There are three major components to obtaining an efficient permit approval: 1) sound architectural plans, 2) having an understanding of the jurisdictional process, and 3) having relationships within the jurisdiction. Each of these three components helps significantly when trying to receive permit approval in a timely manner. Let’s begin with a simple definition definition of architectural plans before we dig deeper. What are Architectural Plans? To put it simply, architectural plans are the overall design of a building. In addition to the design, they offer notes with detailed specifications regarding important components to the plan such as materials that will …
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Oct 22, 2018 By Bridget Foley
Pre-Submittal Planning Process For large projects such as as hotels, the planning process actually begins months, or sometimes even years, before the actual building permit process begins. Hotels have many layers to the project that mean they are more complicated to get approved and therefore more lengthy. Applicants should be aware that this can be a very extensive process, especially if building from the ground-up. Let’s start with a general overview of what is involved in the pre-submittal planning process and then we’ll move on to the building permit process. Ground Up: A major consideration for hotel development is whether …
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Oct 22, 2018 By Bridget Foley
There are five basic principles to finding permit expediters outside of an area you are more knowledgeable about: Ask the city. City officials know whom they prefer to work with and whom they see on a daily basis. To truly understand which permit expediters have the best relationship with the city you should go straight to the source. Larger cities commonly have a list of preferred expediters. However, some cities shy away from answering this question to avoid the perception of favoritism, and you will need to use another avenue. Chamber of Commerce Associations. Incorporated cities and towns have …
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Oct 22, 2018 By Bridget Foley
The Bureau of Engineering (BOE), commonly known as Public Works, is the department within a jurisdiction that is responsible for the oversight and approval of construction permits located within the city’s public right-of-way. The BOE covers projects that may affect city streets, lanes, alleys, parkways, sidewalks, and other city facilities. Among other things, conducting work on main sewer lines, easements, or parking lots will often trigger a review with the BOE department. Keep in mind that all jurisdictions and municipalities have different requirements for BOE reviews. In Los Angeles the Bureau of Engineering incorporates the following divisions: sanitation, industrial waste, public works, …
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Sep 25, 2018 By Bridget Foley
