Stop Work Orders
If a garage has been started with no building permit and you are issued a “stop notice” – what exactly does this mean? If we continue to build, what happens? Is there legal action and if so what? We cannot give legal advice. We can only give you reasonable solutions. So, Permit Place answered: We […]
Permit Status
You have a right and the responsibility to know the status of any building permit application that you file with a government agency. Some jurisdictions may unknowingly keep you in the dark about the timing of your application approval. It is very possible that during the holidays, or any other time, one of the reviewers […]
Good Contracts
Most states have laws that give material suppliers and workmen the right to file a lien on your property if they have not been paid. The laws vary from state to state but the damage is the same. You could lose your newly built or remodeled property because your contractor did not pay. Good contracts […]
Choosing A Contractor
Are you planning to build a new home or remodel your current home? This is a major investment of your time and money and there are some things you can do to protect yourself from potential disaster. When choosing a contractor make sure to get references by talking to friends or colleagues that have had […]
Appealing A Building Permit Decision
All three model codes and the new International Building Code and One and two family dwelling code all provide for right to appeal a decision of the code official. Read about your rights to appeal at: BOCA National Building Code in Sec 121 SBCCI Standard Building Code in Sec 108 ICBO/IFCI Uniform Building Code in […]
How Long To Get A Building Permit?
Probably the most asked question at Permit Place is, “How long does it take to get a building permit in my jurisdiction?” It is also the hardest question to answer of all the them. Everything depends on the local jurisdiction and the submittal package prepared by the applicant. If a submittal package is carefully prepared […]
The Federal Government Role
There are a number of ways the federal government can play a significant role in the approval of a building permit for your project. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits are federal requirements regulated by the states and affects construction projects where more than 5 acres of vegetation is being disturbed. The federal […]
Getting the Right Answer
When you make inquiries at your local jurisdiction there may be times when you get differing answers. It is up to you to sort it all out. Permit Place received a call from an internationally recognized contractor last month trying to do just that. It seems two architects practicing in the Bay area of California […]
Approval Does Not Always Mean Approved
Just because the local jurisdiction has approved your drawings, structural calculations and has issued the building permit does not mean you are out of the woods yet. If the plan reviewer overlooked something on your drawings that does not meet the requirements of the currently adopted building codes the building department can force you to […]
You May Qualify for An Annual Permit
Some states and local jurisdictions allow certain facilities and institutions to apply for annual building permits to do their alterations and renovations. Universities, hospitals, and large manufacturing plants can save thousands of dollars by using this special privilege and avoiding the time consuming activity of individual permit applications. Check with your local jurisdiction at City […]