Building permits and zoning in Melbourne

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Sources: the City of Melbourne Building Section, its frequently asked questions, the Planning and Zoning page and the city’s meeting calendar.

Two offices at Melbourne City Hall handle building. The Building Section, part of the Code Compliance Division, issues permits and inspects the work. The Planning Division, part of Community Development, handles zoning, land use, variances, rezonings and annexation. Melbourne is in Brevard County, but inside the city limits the city, not the county, issues building permits.

Who to call

• Building Section (permits, plan review, inspections): 321-608-7900, BLDplanreview@mlbfl.org, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays
• Permit questions line: 321-608-7915
• Planning Division (zoning, variances, rezoning): 321-608-7500, community.development@mlbfl.org, City Hall third floor
• Address: 900 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901
• Apply online: the city’s EnerGov self-service portal

When you need a permit

The city’s FAQ says permits are needed for “any new construction, addition or alteration of existing structures,” and lists work many homeowners do not expect:

• Fences, sheds, carports and garages
• Re-roofing, window, door and garage-door replacement
• Above-ground and in-ground pools, solar pool heaters and screen rooms
• A/C change-outs, electrical, plumbing and gas work, and generators
• Driveways, irrigation systems, tree removal and land-clearing work
• Signs, commercial awnings, fire alarms and sprinklers

Starting without a permit can bring a penalty of 100% of the usual permit fee, plus delays and possible removal of the work. Setbacks matter too: a pool, shed or carport that crosses a required setback needs a variance from Community Development, and nothing can be built in an easement unless the City Council approves abandoning it.

How to apply

Applications go through the EnerGov portal. Include:

• Drawings, where the work calls for them
• A survey for any new building or addition, to show it sits on your lot and meets the zoning setbacks
• Proof of ownership (deed or tax statement)
• A description of the work and its estimated value

The city posts six EnerGov instructional videos on registering, applying and scheduling inspections.

Owner-builders: you can pull your own permit if you own the property as an individual, will not sell or lease it for a year and, for commercial work, the job is under $75,000.

Sealed plans are required for residential work attached to the house, in-ground pools and anything that must meet wind-load rules (aluminum structures, flagpoles, satellite dishes and solar panels), and for most commercial work.

How long it takes

From the Building Section FAQ, when plans need only one review:

Some permits are issued immediately, or within three days if plan review is needed. An application or an issued permit expires after 180 days without activity (an approved review or a passed inspection). You then have another 180 days to reinstate it by uploading a letter with the permit number, address, the reason it stalled and a completion date.

Inspections

Inspections run 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city does not give appointment times. You can call the inspector between 7:30 and 8 a.m. on the day at 321-608-7900, or log in to EnerGov to see the inspector’s proposed route. Inspectors ask permission before entering a house or a fenced yard and will not enter with only a minor at home.

Zoning, variances and rezoning

The Planning Division answers “what’s my zoning” questions and runs an Ask a Planner service. A sample of Community Development fees:

• Variance for a single-family or two-family home: $350
• Administrative waiver: $100
• Zoning map amendment (rezoning): $1,125, plus a $210 legal advertisement fee
• Conditional use: $1,100, plus a $210 legal advertisement fee

The boards that decide

From the city’s CivicClerk calendar, all at City Hall:

Agendas and packets are posted on the portal before each meeting.

Flood zones

Melbourne borders the Indian River Lagoon, and the Eau Gallie River and Crane Creek run through it. The Building Section’s flood hazard page links FEMA’s preliminary flood maps for Brevard County and the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, where you can look up an address.

What this means for you

• Replacing a roof, windows or an A/C unit? It needs a permit.
• Get a survey before you plan an addition, pool or shed.
• Keep the permit active: one passed inspection every 180 days.

Related: property taxes, Melbourne home prices and who to call at City Hall.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a fence in Melbourne?

Yes. The city requires permits for fences, sheds, re-roofing, window and door replacement, A/C change-outs, driveways, generators, tree removal and electrical, plumbing and gas work, among others.

How long does a building permit take in Melbourne?

When plans need only one review, residential permits average 5 to 7 working days and commercial permits 14 to 21 working days, the Building Section says. Some permits are issued immediately.

How do I apply for a building permit in Melbourne?

Online, through the city’s EnerGov self-service portal, with drawings where needed, a survey for new construction or additions, proof of ownership, a description of the work and its estimated value.

What happens if I build without a permit in Melbourne?

The city says work started without a permit can bring a penalty of 100% of the usual permit fee, delays, and even removal of the structure.

How do I find my zoning in Melbourne?

Ask the Planning Division at City Hall, third floor, 321-608-7500 or community.development@mlbfl.org. The city also runs an online Ask a Planner service.