Apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP) - Construction Related

This is an application to be granted permission for temporary trailers, fences, loading areas, sales centers, or parking for construction/land development purposes.  This permit is good for two years. 

  • A commercial property does not require a separate TOP for a temporary fence, as that is already part of the active Building Permit. If you're building an on-site structure (sales center, etc.) you will need a TOP as well as a separate Building Permit for that structure. 
  • Residential (single family and duplex properties): You will need a TOP if you're erecting a fence around your construction project. 

Please follow:

  1. You must already have an active building permit for a construction project before applying for this TOP. 
  2. If you're building an onsite temporary structure (sales center, construction trailer, on-site offices etc.), you will also need to apply for a Building Permit for that secondary structure once you're approved for a TOP. These instructions will be given to you at the end of the TOP process, below.  NOTE: Parking lots may not need a secondary permit, you will be advised if this is the case.

TIP: This permit cannot be used to secure vacant land, unless you've already been approved to build on that land.  This application used to be called a Temporary Use Permit (TUP), but is now referred to as a Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP).  This is not an application for a Temporary Use Permit (TUP - Zoning), or a "Temporary Use on Vacant Land".  The TUP applies to activating vacant properties for temporary uses such as structures, tents, kiosks, temporary exhibition areas, and other similar uses which deal in the areas of food, arts, vocation, culture, and entertainment.

Online

Gather Your Information 

When submitting your application, you will be prompted to provide the following information:
  • Applicant Details: Provide your name, complete address, phone number, email address, and the address of the construction site. Additionally, describe the intended use of the project and provide the start and end dates.
  • Building Permit Number: This application is for projects that already have an approved building permit. Be sure to include the building permit number for the main development project.
  • Explanation of Use: Provide a detailed explanation of the intended use for this application. This may include information such as hours and days of operation, number of employees, trailer specifics, etc.
After submitting your application, you'll receive an invoice via email and further instructions. Once you've paid your invoice, you'll receive a link to upload your documents. 
  • Site Plan: A site plan drawn to scale is required. The plan must clearly show property boundaries, entrances and exits (including gate dimensions), the location of portable toilets, and surrounding street names and addresses. If the request involves placing a trailer, include details such as the trailer’s dimensions, whether stairs or ramps will be used, and any associated measurements. Important: Site plans must also include a 3x3 space reserved in the top-right corner of each page for the City’s batch stamp. 
    • NOTE: Site Plans must show the dimensions of the lot, they must specify the entrances and exits including the dimension (measurements) of the gate, they must show the location of portable toilets, and identify the names/street address of all surrounding streets. If the request is for the placement of a trailer, site plan must specify if the trailer will have stairs or ramps as well as the measurements of the trailer.
  • The Hold Harmless Affidavit.(PDF, 39KB) This must be downloaded, printed, and notarized. You will then upload a copy of the notarized document with your other documents. The affidavit must be signed by the property owner or include a notarized letter from the owner authorizing someone to sign on their behalf. If using a digital notary, that is also acceptable.

  • Certified Mail Receipts: You will be provided a notification letter that must be sent via certified mail to the abutting properties, within a 200 ft. radius of the proposed location as well as registered Homeowners Associations for the area. We will provide these addresses via email. The USPS stamped certified mail receipts must be uploaded via ProjectDox.

Review Fees

The fee for a TUP is $503.50.

Complete Application

Apply for TOP

Pay

We will review your application. If all the preliminary information is OK, you will receive an invoice via email. Once you've paid your invoice, you'll receive a link to upload your required documents. You must pay your invoice before doing this.  

If we have any questions, we will reach out via email. 

Pay Here

Await Response

The process will continue in ProjectDox, please provide any & all necessary corrections. If approved, your permit will be issues via ProjectDox. 

NOTE: You will need this document when you apply for your subsequent building permit (for a sales center, fence, etc.). 

Contact Us

Email

top@miamigov.com

Location

Miami

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