| CLIENT: | WCD for McDonald’s USA |
| LOCATION: | Portland, Oregon |
| PROJECT TYPE: | Stand Alone TI |
Permit Place recently completed permit expediting services for WCD, a McDonald’s USA location, in Portland, Oregon. The stand alone tenant improvement (TI) project focused on modifications to an existing restaurant, including:
- Installation of a new grease interceptor vault
- Rerouting of plumbing
- Removal of an existing grease trap
- Finish repairs in active work areas
While there was no structural scope, the project required careful coordination to keep kitchen and food prep areas intact and operational.
Working closely with the Portland Bureau of Development Services, Permit Place navigated all submittals and reviews required to secure plan check approval. As part of the broader McDonald’s program, this project needed to align with brand standards and aggressive timelines while maintaining ADA-compliant temporary restrooms and safe guest access during construction.
Challenges
This project proceeded without major jurisdictional or logistical hurdles, in large part due to Permit Place’s upfront preparation and planning. By clarifying the non-structural nature of the work and confirming local requirements for the new grease interceptor vault early, our team minimized surprises and review comments from the City of Portland.
Solutions and Strategies
Permit Place leveraged its established Due Diligence process to validate code requirements, submittal standards, and review timelines with the Portland Bureau of Development Services before application. Proactive measures included:
- Coordinating with the general contractor on temporary ADA-compliant restrooms
- Sequencing plumbing changes to avoid disruptions
- Ensuring a complete first submittal package through strategic application planning, reducing back-and-forth and keeping the project on schedule
Project Wins
- Plan check approval and permit issuance in just 37 days from receipt of plans
- Seamless process for a restaurant TI involving health, plumbing, and accessibility considerations
- Reinforced the value of thorough Due Diligence, disciplined communication with the AHJ, and consistent program-level coordination for McDonald’s
- Enabled WCD and McDonald’s USA to proceed with construction quickly, with minimal downtime and full compliance