Search results

Hi everyone, today I want to share what happened on one of my projects. In the middle of a permit review, the city suddenly changed its zoning rules and our approval was at risk. I immediately set up an emergency call with the project manager, architect, and city planner to understand the new...

Hey, that’s really cool! We’ve been using Bookings for our appointments too, and once people got used to it, it’s been pretty smooth. A quick FAQ or step-by-step email up front helped cut down on confusion. Starting with a free option is a smart way to test things out before committing to a paid...

In our jurisdiction, a permit denial can typically be appealed to the designated administrative or planning board within a set timeframe—often 30 days. The appeal involves submitting a formal request with supporting documentation, after which the board reviews the case, holds a hearing if...

Yes, we’ve been using Cloudpermit for about a year, and it’s been a nice change from paper/email. It’s easy to track applications and contractors, as everything can be submitted online. The search tool could be better, though, especially if you don’t know the exact name.

Good morning, thanks for sharing this. It sounds like a sensitive situation, especially with no records on file for the property. Since your Director is requesting a C of O application and fee, that may be the only formal path forward, but I’d recommend documenting your concerns in writing so...

That sounds like a big change for your department’s layout and not necessarily for the better in your case. It’s tough when the “redesign” means losing some of the space and comfort you’re used to, especially when it ends up making you feel even more separated from your team. I’ve heard of a...

When you're planning a construction or renovation project, dealing with permits can quickly become one of the most frustrating parts. That’s why many people turn to permit expediters to help streamline the process. Hiring one can be a smart move, especially if you want to avoid delays and...

Yes, our jurisdiction does have specific criteria to decide when a building permit application is considered "complete. This is important because it marks the official start of our review timeline. The criteria are fairly straightforward; we check for required forms, fees, site plans...

You're right to be concerned—kudzu can seriously damage trees and increase the risk of them falling. First, try to find out who owns the land by checking your county assessor’s website or GIS map. If it’s city property, report it to the Public Works department. Be cautious about removing it...

Zoning analysis reports are one of the most underrated but essential tools in planning and development. They review zoning laws, permits, Certificates of Occupancy, and code violations to confirm if a property is compliant or legally non-conforming. My team has completed over 100 of these...

Hi everyone, When getting a BIM model ready for a DC permit submission, it’s important to make sure it meets all the local requirements and that everything is documented. That means organizing your model using consistent naming conventions and including all the necessary views and sheets, like...

Permit revision delays can be frustrating, but there are a few ways to help manage them. First, it's helpful to maintain clear and consistent communication with the permitting authority—regular check-ins can sometimes expedite the process or at least provide clarity on timelines. It also helps...

Absolutely sarahmerget Revit has really transformed how we handle detailed MEP shop drawings. The parametric modeling makes updates so much more efficient, and the coordination tools really help bridge the gap between design and construction. We’ve also found Navisworks to be a critical part of...

Hey, that definitely sounds like a serious situation. Even without a property maintenance code in place, there are still steps you can take—especially since life safety is potentially at risk. First, if the fire suppression system is truly out of compliance, your local fire marshal should be...

Yeah, I’ve noticed some delays lately. The permitting process was already slow, especially for environmental permits, but with the recent wave of firings, it feels like things have really bogged down. It’s not just the loss of staff; it’s the loss of experience and institutional knowledge that’s...

Hey, you’re definitely not the first (or last) to be in this boat! Most inspectors just care about safety and code compliance, not punishing homeowners. If everything’s built right, you might be able to get it permitted after the fact without too much hassle. Taxes could be an issue if they...

You bring up a great point as the permit fees aren’t usually the biggest issue; it’s the long review times that really slow things down. Some cities have tried offering expedited options for a higher fee, but legal restrictions and staffing challenges can make it tricky. In some cases...

You're right, 2 to 3 weeks for the first review is fairly standard in many U.S. jurisdictions, especially for residential or mid-sized commercial projects. In some cities, it can take several months, particularly if there are backlog issues or complex zoning/code requirements. We’ve found that...

Many cities and towns across the U.S. use software like Accela, Cityworks, Tyler EnerGov, OpenGov, and Cloudpermit to manage building permits from start to finish. These cloud-based platforms work smoothly on tablets, so inspectors can access permit details, upload reports, and update records on...

The self-certification program sounds like a great way to speed up rebuilding, especially given the urgent housing crisis after the fires. However, the risks are real and if a structure isn’t up to code, the homeowner could face expensive corrections down the line. It depends on the level of...