city’s FAQ. An appointment may be required.

Zoning, site plans and variances

Planning and Zoning enforces the city’s Land Development Code and writes the Comprehensive Plan. For an application packet for the Development Review Committee, the Planning and Zoning Board, a predevelopment review, a land use plan amendment or a City Council item, call 954-797-2265 or email HelpMeZoning@plantation.org, the city’s applications page says. Fees can be paid online by credit card or by check to the City of Plantation.

  • Maps: the city’s GIS maps page links the land use map, the zoning map and a development activity map.
  • Scam warning: the department says its staff will never email or text asking for payment or a wire transfer. If you get one, call 954-797-2225.

Where decisions are made

Larger projects go to the Planning and Zoning Board and then the City Council.

  • City Council meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 400 NW 73rd Ave. Meetings are sometimes canceled or added; call the City Clerk at 954-797-2200 to confirm.
  • Council and Planning and Zoning Board meetings stream live, and residents can leave e-comments on agenda items. Anyone who wants to speak on a quasi-judicial item, such as a rezoning or variance, must come in person.
  • Agendas and minutes are in the city’s meeting archive.

What this means for you

  • Hiring a contractor? Check the permit is pulled in their name on Citizen Access.
  • A water heater, reroof or window job on a single-family home may qualify for a same-day permit on a Wednesday morning.
  • Want a say on a rezoning? Go to the meeting; quasi-judicial items take in-person comment only.

Related: who to call at City Hall, Broward County property taxes and road construction in Plantation.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a building permit in Plantation?

Apply through the city’s Accela Citizen Access portal. Only licensed contractors and accounts registered and activated by the Department of Building Safety can submit applications; call 954-797-2765 for help.

How long does a building permit take in Plantation?

The city says minor permits can be issued the same day, and larger plans take from a week to 10 working days depending on the size of the job.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Plantation?

Call the automated inspection line at 954-678-2632 or use Citizen Access. Requests received by noon are scheduled for the next business day.

Where is the Plantation Building Department?

The Department of Building Safety and Planning, Zoning and Economic Development are at 401 NW 70th Terrace, next to the Police Department.

Who do I call about zoning in Plantation?

Planning, Zoning and Economic Development at 954-797-2225, or email HelpMeZoning@plantation.org.