Interacting With The Staff for the Permitting Process

Remember when dealing with department staff to be courteous, cooperative and most of all curious. Treating the customer service staff with mutual respect will go a long way toward getting your submittal processed promptly. Do not assume anything for the permitting process is taken care of. Ask lots of questions and make sure you get a time commitment for the completion of your review and approval of the application.

Getting to the other side of the desk and interacting with the permitting staff is an important part of the building process. These professionals oversee your plans to check if they comply with local rules. Being polite and prepared makes things easier. Clear communication can avoid delays and start building a good relationship.

Interacting With The Staff For the Permitting Process:

Convene all required documents before even meeting with staff for the permitting processes. Forms and the plans are double-checked for accuracy. The seriousness of that tells you that you’re moving forward and committed. Questions are fine, but be tacksharp and respectful if you have them. Applicants get a good reputation with staff when they show up organized and respectful.

Listen carefully to follow-up feedback or instructions given to you during your interaction. Fix it fast if it needs fixing. A positive attitude can assist in overcoming any problems quickly. And, remember that the engagement with the staff for the permitting processes is there to make your project successful by helping you comply with the rules.

Make sure you leave with all your questions answered about the process and the timelines. Find out where the biggest roadblocks are. Which departments take the longest to finish the review?

Is there a way to pay overtime to speed up the process? If so, what is the procedure for making this happen on your project?

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