Understanding the Permit Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why the Permit Process Feels Overwhelming
Getting a building permit can feel like a full-time job. There are forms to fill out, requirements to meet, and rules that seem to change from one town to the next. It’s easy to feel lost before you even start.
If you’re building your dream home, opening a new café, or managing a large development, permits are part of the deal. The problem is, every jurisdiction plays by its own rules. One missing document or small mistake can hold up your project for weeks.
That’s where having an expert on your side makes all the difference. At Permit Pushers, we help property owners, builders, and developers cut through the red tape. For more than 30 years, our team has helped tens of thousands of projects get approved and move forward without the usual headaches.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how the permit process really works and share a few ways to make it faster and easier from start to finish.
Step 1: Figure Out What Type of Permit You Need
Every project starts with the same question. What kind of permit do I need?
The answer depends on what you’re building, where you’re building it, and how the property is zoned. Each project has its own rules, and knowing which permits apply can save you a lot of time later.
If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s okay. Most people aren’t. The first step is to contact your local building department, planning office, or a permitting service like Permit Pushers.
We’ll help you understand which permits your project needs and how to get them approved quickly.
Here are some of the most common types of permits:
Residential Building Permits
These apply to homes, garages, and other structures built on residential property. You’ll need one for new builds, major renovations, and sometimes even smaller projects like window replacements or siding updates.
Commercial Building Permits
If you’re opening a restaurant, retail shop, or office, you’ll need a commercial permit. These projects often require architectural or engineering plans and must meet strict safety and accessibility standards.
Zoning and Sign Permits
These confirm that your project follows local zoning rules. You might need one for fencing, signage, or storage structures.
Environmental Permits
These include septic, stormwater, air quality, or well permits. Some require a specialized designer, such as a Registered Sanitarian or engineer. Permit Pushers handles thousands of these each year and can help you get the right design and documentation in place.
Manufactured and Modular Home Permits
These are regulated differently because of federal HUD standards and state rules for installation. We work closely with installers across the country to make sure everything is compliant.
Solar Permits
If you’re installing solar panels, you’ll need a permit that includes electrical plans and panel specs. Requirements vary by state, but the process can be streamlined with the right documentation from the start.
Knowing which permits you need upfront saves time, money, and frustration. When you work with Permit Pushers, we help identify every required permit early on, so your project stays on track from the first application to final approval.
Step 2: Gather the Right Information and Documents
Once you know which permits you need, it’s time to gather the paperwork. This is where most delays happen. Missing details or incomplete plans can cause your application to be sent back before it’s even reviewed.
The exact requirements depend on your project and your local jurisdiction. Some cities want digital files, while others still ask for printed plans. Either way, being organized makes the process faster and smoother.
Here’s what you’ll usually need:
Site or plot plan. This shows your property boundaries and where the new work will happen. Even if you start with a sketch, Permit Pushers can turn it into a professional, permit-ready plan.
Building plans or blueprints. These show the structure and layout. We can help prepare or review them to make sure they meet code requirements.
Utility information. Water, electricity, sewer, and gas connections all need to be clearly marked.
Contractor details. Some permits require you to list your licensed contractor or builder.
We use checklists built from decades of experience to help clients gather everything they need before submitting. This preparation step is one of the simplest ways to avoid setbacks later.
When your documents are complete, you’re ready for the next big step: submitting your application.
Step 3: Submit Your Permit Application Correctly
Once your paperwork is ready, it’s time to submit your application. This step seems simple, but it’s one of the most common places where projects get delayed. A small mistake or a missing form can mean weeks of waiting.
In the past, you had to print everything out, drive to the city office, and hand your packet to a clerk. Today, most cities and counties use online portals. That sounds easier, but every system is different. Some require specific file names or formats. Others reject uploads if the files are too large.
Before you hit “submit,” take a moment to double-check that every form is complete, every plan is signed, and every box is filled in. If you’re working with Permit Pushers, we handle this part for you. Our team has used hundreds of different submittal systems across the country, and we know how to get it right the first time.
We also use our own secure client portal to simplify the process even more. You can upload documents, check progress, and track updates without having to log into multiple government systems.
Submitting your application correctly the first time saves time, money, and frustration, and gets you one big step closer to approval.
Step 4: Understand the Review and Resubmittal Process
After your application is submitted, the waiting begins. This is the part most people find frustrating. You’ve done the hard work; now it’s out of your hands.
Once your paperwork reaches the city or county, it’s sent to different departments for review. The building department checks your plans. The zoning department makes sure your project follows local rules.
Engineering, fire, and public works may also take a look. Each department focuses on a specific area, and each one has its own timeline.
When the reviewers finish, they send comments back to the permit office. Those notes are combined into a single list called a comment letter. It’s basically a to-do list of small fixes or clarifications.
This is where Permit Pushers really helps keep things moving. We coordinate between your design team, engineers, and the jurisdiction to make sure every comment is handled quickly and accurately. Our team reviews the feedback, prepares any needed revisions, and submits the corrected plans so you don’t have to chase down every detail yourself.
Once the reviewers approve your changes, your permit moves to the next stage. It’s one step closer to being issued.
Step 5: Permit Issuance, Inspections, and Final Approval
Once your permit is approved, it’s time to celebrate a little. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. The hard part is over, and your project can finally move forward.
When the permit is issued, you’ll receive official paperwork that allows construction to begin. Fees are paid, documents are signed, and everyone involved gets a copy. At Permit Pushers, we make sure you, your contractor, and anyone else on your team get what they need right away.
After work begins, inspections come next. These happen at key points during construction. For example, you might have inspections for framing, electrical, plumbing, or final completion. Each one confirms that the work meets code and safety standards.
If you’re working with a contractor, they’ll usually handle scheduling these inspections. If not, we can help with that too. Our team offers post-issuance support, including scheduling inspections, tracking approvals, and renewing permits if needed.
The final step is the best one. When your last inspection is complete, the city issues a final approval, often called a certificate of compliance or occupancy. It’s the green light that says your project meets all requirements and is ready for use.
With Permit Pushers, you don’t have to navigate any of these steps alone. From the first form to final approval, we make sure the process stays smooth, predictable, and stress-free.
Why Work with a Professional Permitting Service
Trying to handle the permit process on your own can feel like learning a new language. Every city has different requirements, and even small mistakes can cause big delays. That’s why so many builders, developers, and property owners choose to work with a professional permitting team.
At Permit Pushers, this is what we do every day. We understand how each department works, what reviewers look for, and how to keep your project moving. Our team has handled tens of thousands of permits across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Working with professionals saves you time and frustration. It also helps you avoid costly rework. When permits are submitted correctly the first time, your project stays on schedule and your crew can focus on building, not paperwork.
We also help bridge the gap between you, your designers, and local agencies. Instead of spending hours on hold or trying to interpret city comments, you have an experienced partner doing it for you.
When you’re ready to move your project forward, having Permit Pushers on your side means fewer headaches, faster approvals, and complete peace of mind.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Permit Pushers is simple. You don’t need to figure everything out on your own. Our team is here to make the process easy from day one.
Here’s how it works:
Contact us. Tell us about your project and where it’s located.
Share your details. We’ll review your plans, check local requirements, and identify which permits you’ll need.
Let us handle the rest. We’ll prepare the paperwork, submit your applications, and keep things moving until approval.
It’s that easy.
Whether you’re planning a new build, a remodel, or a commercial expansion, our team helps you avoid red tape and costly delays. We know the rules, the systems, and the people behind the counter, so you don’t have to.