Show All Answers

1. When do I need a building permit?

You need a building permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove, or demolish any building, structure, or any part thereof, or any equipment, device or facility therein or thereon and if the work entails changes in the use or occupancy of the building. A structure can be limited to a driveway, patio, deck, walkway, fence, retaining wall, shed, gazebo, trellis, antenna tower, fountain, spa or pool. If you are unsure if a permit is required, please contact the Building Division and direct your question to Chief Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing Inspector.

2. As a contractor, what documents are required to register with the city?

Contractors are required to fill out the Contractors Registration Form, signed and notarized, with a copy of the following: The qualifier’s driver’s license, an occupation license or business tax receipt, state certification or state registration, along with the Broward County Certificate of Competency, and certificates of insurance or exemption. The certificates of insurance must show the City of Dania Beach as the Certificate Holder.

3. Can I apply for an Owner-Builder Permit?

Yes, as long as you own the one-family or two-family residence, and the residence is used for your own use or occupancy. You cannot sell your house or duplex for one year after having a final inspection on any owner builder permit. Additional restrictions may apply. Please review Florida Statutes 489.103(b) (7) for additional information.

4. Do I need approval from my Homeowner’s Association (HOA)?

It is recommended that you check with your homeowner’s association before beginning any renovation/construction project.

5. Do I need to install smoke detectors in my existing house when doing an addition?

Yes, when doing an addition, the existing smoke alarm system must be upgraded to include one smoke detector in each bedroom and outside in the bedroom areas.

6. Do I need a permit to replace/repair my fence with the same fence?

Yes, whether destroyed by an act of nature or just changing the type of fence.

7. Does my Building Permit expire?

Issued permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days or if abandoned for a period of 90 days. When a permit expires, the permit holder is to submit the expired permit request, and pay a fee to reactivate the permit.

8. Does my permit application expire if not issued?

A permit application will become null and void 60 calendar days after the last notification that a review has been done, if no action is taken as in new documentation being submitted or having the permit issued. If the application does expire, the Process fee is non-refundable and would be required to be paid again.

9. How do I make changes to my permit while it is still under review?

Submit a letter of transmittal to the applicable disciplines with two sets of revisions and all supporting documents.

10. Do my plans need to be signed and sealed by an Architect/Engineer?

Yes. In most cases the plans are required to have the Engineer’s or Architect’s signature and seal.

11. How many copies are required?

All documents are required to be submitted in duplicate. After review and approval, one copy will be retained by the city and one copy returned to the applicant, when the permit is issued.

12. When do I need a tree permit?

An approved tree removal permit from planning is required for all properties.

13. What documents do I need to obtain a permit for additions/renovations?

Documents for an addition are identical to the ones required for new construction. A Florida registered Architect/Engineer is required to sign and seal the drawings.

14. Do I need a permit to do landscaping?

New construction requires a landscape sub-permit as an addendum to the building permit. The clearing of a lot for future construction requires an approved, tree removal permit from the Planning Department.

15. Do I have to display my permit card?

Yes, a permit card or a copy shall be displayed during the hours of work in progress and available to the inspector for all inspections

16. What is the purpose of the Notice of Commencement form?

A certified copy of the recorded Notice of Commencement must be submitted to the Building Division prior to the first inspection for permitted work where the direct contract is greater than $2,500, or in the case of existing heating or A/C equipment replacement, greater than $7,500. For more information, please see the Overview of the Construction Lien Law Posted on this site.

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1. Do you need a permit to remove a tree?

This depends on the type, size, and location of the tree. In many cases, a permit is required to remove a tree. To determine if a tree removal permit is required, please contact Code Compliance Unit at 954-924-6805.

2. Who is responsible to repair sidewalks?

To repair sidewalks, it is the responsibility and duty of the adjacent property to maintain and keep sidewalks in front of or abutting public streets.

3. How many dogs can you keep on your property?

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep more than three (3) adult dogs on their property.

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1. How do I contact the City?

The City of Dania Beach has created one central number for all to call with any questions related to city operations at 954-924-6800.   
A customer service representative will be able to assist you from 8 a.m.  to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

2. How can I pay my bills remotely?

The City of Dania Beach is committed to the safety of its employees, residents, and those doing business at City facilities.

PAY ONLINE
Pay your bills from home at daniabeachfl.gov/pay
Pay your permit fees and inspections requests online at daniabeachfl.gov/permit

DROPBOX PAYMENT
Drop your payment in a sealed envelope in the drop box located outside the entrance of City Hall.
100 W. Dania Beach Blvd.
Dania Beach, FL 33004

Thank you for your understanding.
For more information, please call 954-924-6800.

3. How can I open a new utility / water account?

How To Open A New Utility / Water Account:
To manage Residential and Commercial Utility Accounts, please fill up the appropriate forms available at: daniabeachfl.gov/utility.
Please email cs@daniabeachfl.gov or call 954-924-6800 Ext 3747

* For Dania Beach residents located west of I-95, water service is provided by Broward County.  Please contact Broward County Water and Wastewater Services at 954-831-3250 to set up water service.

