When beginning a commercial construction project, it is uncommon to be able to break ground and get started immediately.
The vast majority of commercial projects require you, or your general contractor, to apply for a permit from local municipalities.
Depending on the project’s scope and location, the complexity and requirements of the permit will vary.
Things to keep in mind when applying for a permit:
- Permits take time before receiving approval.
City permit offices can get backed up, particularly at the peak of construction season. When developing a construction plan, keep in mind that even a simple permit can take several weeks to get rubber stamped. A qualified and respected general contractor that has well-developed relationships with local municipalities can often speed up the approval process by knowing who to contact and how to monitor the permit’s status. - Inspections or meetings may be necessary.
As a part of their due diligence, some city committees will need to inspect your building, property, or construction plans before approving them and providing the permit. You may even be required to share your plans with a city planning committee at a live hearing. To ensure a seamless approval process, have your plans reviewed and inspected by a general contractor before presenting to a committee. - Your construction project might need revisions.
Your permit may not receive approval upon the first review – especially if the committee or city has concerns that the property or existing infrastructure may not be able to sustain the project size or type. Your permit may be delayed by other concerns including neighborhood disruptions. Sometimes you’ll also need to re-submit for simple reasons like not filling out the paperwork quite correctly. Be prepared to work with the city to alter plans, or possibly consider a new site.
There are consequences to not acquiring the correct permits that not only affect your timeline but also your finances.
If discovered without a permit, or with the wrong one, your company may be fined or asked to halt the project until obtaining the correct permit through the correct approval process. These types of delays increase costs for any business, preventing them from opening up their doors and accessing customers.
As a local general contractor, DBG has spent 10 years working alongside municipalities and planning committees to achieve timely permitting.
We have the resources and the reputation to apply for permits in a way that maximizes your project’s odds at rapid approval.
If you are considering a project that may require permitting, contact us for help today!