We wanted to show the permitting process to let customers know just how involved and time consuming the permit process can be. Here is an example of a typical building permit application.

Submitting a building permit is time consuming and involves navigating a multi-layered government bureaucratic process that begins with identifying the appropriate jurisdiction and understanding its unique codes, zoning requirements, application and submission protocols. 

First, the applicant must perform a site specific zoning and land use analysis to ensure compliance with local ordinances, overlay districts, and easement restrictions. 

Next, a comprehensive permit application must be assembled, including scaled architectural drawings stamped by a licensed design professional if necessary, structural calculations, energy compliance reports (per IECC standards), site plans, building plans, surveys and sometimes stormwater management and soil erosion plans. Each document must meet formatting specifications (conversion of files) before uploading into the city or counties municipal e-permitting portal. Once submitted, the application enters a review queue, where multiple departments including planning and zoning, fire safety, public utilities, and structural engineering conduct parallel or staggered reviews often requiring markups and multiple resubmissions. 

The applicant must actively monitor status updates, respond to plan reviewer comments within strict timeframes and sometimes attend virtual or in person hearings/meetings. Revisions must be cross referenced with reviewer notes and reuploaded following proper version control protocols. If any component is overlooked or a minor code discrepancy exists the entire process can reset or be delayed indefinitely. 

Only after all departments issue individual approvals does the permit enter final routing for fee calculation, contractor license verification, and issuance authorization. 

It is best to have someone who is an experienced specialist and has the knowledge to navigate the cumbersome permitting process when submitting for a building permit in our opinion.