The extensive legislation that created the Reedy Creek Improvement District was prefaced with a clear intent to create a local government in the form of a special District that would “promote and create favorable conditions for the development and practical application of new and advanced concepts, designs and ideas for a recreation oriented community and to undertake and enable enterprises conducted within the District to implement a broad and flexible program of experimentation and development.”

The primary purpose of the Department of Building & Safety is to provide reasonable requirements to safeguard life and property by regulating the design, construction, repair and use of new and existing structures.

Code development began in 1968 and the first EPCOT Code was adopted in 1970. The District developed codes and standards to both accommodate new and innovative methods and systems, and provide public safety criteria exceeding other available codes and standards. Since that time, RCID has developed and enforced the EPCOT Codes that exceed traditional regulations by setting forth design criteria for such installations as thrill rides and amusement attractions and by requiring complete automatic sprinkler and detector systems in all buildings. Provisions applicable to motion picture and television sound stages, and more extensive than normal requirements for elevators, moving sidewalks and transporting devices have also become a significant part of the EPCOT Codes.

Perhaps the most unique code provision has been criteria mandating the consideration of alternative materials, systems, methods, designs, calculations or other evidence as an approved alternative to those specifically set out in the codes. The Building Official is authorized to grant approval when the documentation, in his judgment, justifies it. Such a provision has enabled numerous projects to expeditiously proceed with the use of lesser known materials and systems, including prototype installations, and has made RCID a leader in innovative construction. The Board of Appeals, consisting of five appointed professionals, serves to consider unique variances when literal application of the codes is not feasible or possible.

The department, consisting of state licensed and certified inspection personnel and supporting permit processors, enforces the EPCOT Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas, Electrical, Energy Conservation and Accessibility Codes, applicable Florida laws, and other pertinent, local rules and regulations. District codes are regularly updated by the department on a newly-implemented 3-year cycle. The most recent version of the EPCOT family of codes is the 2002 edition, with the next edition available in the spring of 2005. However, all codes were subjected to a major shift in format, updated and reprinted; and essential revisions were made to all related permit and inspection forms during 1998. The department also has produced and updated electronic versions of the EPCOT Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Gas, Electrical, Energy Conservation, Accessibility and Fire Prevention Codes. These versions include word search capabilities and are compatible with all forms of data management devices including pocket pc’s and handheld devices. The department, in concert with Emergency Services personnel, re-inspects each building within the District on an annual basis to ensure that all emergency systems are operable and that buildings are maintained in accordance with applicable codes.

During the District’s 34-year history, there have been constructed over 45,076,719 square feet of structures that are subject to annual inspections. The department also inspects 731 elevators and escalators on 6-month intervals. There are currently 49 amusement rides for which they are also responsible for regular inspections.

A plan review process for every construction project begins during the pre-design stage and extends through the department’s permitting process. As a result, when design is complete and application is made for necessary permits, the final review is conducted on a much shorter time frame than might otherwise be necessary. Since 1969, the department has issued more than 40,050 permits and 1,650 Certificates of Occupancy and presently there are in excess of 24,000 hotel rooms within the District. In addition, there are 1426 hotel rooms under construction in mid-2004. During 2003, the department issued 4,794 permits and conducted 19,297 inspections in conjunction with over 8,208 plan reviews. Total permit valuation for 2003 was $341,165,023 producing permit revenues of $1,287,323.

The Departments of Building & Safety, Planning & Engineering and Emergency Services form a team that results in a coordinated effort to efficiently and effectively make the District a unique and safe community.

For additional information visit the Permitting & Fees section

For inspection requests, contact Building & Safety at 407-828-4466. For all other calls, you may contact Building & Safety at 407-828-2034.