The Building Inspection Division manages and coordinates the plan review, permitting, and inspection process of private construction projects in accordance with the City of Gainesville Ordinances that adopt and amend Building Codes.

A building permit is required for all new construction, remodeling, renovations, changes and additions to structures.    

Permits are also required for signs, sitework, floodplain development, fences, swimming pools, fire sprinkler systems, lawn sprinkler systems, alarms, rewiring, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. 

The Building Inspection Department also administers the I-35 Development Corridor Ordinance, The Grand Avenue Development Corridor, The West Highway 82 Development Corridor, the Tree Preservation Ordinance, The Historic Preservation Ordinance, The Floodplain Ordinance, and the City Landscape Ordinance.

The Building Official administers the Design Review Committee which reviews all new commercial construction projects.