City of Pensacola Building Inspections: 850-436-5600, City Hall fifth floor, walk-ins 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. How to apply in MGO, inspections and zoning boards.
Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Pensacola’s Building Inspections and Planning & Zoning Division pages.
Two city offices on the fifth floor of City Hall, 222 W. Main St., handle building in Pensacola. Building Inspections issues building permits under the Florida Building Code and inspects the work. The Planning & Zoning Division applies the Land Development Code, reviews zoning and site plans, and staffs the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Architectural Review Board.
Who to call
- Building Inspections (permits, inspections): 850-436-5600, inspections@cityofpensacola.com
- Planning & Zoning Division (zoning, land use, historic districts): 850-435-1670
- MGO Connect (online portal and account help, inspection line option 5): 866-957-3764
- Outside city limits: Escambia County Building Services, 850-595-3550
- Official page: Building Inspections
City of Pensacola building department at a glance
The city’s building department is Building Inspections, part of its development services offices, led by Building Inspections Director Jonathan Bilby. It issues building permits, reviews plans and inspects the work inside city limits.
| City of Pensacola Building Inspections | |
|---|---|
| Address | Fifth floor, City Hall, 222 W. Main St., Pensacola, FL 32502 |
| Phone | 850-436-5600 |
| inspections@cityofpensacola.com | |
| Hours | 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays |
| Walk-ins | 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (arrive by 12:15 p.m.) |
| Appointments outside walk-in hours | At least 24 hours ahead |
| Inspection line | 866-957-3764, option 5, or schedule in MGO |
| City main line | 311 or 850-436-5555 |
Zoning and land-use questions go to the separate Planning & Zoning Division at 850-435-1670, on the same floor.
After Hurricane Isaias
The city’s storm questions and answers say Building Inspections will publish emergency repair and permitting rules after the storm. Photograph damage and call your insurer first. Check the Building Inspections page or call 850-436-5600 before work goes beyond emergency protection such as tarps and boarding.
The city’s planning staff also warns of scams: official messages come only from @cityofpensacola.com addresses, and the city never asks for permit payments by unsolicited email.
Is my address in the city?
Start by confirming jurisdiction. Look up the address on the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s website and read the taxing authority. If it says Pensacola city limits, the city handles your permit. Anywhere else in the county, go to Escambia County Building Services, 850-595-3550.
How a city permit works
- Apply online. Every permit with plan review goes through My Government Online (MGO Connect). Upload original PDF files. The city stopped accepting paper plans on April 1, 2020.
- Zoning first for new homes and additions. New dwellings, additions, pools, accessory buildings, house moves and manufactured homes need zoning and site approval before the building permit, which is then filed as an “Add to Existing” application.
- Trade permits. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, roofing and fire system permits are filed as “Add to Existing” permits on the same project.
- Inspections. Schedule them in MGO or by phone at 866-957-3764, option 5.
- How long a permit lasts. Residential permits issued on or after July 1, 2026, are valid for one year or until a new building code cycle starts, whichever is longer. Commercial permits, and residential permits issued before July 1, 2026, are valid for 180 days.
The city enforces the 2023 Florida Building Code (8th edition) and the 2020 National Electrical Code. The code cycle changes Dec. 31, 2026: projects submitted on or after that date must meet the 2026 Florida Building Code.
Office hours. Building Inspections is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with walk-ins from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. if you arrive by 12:15 p.m. Get in line or book a time at 425701.waitwell.us. Planners see the public 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Doing it yourself
Florida law lets owners pull their own permits if they will live in the home for at least a year after the work and are not building it to sell or lease, according to the city’s owner-builder page. You must sign the owner-builder affidavit in person at City Hall. Jobs over $5,000 ($15,000 for an air conditioning changeout) need a notarized Notice of Commencement recorded with Escambia County first. Plan review usually takes two to three weeks.
Zoning boards and when they meet
| Board | What it decides | Meets |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Board | Recommends rezonings, code changes and comprehensive plan amendments to City Council | Second Tuesday, 2 p.m. |
| Zoning Board of Adjustment | Variances, waivers, special exceptions and appeals of staff decisions | Third Wednesday, 3 p.m. |
| Architectural Review Board | Building, renovation and demolition in the historic and preservation districts | Third Thursday, 2 p.m. |
All three meet at City Hall. Agendas are posted on the city’s meeting portal. The Zoning Board of Adjustment meets Wednesday, Oct. 21. On the regular schedule, the Planning Board meets next on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and the Architectural Review Board on Thursday, Nov. 19; check the portal for the agenda before you go.
Historic districts
Work on the outside of a building in the Pensacola Historic District, the North Hill Preservation District, the Old East Hill Preservation District, the Palafox Historic Business District or the Governmental Center District goes to the Architectural Review Board, according to the city’s historic preservation page. Ask the Planning & Zoning Division whether your address is in one before you plan the work.
The city’s rules are in the Land Development Code, part of the Code of Ordinances.
Related: who to call at City Hall, Escambia County property taxes and Pensacola history and landmarks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a building permit in Pensacola?
Apply online through My Government Online (MGO Connect). Paper plans are not accepted. Building Inspections is on the fifth floor of City Hall, 222 W. Main St.; call 850-436-5600.
Do I need a permit to repair hurricane damage in Pensacola?
The city says Building Inspections will publish emergency repair and permitting rules after Hurricane Isaias. Check the Building Inspections page or call 850-436-5600 before you start work beyond emergency protection.
Where is the City of Pensacola building department?
Building Inspections is on the fifth floor of City Hall, 222 W. Main St. It is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with walk-ins 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. if you arrive by 12:15 p.m. Phone 850-436-5600.
Can I pull my own permit as a homeowner in Pensacola?
Yes, under Florida’s owner-builder law, if you will live in the home for at least a year after the work and are not building it for sale or lease. You must sign the owner-builder affidavit in person at City Hall.
When does the Pensacola Planning Board meet?
Monthly, on the second Tuesday at 2 p.m. at City Hall. The Zoning Board of Adjustment meets the third Wednesday at 3 p.m., and the Architectural Review Board the third Thursday at 2 p.m.
How do I know if my address is in Pensacola city limits?
Look up the address on the Escambia County Property Appraiser’s website and check the taxing authority. If it does not say Pensacola city limits, Escambia County Building Services handles your permit at 850-595-3550.
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