Delaying your building permits could halt progress or lead to legal issues with your project. To stay on track, you must make room in your timeline for your permit applications. Find out how you can navigate and shorten the building permit process by following these simple steps.
Start With the Guidelines
Look into your local building regulations, zoning laws, and permit requirements as you’re planning construction. Many municipalities publish detailed permitting guidelines online, so take advantage of these resources.
Additionally, you can reach out to your local planning department with questions to clarify any potential gray areas. This way, you’ll have a thorough, well-prepared document to submit for approval.
Engage With Experienced Professionals
Partnering with experienced architects, engineers, and permit expediters can speed up the approval process. These professionals are familiar with local building codes and know how to prepare applications that meet requirements right away.
They can also act as liaisons with permit offices. Save yourself time and frustration by working with those close to the industry.
Submit a Complete Application
Not completing applications is a common mistake people make when they submit their permits. Make sure your company submits all required documentation, including blueprints, site plans, and compliance reports.
In some cases, extra features attached to the project will need their own documents for approval. For example, if there are any solar panels, use solar labels to shorten the permitting process.
Double-check everything before submitting your application because even minor errors or omissions can lead to lengthy back-and-forths with the permitting department.
Leverage Technology for Permit Filing
Many cities and municipalities now offer convenient online permit submission portals. Submit your permits and track their progress using these web portals. These online services also often offer automated error-checking features to alert you when you’re missing information. Save yourself time and shorten the building permit approval process by eliminating the need for in-person application and checkups.
Use Pre-Application Reviews
Some municipalities allow for pre-application meetings where you can review your project’s plans with a permit officer before formal submission. These meetings can identify pitfalls early on and help you complete your application with ease. While this adds an extra step, it often shaves weeks off the process down the line.
For your next project, minimize headaches and stress by simplifying your building permit process. Work with professionals close to the industry and learn about the guidelines before formalizing your submission. Spend this extra time in the process to ensure your timeline stays on track.