Successful Kohl's Hanford, CA Project

In the bustling city of Hanford, CA, Kohl’s embarked on a 2,500 square foot retail renovation within their existing shopping center location. The project, managed by Permit Place, involved a complex permit expediting process for a strategic shop-in-shop Sephora installation. This operation required securing building, mechanical, electrical, and signage permits, which were crucial for the success of the renovation. 

Challenges

The Permit Place team encountered substantial challenges during the project, primarily due to the involvement of multiple points of contact, including the Architect of Record (AOR), clients, and various planning departments. These complexities required meticulous coordination and communication to manage effectively, highlighting the need for a robust strategy to navigate the intricate permit approval landscape.

Solutions and Strategies

To conquer these hurdles, our team implemented a robust due diligence process at the beginning of the project. This approach helped identify all key project contacts, uncover major sticking points in the submission process, and understand the specific formatting and naming standards required by the departments involved. Additionally, it provided insights into the necessary fees, building codes, contractor requirements, and other crucial details. Our diligent planning and strategic coordination facilitated smoother interactions with all parties and streamlined the permit acquisition process.

Project Wins

The effectiveness of our strategies was clearly demonstrated in the project outcomes. While the estimated turnaround time for permit approvals was initially 4-6 weeks, our team dramatically exceeded expectations by securing all necessary approvals within just 2 weeks. This efficient process was not only a testament to our team’s capability but also led to achieving first round approvals for all permits. Our project manager attributed this success to solid communication with the AOR and accurate submittal processes with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

The Kohl’s renovation project in Hanford was a resounding success, primarily due to the proactive and meticulous efforts of the Permit Place team. Our ability to navigate complex permit processes and deliver results swiftly underscores our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction in the retail industry.