The Permit Process

A permit is official permission to do the work — and it triggers the inspections that confirm it's done to code.

How it works

1. Determine if you need one — most new construction, structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires a permit (minor repairs sometimes don't).
2. Apply with the building department — often including plans for review.
3. Plan review — the department checks your plans against the code.
4. Pay fees and receive the permit.
5. Post the permit on site and schedule inspections as you build.

Permitting takes time — build it into your schedule.

Going Deeper (Intermediate)

Most construction needs a permit: submit an application + plans → plan review → permit issued → build with inspections → final/CO. The permit is how the jurisdiction confirms the work meets code.

Advanced / Pro-Level

Running permits well:

• Know when a permit is required (and the minor-repair exemptions); larger work needs plans, often stamped by an architect/engineer.
• Expect plan-check cycles and corrections, fees and impact fees, and a permit expiration if work doesn't start/progress.
• Pull the right trade permits (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and post the permit card.
• The permit ties to the inspection sequence — no inspections, no legal completion.
• Permitting time is real schedule risk — build the plan-check duration into the project timeline and pro forma.

Practice Challenge

A contractor budgets a few days for permits on a custom home and is blindsided by months of plan review. What did they underestimate? (Answer: the plan-review/plan-check critical path — stamped plans, correction cycles, and fees take weeks to months; permitting time (and its carrying cost) must be planned into the schedule, not treated as a quick formality.)

In Practice

A homeowner finishes a basement with no permit to 'save time.' At resale, the inspection flags it — now they pay to open walls and permit it after the fact. The shortcut cost far more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming small jobs never need a permit
• Starting work before the permit is issued
• Not building permit/review time into the schedule

Takeaway: Most real work needs a permit: apply with plans, pass plan review, pay fees, then schedule inspections as you build.

Educational overview — codes, permit rules, and business/licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change. Confirm with your local building department, attorney, CPA, and licensing board.