4. Should I be concerned about criminal activities?

COVID-19 SCAM ACTIVITY

Beware of fraudulent and criminal activities such as:
 • Scammers pretending to be testing for COVID-19
 • Robocalls making fraudulent offers to sell respirator masks
 • Fake Covid-19 apps and websites that install malware/ransomware
 • Phishing emails asking for money or installing malware
 • Fake social media scams asking for donations
 • Fraudulent offers for free testing to obtain Medicare information
 • Prescription drug schemes
 • Calls or emails requesting personal identifying information to obtain stimulus payments
 • Receiving fraudulent checks in the mail which, when deposited, instruct to send money to another account or purchase gift cards
 • Calls or phishing emails requesting banking information to deposit the stimulus payment  
 • Fake websites that state they will assist in obtaining the stimulus payment

Call The National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov

Report all suspicious activity to Dania Beach Police at 954-764-4357 | daniabeachfl.gov/police

Stay informed @ daniabeachfl.gov/coronavirus

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1. What costs are associated with Passport Mobile Pay?

Registering for Passport Mobile Pay is free of charge. Parking at the beach is $2.00 per hour. Minimum 2 hours when paying by credit card ($4.00) There will be a $0.20 convenience fee added to each parking session. Usual parking rates still apply.

2. Is it safe to do a credit card transaction over the phone or on an app?

Yes. Your credit card number is encrypted when you sign up and is never entered, displayed, or spoken during a transaction.

3. Why doesn’t my meter show the time I paid for?

No time will be displayed on the meter. Parking enforcement can see that you paid with Passport.

4. Do I get a receipt?

Yes. All transactions can be viewed by logging into your Passport Mobile Pay account. You also have the option of receiving receipts by email or simply printing directly from your account.

5. How does Parking Enforcement know that I have paid through Passport Mobile Pay?

The time will not be displayed on the parking meter, however, once you pay with Passport Mobile Pay, the zone and space information that you enter is immediately sent to parking enforcement’s monitoring system.

6. What if I get a ticket after paying with Passport Mobile Pay?

If you feel you have received a citation in error or to pay for a citation, go to https://dania.rmcpay.com/

7. About Residents Yearly Pass

A yearly pass for residents with the car registered in Florida, under age 65 is $64.20, residents 65 and older is $26.75. Beach Parking Permits are for Dania Beach residents only. Applicants must provide proof of residency. This is the link to apply online for beach parking permit https://daniabeach.seamlessdocs.com/f/BeachParkingPermitPaymentPortal

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1. What if I have questions regarding zoning regulations applicable to existing commercial, industrial, or warehouse buildings?

Please contact Planning and Zoning at 954-924-6800 x3793

2. What if I have questions regarding zoning regulations concerning a single family home?

For questions regarding single family homes (including sheds, additions, fences, swimming pools, patios, etc) please contact Planning and Zoning at 954-924-6800 x3793
For questions regarding all other development (apartments, commercial, industrial, and vacant land) please contact the Planning and Zoning Manager at 954-924-6800 x3640

3. What if I wish to apply for site plan approval, variance or special exception request, rezoning request, land use plan amendment, or temporary special event?

Please contact the Planning and Zoning Manager at 954-924-6800 x3640

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1. How to Report a Water Main Break or Sewer Back Up

All water main breaks and sewer backups are considered an emergency situation. If seen, please use the form: http://daniabeachfl.gov/FormCenter/Public-Services-4/Public-Services-Issues-Notification-Form-38 or call Public Services during work hours at 954-924-6808 or the Water Plant Office during non-working hours at 954-924-6808 x3747 or 954-924-3747. A repair crew will be dispatched. The plant operator will contact the employee on-call to check the site, confirm a main break, service leak or back up. Once this has been determined, a water or sewer crew will be dispatched. If it is a water main break or leak, the time the water is off will be affected by many factors, including weather conditions, location of main break, size of main, type of main break, depth of main, etc.. The crew will attempt to notify all affected customers and businesses. If necessary, we will issue a “Precautionary Boil Water Notice.” It is a notification that advises customers to boil tap water used for drinking, cooking, and ice-making until tests verify the water is safe to drink by the Broward County Health Department. You will be notified again when the “Boil Water Notice” is lifted. It is not necessary to boil water for showering or other external uses. This notice will outline the necessary steps to ensure safe water consumption. In addition, The City of Dania Beach will work to have services restored as soon as possible.

2. How to locate underground utility lines

Underground lines, both on and off your property, can be easily damaged by digging equipment. To ensure community safety, Underground Utilities Division provides locator services for our lines. You can contact the free line locate service at "CALL SUNSHINE" (Previously U.N.C.L.E.) at 800-432-4770 for your utilities locating services (also phone, cable TV, FPL, etc.)

3. How to get a new meter or get old meter repaired

To get a new meter or have a meter repaired contact the Utility Billing Department at 954-924-6800 x3401.
A malfunctioning meter does not usually cause large bills.
Typically, water meters do not run fast when malfunctioning. Rather, they will usually run slow when they start to fail.

