| CLIENT: | Mad Duck for Estudio Architecture |
| LOCATION: | Fresno, California |
| PROJECT TYPE: | Shopping Ctr TI |
Permit Place recently completed permit expediting services for Estudio Architecture’s Mad Duck restaurant/bar tenant improvement in Fresno, California. The project involved renovating an existing 4,194 SF restaurant/bar space in a shopping center into a refreshed concept for Mad Duck, including a new bar canopy structure and comprehensive finish upgrades.
The scope of work covered a full TI package, including:
- Barricade wall
- Demolition of existing walls
- New decorative beams, columns, millwork, lighting, equipment, doors, and windows
- Non-structural partitions
- New MEP utilities
- Limited new structure for the bar canopy
Use, occupancy, and existing path of egress remained unchanged, but the range of disciplines required careful alignment with the City of Fresno Development and Resource Management Department – Building and Safety Division.
Challenges
Fresno is widely regarded as a difficult AHJ, with intensive plan review standards and a detailed plan check approval process. Even though the project did not change use or occupancy, the combination of new MEP utilities, demolition, and new structural elements for the bar canopy demanded close coordination with reviewers. Maintaining schedule in this environment, without scope reductions, was a key challenge.
Solutions and Strategies
Permit Place relied on its established Due Diligence process to anticipate Fresno’s review expectations and submittal requirements. Strategic application planning ensured each package was complete and accurate before intake, minimizing re-checks. Throughout the 118 days from plan receipt to permit issuance, the team maintained proactive communication with the City of Fresno Development and Resource Management Department – Building and Safety Division, responding quickly to comments and clarifications and keeping Estudio Architecture and Mad Duck fully informed.
Project Wins
Despite Fresno’s reputation as a tough jurisdiction, Permit Place guided the project from submittal to final plan check approval in just 118 days. By front-loading the Due Diligence process and employing proactive measures with reviewers, the team kept this standalone project on schedule, without any change to the existing use or egress. The successful completion of this shopping center TI reinforces Permit Place’s ability to navigate demanding AHJs and deliver efficient, reliable permit expediting services for complex restaurant/bar renovations.