Building/Planning/Zoning

HOLMES COUNTY/BONIFAY PLANNING FAQs

Planning Information & Documents

• Holmes County Future Land Use Map
• Holmes County Land Development Regulations – Updated 2009

What is the Land Use/Zoning for my property?

• • Holmes County only utilizes Future Land Use Districts to determine allowed uses for parcels. You can find the Future Land Use Map on this webpage.
  • If you need additional help locating your property, you can use the online Holmes County Property Appraiser’s Map, located here: https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=821&LayerID=14700&PageTypeID=2&PageID=6565

What can I do with my property?

• • Allowed uses for parcels vary depending on which Future Land Use District the parcel is located in. You can find the Future Land Use Districts and their allowed uses in the Holmes County Comprehensive Plan, located here:

What is my Flood Zone?

• • • Flood Zones are created and managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can determine the flood zone of your property by using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, located here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

What are my setbacks?

• • • County Ord. #88-02 requires all construction in Holmes County:
      1. Minimum of at least 15 feet from the front & rear property lines.
      2. Minimum of at least 10 feet from either side of the property lines.
         * This includes septic tanks, all additions, and storage buildings.
    • Additional setbacks are applied to parcels located adjacent to arterial roadways. Additional information can be found in Section 6.01.05 of the Holmes County Land Development Regulations.

What is the smallest size house I can build on my property? Are tiny houses allowed? Are barndominiums allowed?

• • • • There are no minimum size requirements for residential buildings in Holmes County, but only one single-family residence is allowed per parcel. All residential construction shall meet the current Florida Building Code: Residential. Coordinate with the Holmes County Building Department for additional information.

Can I put an RV on my property for temporary use?

• • • Recreational RVs can be placed on any parcels located in unincorporated Holmes County within Recreation, Agriculture, Rural Residential, and Crossroads Mixed Use Future Land Use Districts.

Can I live in an RV on my property?

• • • • RVs may not be used as a primary residence.

Can I put an RV Park on my property?

• RV Parks are pursuant to Section 5.06.04 of the Holmes County Land Development Regulations. Additionally, these parks are only allowed in the following districts: Agriculture, Rural Residential, and Crossroads Mixed Use

Can I put a mobile/manufactured home on my property?

• • Manufactured/Mobile homes can be placed on parcels located in the following Future Land Use Districts: Agriculture, Rural Residential, Crossroads Mixed Use, Low Density and Medium Density Residential Future Land Use Districts.

Can I put a Mobile Home Park on my property?

• • • • Mobile Home Parks are only allowed in a Medium Density Residential Future Land Use District.

Can I camp/”glamp” on my property?

• • • • Recreational camping is allowed on parcels located in the following Future Land Use Districts: Recreation, Agriculture, Rural Residential, and Crossroads Mixed Use.
      • Commercial Glamping/Commercial Campgrounds will require a Development Order and are allowed in the following districts: Agriculture, Rural Residential, and Crossroads Mixed Use.

What is the maximum height limit for buildings on the property?

• • • • Any building taller than three (3) stories requires approval from the Board of County Commissioners.

Are there wetlands on my property?

• • • • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the National Wetlands Inventory Service. You can use their interactive Wetlands Mapper, located here: https://www.fws.gov/program/national-wetlands-inventory/wetlands-mapper in order to find a generalized wetlands map of your property. Please contact an Environmental Consultant for more detailed information about wetlands on your property.

I still have a question about my property, what now?

• • • • Please fill out and submit a Land Use Letter application and we will assist you in greater detail.

When is a building permit needed?

FBC 102.2 A building permit is needed to construct, enlarge, modification, change of occupancy, alter, repair, move, remove or demolish of every public and private building, structure, facility or floating residential structure

How much does a building permit cost?

Building permit cost is determined by the total cost of the project, both labor and materials. If labor cost is unknown then simply double the cost of the materials. There may be planning and zoning fees as well as a state surcharge fee. Sub permits are sold separately.

I am in a flood zone. What am I required to do?

The Holmes County floodplain ordinance requires the final elevation to be two foot above base elevation. An elevation certificate is required before the structure goes vertical and at the final.  

Where can I view the code books?

A simple google search for 2023, 8^th edition of The Florida Building Code can be found in the electric form without being required to buy one.

What are the requirements pulling a roof permit? How much does it cost?

You will be required to have Florida product approval numbers for any material being used, example: Shingles, underlayment, metal … The Permit cost depends on the size of the roof

Where and how do I apply for a building permit?

Apply at the Holmes County Building Department located within the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners office 107 E. Virgina Ave. Bonifay Fl. 32425. Our hours are from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or call 850.547.1119 x3

What are the barrier requirements for a residential swimming pool?

The barrier requirements can be found in Chapter 45 of the 8th Edition Residential Building Code.  You will be required to have a 4-foot fence with openings no greater than 4 inches around the entire pool. The gate latch must be located no less than 52 inches. At the pool final, you will need one of three life safety devices in place. 1. A 4-foot-high barrier that requires to use of a tool to install and remove. 2. An approved floating alarm apparatus. 3. Every window and door leading to the pool must be equipped with an approved alarm. The Department of Health website also has valuable information.  

When is a fire safety review or fire inspection required?

All new structures other than one- and two-family dwellings must comply with the Florida Fire Prevention Code and be reviewed and inspected accordingly.  All existing structures must also comply with Chapter 43, NFPA 101 of the Florida Fire Prevention Code and be reviewed and inspected accordingly.

How long will it take to get a permit?

A complete submittal for a residential permit may take up to seven days for plan review and permitting. Commercial projects may take fourteen days or longer depending upon the complexity A life-safety plan review is required for all structures other than one- and two-family dwellings subject to the Residential Building Code. The Florida Building Code allows 30 days for review.

How long is a building permit valid?

Typically, as long as work is being performed on the project, the permit is valid. It is required to obtain a valid passed inspection to verify ongoing construction. If 180 days elapse without an approved inspection, your permit expires. You can ask for an one-time extension for up to 90 additional days. 

How do I request an inspection?

Inspection requests may be called in or emailed. They must be in before 2 p.m. to be scheduled for the next business day.

I plan to purchase or build a house. Can you tell me if it is in a flood zone?

Planning and Zoning provides flood zone information for unincorporated Holmes County. You may contact our Building Department at 850.547.1119 x 3 We use the latest FEMA Flood plan maps

What are the requirements for mobile homes?

Manufactured homes are regulated by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles under section 320.823 of the Florida Statutes.  The installation standards can be found in the Florida Administrative Code Rule 15C-1.0101 through 15C-1.0109 along with Rule 15C2-001 through 15C-2.011. New Mobile Home set up is subject to the Manufactor’s manual. The setup and installation is inspected by the building department after a permit is issued.  All mobile homes must be installed by a licensed installer.  HUD homes are not subject to the Florida Building Codes but site-built additions to the home such as decks and stairs or added rooms must meet the Florida Building Code, Residential.  Mobile Holmes installed in a flood plane will be required to have an engineered foundation per The Manufactor’s manual and an elevation certificate at final inspection.