Search results

I'm curious about whether you've noticed if the recent spate of bureaucratic firings have caused delays with issuing permits? It takes a while to obtain an environmental permit as it is, so I can't imagine that weeding out office staff is helpful.

We're looking into adding a sunroom to our house. While researching our options, I noticed that my city's permitting requirements differ from the state's requirements. In a situation like this one, which one should you follow?

What's your opinion on this subject? I've read that pulling the proper permits, and being able to show that you've done so, improves the property's value on the market. I'm not sure that I agree with that, and no data was offered to suggest that it's true. I think building upgrades, or...

I volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, and we're always looking for ways to move our permit applications through the system more efficiently. There are a few firms that claim to expedite permits. How do you check their claims? Do you have any tips for vetting these firms?

Did you know that two of the most common reasons that building permits get denied are due to incorrect or incomplete information? Those two simple mistakes can be quite costly, both in additional fees, and the time sunk into stalling the project and making the corrections. It just goes to show...

Did you know that every year, the USDA grants a transit permit to St. Nick so that his reindeer can enter the United States? It's all part of their Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. It's a pretty interesting story. Have you run across any nifty permits like that? I'd love to hear...

It hasn't happened to me yet, but I like to be prepared for all outcomes, and I have no idea what to do after a permit application is denied. What are the next steps?

The Juneau Parks and Recreation Department is accepting 1-year commercial use applications through the end of the month. If that's not enough time to put your application together, you can still apply for the commercial use permit through June 30th, though you'll have to pay a late fee. Permit...

I ran across an interesting story about the Worcester family in Maine, who wanted to build the tallest flag pole in the world. It was supposedly meant to honor veterans and was going to be taller than the Empire State Building. Well, they've abandoned that lofty idea since then, but not...

Lots of people want natural gas, but few are willing to put up with the natural consequences to make it happen. In order to drill for natural gas, companies generally put up large, unsightly rigs that are noisy and cause air pollution. Naturally, these rigs are a nuisance for the local...

I've run across the advice that you can save a ton of money by applying for all building permits yourself, before the contractor starts work, rather than relying on the contractor to do it all for you. What do you think about this advice? Is it really that easy to do?

I got upset at my neighbor, who was burning his leaves yesterday. We are under a burn ban in my area of Tennessee right now. Anyone who wants to start a fire outside between mid-October through mid-May must apply for and receive a permit to do so. It is a big deal around here because fall is...

Does anyone know what the general timeframe is to receive an asbestos removal permit? I submitted the application two months ago and still haven't heard anything. I live in Tennessee, if that matters. Does it usually take this long? I've tried calling to check on my application, but no one...