Building Permit Process

Building permits are granted, in spite of popular opinion, to make sure that things are done in safe way. The people who design the codes and regulations are there to make sure that the really important things like the electrical systems and plumbing follows a set of guidelines to ensure that they get installed properly. To make sure that these buildings follow the regulations that have the public safety in mind, the permit process also allows for inspectors to come and look over the work in progress.

The first step in the process is that the application must be looked over by the proper authorities. There are several other things that you must provide as well as the application. Usually, you’ll need at least two sets of drawings—one of these is a set of architectural working drawings. You should note here that depending on whether the place that you’ll be working on is a residential or industrial project, the number of drawings needed will be affected. Although there are certainly different applications for different municipalities, you more than likely will need to produce at least two sets of structural, electrical, and mechanical drawings. You may also need to have a building code analysis done.

As a final aspect, you’ll also have to get a few letters of assurance from either a professional engineer or architect.

Next the application disappears into the depths of the system where it’s checked by several different people to see that it complies. As soon as the document is presented, a staff member checks it over completely to see that it has all the necessary information. That way any snags or anything else that needs to be added will be brought to the attention of the person applying. Next, the application usually goes on to the person next in line called the Plan Examiner.  This is where the plans are reviewed to make sure that they are in compliance with city and state codes and laws. Here’s where the plans are sent to a variety of different departments where each one has a chance to look things over.

Once all the comments are in from the other departments, the Plan Examiner makes a decision about whether the permit can be issued and once all these requirements are met, the building permit is issued. After that, you may still need to apply for several different sub trade permits that will allow the different contractors involved, the legal approval to start work.

Usually, the whole process takes about two weeks, but you’ll want to leave yourself extra time in the busy spring and summer seasons to make sure that the permit gets processed properly. 

Return To Our Home and House Learning Library

Visit Our Home Inspection Supersite