Guide for Miami 40-Year Recertification - Markone contractors (2024)

In Miami Dade County, buildings that have stood for at least 40 years are required to undergo a special inspection. According to the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, it’s all part of ensuring safety. Here’s the scoop:

• Any building that’s hit the 40-year mark needs a checkup.
• This checkup covers both the building’s structure and electrical systems.

• You’ll need to provide a Recertification Report to the Building Official.
• This report must be prepared by a certified Florida engineer or architect.
• They’ll confirm that the building is still safe to use.
• The engineer or architect has to sign and seal each page of the report.
• If there’s more than one building on your property, you’ll need a site plan or survey.
• This helps to identify the building that’s up for the 40-Year Recertification.

It’s all about keeping things safe and sound in Miami!

Good news! Some properties are exempt from the 40-year recertification process in Miami. You don’t have to worry about it if your property falls into any of these categories:

1. Buildings with 10 or fewer occupants.
2. Buildings that are 2,000 square feet or smaller.
3. Duplexes (two-unit buildings).
4. Single-family homes.

If you’ve missed the deadlines for your 40-year recertification, don’t worry. You won’t be able to apply or submit documents online, but there’s a solution:

You should head over to the Unsafe Structures department at the Miami-Dade County Building Department in person.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your local city to check if there are any extra requirements you need to meet for the building recertification program. Below, you’ll find a directory listing each city in Miami along with their respective department that handles 40-year recertifications.

If you need more time to meet the 40-year recertification deadline, you can ask for an extension. Here’s what you need to know:

• Your request for an extension must be made before the recertification due date.
• If your extension is approved, there’s a $500 fee.
• Building managers and property owners can request an extension by sending an email to unsafestructure@miamigov.com. Be sure to include your property’s address.
• Once you send in your request, you should hear back within four weeks.
• It’s also a good idea to check with your city to see if they have any additional requirements.

This way, you can get the extra time you need to ensure your building is up to code.

Thinking About Repairs Before Your Inspection?

If you’re considering repairs before an inspection, there are some important steps to follow:

• Make sure to check Miami’s permitting page for the latest info. It might be under construction, so be patient.
• If the website isn’t available, you can call (305) 416-1177 or email unsafestructures@miamigov.com for guidance from the city.

When it comes to the 40-year recertification, it must be carried out by a licensed professional engineer. Miami Dade County provides some sample inspection forms as examples. These forms show the key checkpoints that need to be covered in the 40-year recertification report. You can find them here:

• Electrical Inspection Form (PDF, 220KB)
• Structural Inspection Form (PDF, 112KB)
• Illumination Letter (PDF, 175KB)

Once the inspection is done, the engineer will provide a report. This report will include a cover letter, and it will be signed, sealed, and dated. If there are any recommended repairs, they will be mentioned in the report.

It’s all about making sure your building is in good shape!

Miami-Dade County has recently launched an online portal for submitting the required inspection reports. Before you dive in, make sure to go through this section carefully. They’ve got some specific rules and naming conventions to follow, so your report doesn’t face delays during the review. Here are the steps to guide you through the process:

• The recertification report should be saved as a PDF.
• Use the City of Miami Standard Naming Conventions when saving your files, as follows:
  • 40-S: For the Structural Report.
  • 40-E: For the Electrical Report. It should include the illumination letter, and you must indicate whether it “meets” or “does not meet” the standards. If you have a cover letter for the electrical report, label it as 40-C.
  • 40-CE: If the electrical report is prepared by a different professional, add this as a separate PDF for the electrical cover letter.
  • 40-C: For the Cover Letter.
  • 40-PHO: For any Photos.

Set up an account in iBuild,

Upon completing these steps, you will receive an email from ePlan/ProjectDox, guiding you to log in. Your account will be linked to the prior application you submitted. Follow these steps to submit your recertification report.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Register

Step 2: Begin the Application Process

• Start the Building Permit Application.
• Enter your address and confirm the owner’s address.
• Select Architect/Engineer.
• If your building is due for recertification (you should have received a letter about this), you’ll see an option for “Apply for 40/50 Recertification.” If your building isn’t due for recertification, this option won’t appear. Note: If your building is overdue for recertification (built in 1982, 1983, or 1984), you can’t complete this process online.
• The system will prompt you to upload documents. Choose “YES” and complete the remaining steps. Make sure to use the same email for the person who will upload the reports and documents throughout the application process. This person will receive the link for uploading documents, and no one else will receive this link.
• Download the invoice and make any required upfront payments in iBuild. Your BD number is the same as your process number.

With these steps, you’ll be on your way to submitting your 40-year recertification reports hassle-free!

Once you’ve followed the previous steps, you’ll get an email from ePlan/ProjectDox with instructions to log in. Your account will be linked to the application you submitted. Here’s how to submit your recertification report:

1. Choose “Manage Your Plan Review.”
2. Select the project number/plan number.
3. In the documents section, pick either “Applicant Upload Task,” “Applicant Resubmit Task,” or “Corrections.”
4. Follow the instructions and upload the necessary documents. Make sure they have the right names.
5. Complete the task and submit it to the City of Miami.

Before you send anything online, it’s a good idea to check with your local city using the directory below. Make sure they’re on board with this electronic process and see if any additional requirements are needed.