The first few times through the building permit process approval is most often 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 they complete their plans 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.
Any construction project requires that getting a building permit be your first step. It makes your work safe and follows the local rules. Here’s how the process works.
The Application preparation and submission
So, check with your local building department first. Get the construction plans, site maps, project descriptions and other documents needed. All your plans should conform to zoning and building codes. As soon as it’s ready, just apply with the permitting office. Most things take place online and many cities have submissions online for convenience. You pay your required fees and retain copies of all documents.
Plan Review and Building Permit Process Approval
The allowing office will review your application after submission to it. It means that your project will meet all regulations, from zoning to environmental and safety standards. You need to quickly address revisions if they need to be made, to avoid delays. The authorities will issue your permit once they approve it. Show it on the construction site as required.
Inspections and Compliance
During and after construction inspectors see to the work conforming to approved plans. Have these inspections scheduled as needed to prevent project proroguing? The inspector fixes issues, then proceeds only. You will be given final building permit process approval once all inspections are finished.
Knowing the building permit process is key to doing well, and you’ll avoid having setbacks. When the process is done properly, with proper documentation and compliance it makes the process much smoother and safer.
You need to ask many questions about the requirements for the building permit process 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 so you must document sewage disposal systems on your site plan.
Click on this link to find all this information about your local jurisdiction and its land use ordinances: City Links.