4. Is the City responsible for the repair of your service?

The Public Services Department is responsible for maintaining the service up to and including the meter, which is generally near the property line. Any repairs required from the meter into a building are the responsibility of the owner.

5. Who is responsible for finding and fixing leaks in your water service?

The utility's responsibility ends at the meter; however we will try and help you locate problems on your side of the meter if you request it.

6. Source of The Dania Beach drinking water

The Biscayne Aquifer is the main source of water for the City of Dania Beach. The City has two wells that draw water from the Biscayne Aquifer from 60 feet below the surface. The Biscayne Aquifer water is very hard and has some color, so the City softens it in their water treatment plant before distributing it to your home. The City is in the process of looking for a new well site and will be installing back-up power in the event of outages or storms. The City also gets water from Broward County's regional well field to treat. This is also Biscayne Aquifer water and also requires softening and color reduction.

7. Dania Beach water is filtered and extensively tested for impurities

The Public Services Department maintains a testing program that exceeds state and federal regulations. We test for pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, volatile organic compounds, etc. Testing is conducted at various locations within our system.

8. Bottled water is not necessarily safer or healthier to drink than tap water

The safety of bottled water and tap water initially depends on the source of the water. Monitoring and source protection, treatment and testing ultimately determine the quality of the finished product. For the first time, the 1996 Authorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act requires that bottled water be monitored and tested in the same rigorous manner that tap water has been subject to for years. Your tap water consistently meets drinking water standards, it is not necessary to use either bottled water or a home water treatment device to have safe water to drink. 50% of bottled water manufacturers get their water from the same sources as municipal water departments. Bottled water costs about 1,000 times more than tap water and most of that pays for product packaging and advertising. Because bottled water is not required to be date stamped, its quality can deteriorate over time. Any bacteria in the water at the time of bottling can continue to grow.
In recent years, the popularity of bottled water has increased dramatically. There are approximately 700 brands of bottled water sold in the United States alone. The most common kinds are spring water, mineral water, purified water, sparkling water, and well water. Considered a food product, bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while tap water, a utility product, is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The re-authorized Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 requires that the FDA establish regulations for bottled water equivalent to those for tap water.

9. Risks of using a home water treatment device

The EPA does not recommend home treatment devices as a substitute for public water treatment because of the difficulty in monitoring system performance. Home treatment devices are not tested or regulated by the federal government. Some, however, are tested by independent laboratories. If you want to use a water treatment device, carefully choose one according to the water conditions in your area. Also, be aware that a device needs to be properly maintained. If regular maintenance is not performed properly, water quality problems can actually result.

10. The Safe Drinking Water Act

In the early 1900's, states began to monitor and regulate water systems. Water professionals worked closely with researchers and health officials to develop standards to protect public health. In 1974, the federal government created uniform national requirements for public water supplies by passing the original Safe Drinking Water Act. It directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish standards and requirements to protect consumers from harmful contaminants in drinking water. In 1986, the SDWA was updated with additional regulations aimed at improving water quality. The 1996 re-authorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act strikes a balance among federal, state, local, urban, rural, large and small water system requirements that improve the protection of public health and bring reason and good science to the regulatory process.
One of the provisions of the newly updated Safe Drinking Water Act requires that the Food and Drug Administration establish regulations for bottled water. The law specifies that the regulations for bottled water are to be no less stringent than those issued for public water systems. It also requires EPA to study the feasibility of informing consumers of bottled water content.
The Safe Drinking Water Hot-line phone number is 800-426-4791, for more information about the SDWA, call the EPA toll-free Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

11. Standards for taste, odor and appearance

The City tests and monitors drinking water to meet two types of standards. The primary standards, called MCL's, are set to protect human health and the secondary standards concern aesthetic considerations such as taste, odor and appearance. Health and aesthetic aspects are the driving forces behind drinking water regulations.

12. What is "Hard" water?

Hard water is water high in minerals -- some of which are essential for health. However, laundry washed in hard water may not seem as clean. Water softeners may help, but because they add sodium, they should not be attached to water lines used for cooking or drinking. Note: bottled mineral water is extremely "hard." Dania Beach water is very soft.

13. There is no radon in the water.

In our lab testing, radon was non-detectable in our potable water.

14. Preparing tap water for fish tanks.

The Water Treatment Plant uses chlorine to disinfect the water. This is important so humans don't get waterborne diseases. Chloramines can be lethal to fish, so it's important to adequately de-chlorinate water before it's added to an aquarium.

15. What causes hair to turn green?

The most common cause of "green hair" is a chemical reaction that occurs when copper leaches into water from copper plumbing within your home, and these copper compounds react with blond hair. "Green hair" may also occur when blond hair has contact with the high chlorine dosages or copper sulfate used in pools and spas for algae control. Hair tints, dyes, and permanents can significantly alter the chemical structure of hair and cause it to react adversely with other chemicals such as chlorine. Using special shampoos designed for swimmers or for color-treated or permed hair may be helpful.