Understanding the Permit Process
The permit process can be daunting, especially when it comes to a first-time homebuilder, new contractor, or someone setting up their first retail space. That’s where we come in. Permit Pushers has had tens of thousands of permits issued in its 30 years in business. So let’s dive right in to the permit process to help you understand what is needed, whether you need permit expediting help (spoiler alert, it’s probably yes), and when permits are needed.
First step:
Figure out what types of permits you need.
Research what permits are needed for your project in your area. Once you’ve selected a piece of land to build your dream home, an existing commercial building to open your new cafe-bar in, or your client’s proposed subdivision, there will be rules and regulations to follow, and permits to obtain. Call your local building department, planning office, or friendly permit expediting service (that’s us!) to learn about what permits will be required.
Common types of permits:
Residential building permits - this is a building permit for a residential use. That could be a house, a garage, or anything else on a residentially zoned property used for residential purposes. These types of permits are typically regulated by the International Residential Code (IRC). Permits like this are required for new buildings and significant renovations. In some places, you even need permits to swap out windows or siding.
Commercial building permits - this is a building permit for a commercial use, such as a retail store, restaurant, or any other commercial use. They can be on commercially zoned property, or even on a residentially zoned property under a special use permit. They often require a bit more information to obtain, and can even require special engineering or architectural services. Most of the time these permits are regulated by the International Building Code (IBC).
Zoning Clearance Permits - these are permits that require the planning and zoning department to review them, but often don’t require full-blown building plans. These might be for a shed, a storage unit, or fencing.
Environmental Permits - these are often septic (onsite wastewater) permits, but can also include well permits, air quality, stormwater, or other permits. Permit Pushers has prepared thousands of these permits, and designed thousands of septic permits. Some permits under this category require a specialized designer known as a Registered Sanitarian or an engineer to design them.
Manufactured home permits - while these are technical residential permits, they full under a different category for a few reasons. Firstly, the federal government (Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)) regulates the construction and installation of these homes. Secondly, many states have additional rules and regulations in place around this type of structure, such as additional licensing for installers. Permit Pushers works with installers nationwide to obtain this type of permit, and is particularly experienced with manufactured homes.
Solar permits - a specialty permit in the electrical permit category - solar permits are required in most jurisdictions, and there is a specialized set of documentation required for them, including panel specs, electrical calculations, and more. Some states, such as California, have permitting guidebooks for solar, given the urgent need for increased sustainable power sources.
Second step:
Gather the necessary information. The required information really depends on the jurisdiction and project type. Permit Pushers has many specific checklists based upon our experience and published data. Here is a common set of materials that are needed for almost all permits:
Site or plot plan (we can take your napkin drawing and get it permit-ready!)
Building plans (aka blueprints). Yeah, we do those too!
Utility information (water, electric, sewer, gas).
Contractor information (if applicable).
Third step:
Submit your application! (Or have us do that… that’s why you’re here, right?!) This used to involve walking in and handing a packet over the counter to an employee, but almost every jurisdiction has an online submittal portal these days. Permit Pushers has our own portal in order to simplify your process of working with us, and we have experience across hundreds of systems.
If you’re going solo, make sure you double-check your work before submitting in order to avoid delays in the initial intake process. This is also where you must begin to pay fees.
Fourth step:
Submittal review process. This is where the waiting comes in. The municipality or jurisdiction will distribute your files to the necessary reviewing parties. The reviewers may include:
Building department
Zoning department
Planning department
Engineering department (or public works)
Other departments as required
Once these reviewers have reviewed the application, comments are typically given to the permit technician at the jurisdiction, compiled into one comment letter, and given back to the applicant. This acts as a “punch sheet” for corrections and resubmittal.
Fifth step:
Resubmittal (address comments). This is where Permit Pushers can really help your project along. Once the review comments are given back to the applicant, the applicant must then get revised plans from their design professionals, address paperwork concerns, and communicate with both the jurisdiction and design professionals to address comments and concerns and get things moving again.
Sixth step:
Issuance and inspections. Issuance is where Permit Pushers crosses the finish line! We typically finish our work at issuance of the permit. Once the permit is issued and fees paid, we get the permits to you, your contractor, and anyone else you’d like us to. Your contractor (if you have one) will call inspections in when they are ready to be called in. If you don’t have a contractor, or if your contractor prefers, we offered additional post-issuance services such as scheduling inspections, renewing permits, etc.
Final step:
Final inspection approval (also known as certificate of compliance). This is the final document given upon approval of the final inspection, and gives permission to use the building as intended.
Look, we know this can be daunting, but that’s why we are here. Drop us a line and see how we can help you get through this process!
Let us handle the permit process for you!