The first few times through the building permit process are most often totally confusing and frustrating, leaving many people wrongfully upset at the permit technicians trying to help them understand the process.
Usually, the unsuspecting applicant attempts to handle the process independently after their plans have been completed and financing approved. This is the wrong way to approach a construction project.
Long before you sign any contracts with a design team or a contractor or apply for financing, you should talk with your local building and planning department to find out what the limitations are on the property where you intend to build or remodel.
Many questions need to be asked about the requirements for approval of your project. You will want to know how long it will take to get an OK to submit for your permit. In some larger jurisdictions around the United States, it can take as long as 2-3 months just to get an appointment.
Just a couple of examples to clarify why. You will want to know if there are any environmentally sensitive areas on your site that you may not be aware of. The location of existing utilities and on-site sewage disposal systems must be documented on your site plan.
Click on this link to find all this information about your local jurisdiction and its land use ordinances: City Links.