In an attempt to facilitate the process for acquiring permits in Orange County, we have opened a new “one-stop shop” permitting services office, which allows customers to obtain their permits in one central location without the need to visit several offices in the county. This new office is an important step to cut red tape and fight bureaucracy in the county because it allows visitors to submit their applications, ask questions and receive results in just one stop. In a single location, people can communicate with representatives from different Orange County departments like public works, health department, environmental protection services and utilities services, just to name a few.
The new one-stop shop also features a permitting advocate to oversee the process and a customer service team specifically trained to explain and facilitate county procedures. Customers who have questions or need assistance can speak directly to a member of the customer service assistance team and, if further assistance is needed, the contact information for another center can always be provided to the customer right away. Our customer service assistance team can facilitate inquiries regarding the development process, permitting services and conflict resolution. We also have a development hotline available for any customer in need of assistance at 407-836-8181.
In addition, there is now free Wi-Fi available to the public inside the building so people may learn about permitting services online. When visitors check in with the receptionist, they will be asked to describe what service(s) they require, but if the receptionist is not immediately available, they can also check in at one of the computers located in the lobby, behind the reception desk.
The Permitting Services office has introduced a variety of new services such as boat dock permits, new residential and commercial meters, petitions to vacate right of way, septic tank and lot grading reviews, shoreline alteration permits, landfill permits, lakeshore vegetation removal permits, air pollution permits, commercial plan reviews, and excavation and mass grading permits. Before, the Permitting Services only offered residential structure permits, commercial structure permits, contractor licensing, address assignments, concurrency review application, impact fee assessments and use permits. All applications, forms and notices can be printed and handed to visitors while at Central Permitting. Visitors can submit their applications and pay the application fee(s) at the cashiers office.
Central Permitting is located at the Orange County Administration Building at 201 South Rosalind Ave. on the first floor. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions, call the development hotline at 407-836-8181 or email permittingservices@ocfl.net
I hope you enjoy these new services and find the process for acquiring permits much easier. Please know that I am at your service and that the doors to our District 3 office are always open. If you have any questions or if I may be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 407-836-7350 or email me at district3@ocfl.net. You can also follow me on Facebook or Twitter to find out about news and events taking place in District 3.