FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Frequently asked questions from Small Business Owners - City of Orlando
1. When should I hire an architect?
First, make sure the space is zoned for your intended use and confirm with the landlord or city whether requirements like grease trap connections (for cooking operations) or parking compliance are in place. Once you’ve confirmed these basics, Studio AM can step in to prepare your architectural plans and guide you through design and code requirements.
2. When is the best time to engage with the Permitting Department?Ahead of time.
We recommend reaching out to the zoning and/or planning department to see if there are specific requirements for the unit, or piece of land that you have. There may be other requirements that don't show up right away in online portals such as Appearance, Historic Preservation, Density, etc. Studio AM can then step in to provide drawings that meet code before your contractor or owner rep submits them.
3. Is it better to seek permission or forgiveness with permitting/build-out?
Always permission. Orlando enforces permitting strictly—unpermitted work can cause fines, stop-work orders, and delays. Studio AM equips you with the plans needed for proper approval.
4. What types of projects usually require plans?
Restaurants & Cafés – Health dept, ADA, hood systems.
Retail – Occupancy loads, exits, accessibility.
Offices – Partition layouts, egress, fire safety.
Medical/Med-Spas – Higher ADA + fire standards.
Warehouses/Mixed-Use – Fire ratings, separation, life-safety.
Studio AM has experience in all of these.
5. Do I need signed & sealed drawings?
Yes. All commercial projects in Orlando require sealed architectural drawings (except minor cosmetic updates). Studio AM provides these.
6. How long does permitting usually take?
Small remodels: may take as little as a few weeks.
Larger projects: months.
Studio AM offers complete, code-ready set that help reduce review cycles.
7. What are common issues that delay approval?
Missing ADA clearances
Incomplete life-safety details
Wrong occupancy calculations
Studio AM addresses these upfront to avoid costly corrections.
8. What if I’m changing the use of a space?
A change of use (ex: retail → restaurant) often triggers ADA, plumbing, and parking upgrades. Studio AM evaluates several of these items prior to beginning a design.
9. What is Studio AM’s role in the process?
We:Prepare floor plans, elevations, and code-compliant drawings
Coordinate with engineers (structural, MEP, civil as needed)
Provide signed & sealed sets for your contractor to submit
Assist with clarifications during reviews
Feel free to reach out to us any time if you have other questions that we can help you with.