# Step-by-Step Guide to the Permitting Process for Construction Britain Jacobson ## Key takeaways - The permitting process typically includes research, application prep, submission, review, corrections, issuance, inspections, and final approval. - Permitting requirements vary widely by city, county, and project type. - The building permit inspection process is just as important as the initial application. - Managing submissions with permit management software can shorten approval timelines and reduce manual work. If you build, renovate, install, expand, demolish, or alter a structure, odds are you’ll deal with the permitting process at some point. This guide breaks down the permit process for construction step by step so you know what to expect and how to move faster. ## Types of construction permits Not every project undergoes the same permitting process. Depending on scope, you may need one or several permits — and certain projects don't even require you to pull a permit **Common examples include:** ### Building permits Building permits are typically required for new construction, additions, structural changes, remodels, and major alterations. ### Trade permits [Trade permits](/content/blog/trade-permits/index.html) are required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, gas, fire protection, and similar systems. Many jurisdictions issue these separately from the main building permit. ### Demolition permits [Demolition permits](/content/blog/demolition-permit/index.html) are required when removing all or part of a structure. This can apply to full teardowns, interior gut work, detached structures, and selective removals, depending on the municipality’s demolition permit. ### Zoning or land use approvals Some projects need zoning clearance before a building permit can be issued. Use, setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, parking, and occupancy can all come into play. > **👉 Read more on** [**zoning permits vs building permits**](/content/blog/zoning-permit-vs-building-permit/index.html). ### Specialty permits Depending on jurisdiction, this can include right-of-way permits, signage permits, grading permits, environmental approvals, historic review, solar permits, and more. > **👉 For a broader breakdown, see our guide to** [**types of construction permits**](/content/blog/types-of-construction-permits/index.html). ## The typical permitting process At the end of the day, location is the biggest factor in how you’ll navigate the permitting process. Every city, county, and state (the authority having jurisdiction, or “AHJ”) handles permitting a little differently. ### Step 1: Identify the jurisdiction and reviewing agencies Many projects require more than one approval source. **Depending on the property location and scope, your project may involve:** - City building department - County permitting office - Planning and zoning department - Fire marshal - Public works / engineering - Health department - Utility providers - Historic preservation board - Environmental or stormwater agencies - HOA or architectural review boards (private, but often timeline-critical) ### Step 2: Confirm whether you need a permit The first step is to determine whether the work you’re planning actually even requires a permit. You might be surprised what does and what doesn’t require a permit. **In most jurisdictions, permits are commonly required for:** - New buildings and additions - Structural changes - Kitchen and bathroom remodels - [Roofing](/content/blog/roofing-permit/index.html) replacements - [Window](/content/blog/window-replacement-permits/index.html) and door replacements (in many jurisdictions) - Electrical service upgrades - Rewires and panel changes - [HVAC](/content/blog/hvac-permit/index.html) replacements or new systems - Plumbing repipes or sewer work - Decks, patios, and accessory structures - Demolition work - Tenant improvements and change of use projects ### Step 3: Define the project scope clearly Permit reviewers need to understand exactly what is being built or changed. A vague description of the scope of your work creates confusion and will probably end up triggering requests for clarification or corrections. **Weak scope:** Interior remodel **Strong scope:** Interior tenant improvement including non-structural partition changes, new lighting, two restroom fixture replacements, HVAC duct revisions, and finish upgrades. ### Step 4: Prepare plans, drawings, and supporting documents Preparing your project plans is one of the most important parts of the construction submittal process. **Commonly required residential or trade project documents:** - Contractor license information - Scope of work - Manufacturer spec sheets - Load calculations - Site sketch - Energy compliance forms - Homeowner authorization **Commonly required commercial project documents:** - Architectural plan sets - Structural drawings - MEP plans - Accessibility details - Fire/life safety sheets - Civil/site plans - Engineering calculations - Product approvals - Existing vs proposed layouts - Occupancy/use details ### Step 5: Submit the application correctly Once your documents are ready, it’s time to formally submit your permit application. Submission methods vary by jurisdiction. ### Step 6: Intake review and acceptance Before the department begins its technical review, it might perform a completeness or intake check. In other words, they may verify that your application contains the minimum required items and is ready to enter the review queue. ### Step 7: Plan review After the building department has confirmed that your application is complete, it enters technical review. At this stage, reviewers check whether your proposed work complies with applicable codes, ordinances, and safety requirements. ### Step 8: Corrections, comments, and resubmittals Unfortunately, a lot of permits don’t pass first review – especially large or complex projects. Reviewers will issue correction notices requesting revisions or clarification if they notice something inaccurate or incomplete. ### Step 9: Permit issuance Once all reviews are approved and fees are paid, you’ll receive your permit. ### Step 10: Building permit inspections The building permit inspection process ensures the work installed in the field matches the approved plans and complies with local codes. ### Step 11: Final approval and closeout After the project has passed all required inspections, your permit can be finalized. Depending on project type, final closeout may include a final permit card, Certificate of Occupancy (CO), or Certificate of Completion. ## What can cause a permit to be denied? - **Incomplete applications** - **Incorrect permit type selected** - **Missing or inadequate plans** - **Code compliance issues** - **Zoning conflicts** ## Common challenges with the permitting process ### Every jurisdiction operates differently Permitting is _highly_ localized. ### Unclear requirements upfront So many permitting delays begin before the application is even submitted. ### Slow plan review timelines Permitting delays are a contractor’s greatest – and perhaps most common – enemy. ### Poor visibility into status ### Inspection scheduling bottlenecks Getting the permit is only part of the process. You also have to navigate inspections. ### Multi-jurisdiction growth complexity ### Changing codes and local policies ## Tips for navigating the permitting process with ease ### Tip 1: Start permitting earlier than you think ### Tip 2: Confirm the correct permit path upfront ### Tip 3: Submit complete, coordinated packages ### Tip 4: Write clear project scopes ### Tip 5: Stay organized during review ### Tip 6: Respond to corrections quickly and completely ### Tip 7: Build local knowledge ### Tip 8: Use systems that scale ## FAQs ### How long does it take to get a building permit? Timelines vary widely based on jurisdiction, project scope, and workload. ### Who is responsible for pulling permits? That depends on the project and contract structure. ### Do I need separate permits for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work? Often yes. ### Can I start construction before the permit is issued? In most cases, no. ### What if my permit expires before the project is finished? Some permits expire if work does not begin within a certain timeframe or if progress stops for too long. ### Can a permit be transferred to a new contractor? Sometimes, but not always. ### What happens if permit plans change after approval? If the scope changes after issuance, revised plans may need to be submitted for approval.