[mic4me]

I am looking to extend my current lanai and patio and add a birdcage. I am sure this requires some permissions from TV but not sure where to go. I know the contractors will pull construction permits, but I need to be sure I am able (approved) to do the construction. Please point me to the proper link and/or offices. Thanks in advance.

[njbchbum]

All you need to start with is here:
VCDD Community Standards

[renrod]

Originally Posted by mic4me

I am looking to extend my current lanai and patio and add a birdcage. I am sure this requires some permissions from TV but not sure where to go. I know the contractors will pull construction permits, but I need to be sure I am able (approved) to do the construction. Please point me to the proper link and/or offices. Thanks in advance.

Don't assume the contractor will pull permits. Some say they will then DON'T actually do it. Permission from the County and permission from the (ARC) Architectural Review Committee are both required. Also be cautious with the payment arrangements. Final payment should not be made until final approval from the County inspection.

[mark47]

All permits need to be posted so the inspector can see them and sign off on the permit.

[villagetinker]

Mic4me,

You should personally get the ARC approval, this is a free service. Once you have this, then you have a starting point for discussions with the contractors. As mentioned above, I would double check that permits were pulled, you should NEVER pull a permit yourself, as doing so puts you on the hook for insurance coverage, and all the other legal stuff.

I had one contractor state they were getting the ARC approval, they did not, fortunately the project was OK, but as soon as I found out, I got the approval, project was about half completed. In one other case, I depended on the overall contractor to get any required permits for a large hot tub. He did not, and 18 months later, when doing the next project we found out about it. I was lucky, and did not get fined, and I was lucky a second time in that Sumter County worked with me to not delay the current project.

Good luck with your project.

[Bryan]

A lanai extension such as you describe will certainly require both building permits from your county and approval of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) in The Villages. The county permits will cost you money (but are probably icluded in your construction contract) while the ARC will not (but the contractor may charge you for time and effort to get the ARC application ready). You best bet is to use a reputable contractor. As part of your contract, require them to get the building permits as well as ARC approval and to post the permits and give you a copy of the ARC approval before starting work. Don't pay a lot up front, set up milestone payments throughout the course of the contract with you final payment - AFTER YOU ARE COMPLETELY SATISFIED AND HAVE RELEASE OF LIENS FROM ALL SUBCONTRACTORS - should be around 25% of the total contract. Be sure the release of liens requirement is in your contract also.

For further advice or information, contact your local office of Seniors Vs Crime (352-689-4600, Ext. 4606 in Sumter County).

[JerryP]

You can also track your permit process from start to finish through Sumter county's etrakit permit site.

eTRAKiT

[mark47]

Also make sure you are listed on the notice of commencement so you will be aware of any notice to owner and get proper releases.