Miami’s permitting process is split among several city departments. The Building Department handles building permits, plan review, inspections, and trade-related construction approvals, with applications managed through the iBuild system and plans reviewed electronically through ePlan/ProjectDox. Planning, Zoning, and Resilience & Public Works handle separate land-use and right-of-way processes when a project requires them.
Land development in Miami is shaped by Miami 21, the city’s zoning code. Instead of conventional zoning districts alone, Miami 21 assigns every property a Transect Zone and establishes development standards for new construction and redevelopment. Projects involving rezoning, variances, special permits, or other discretionary approvals can therefore follow a different path from a standard building permit.
Miami also regulates tree activity as part of its development process. Removing or relocating trees—and certain substantial trimming—can require a City tree permit. For new construction, tree review is coordinated with the master building permit, making existing trees an important consideration before site plans are finalized.
Historic designation can add another approval layer. Work on locally designated historic properties may require a Certificate of Appropriateness through the City’s Historic Preservation program. In addition, some City of Miami projects require separate Miami-Dade County reviews, including environmental, water and sewer, or impact-fee processing. Applicants can start with the City’s Permitting Landing Page to identify the city and county reviews that apply.