Coral Gables homeowners can get routine permits approved in a single day under a new pilot program. The city's Same Day Permit Program has already processed 158 applications since launching.

The program automatically enrolls qualifying residential applications submitted through the online permitting portal. There is no separate form, no extra fee and no additional steps.

In its first month, the Development Services Department completed 295 individual discipline reviews of those 158 applications. Sixty-five were approved, and 52 permits were issued, according to a city announcement published Wednesday.

The gap between approvals and issued permits was not explained in the announcement.

How same-day permit review works

Applications submitted with fees paid before 8 a.m. are reviewed the same business day. Applications submitted after 8 a.m. are reviewed by the end of the following business day if they haven't already been processed.

Once all required reviews are approved, the applicant receives an invoice for remaining permit fees. Pay that day, and the permit is issued that evening. Work can begin once the permit is in hand.

Same-day review does not guarantee approval. Applications that need corrections or additional information must be updated before they can move forward.

Which home projects qualify for the program

The program covers smaller residential projects at single-family homes that do not require structural or mechanical review. Qualifying work includes roofing, doors and windows, exterior painting, asphalt driveways, and certain kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Several categories are excluded: historic properties, projects using private providers, work requiring structural or mechanical review, and subpermits under a master permit. Kitchen or bathroom renovations involving HVAC work or range hoods that need outside air or ventilation are also excluded. The city's Board of Architects can also remove an application if it cannot be approved administratively.

Pilot follows long-standing permitting complaints

Douglas Ramirez, acting director of Development Services, said the program aims to simplify the process for routine work.

"We want to make the permitting process as straightforward and efficient as possible for residents completing routine home improvement projects," Ramirez said in the announcement.

Coral Gables' permitting process has long been a sore point for property owners. The City Commission formalized a separate business-focused Permitting Assistance Program in August 2025. Economic Development Board Chairman Thad Adams called it "a huge deal because of the reputation the Gables has in permitting" at the board's Sept. 3, 2025, meeting, the Gables Gazette reported.

The city describes the Same Day Permit Program as part of ongoing efforts to improve permitting services. The city has not announced a review date or timeline for making the pilot permanent.

Residents can apply, track and pay for permits through the city's Citizen Self Service portal. The Development Services Department is at 427 Biltmore Way, first floor, and can be reached at 305-460-5245.