OCTOBER 2022, issue 1
ELITE PERMITS
BRIEFING ON CONSTRUCTION & Some other stuff
Written by TATIANA gUSt
Remodels are an interesting type of permit; in my opinion they are easy and simple to process, but the simplest remodels can generate a lot of comments from the reviewers. When I did plan review, I often preferred to work on a large project rather than the smaller ones, because very often the larger projects had less comments than the simple ones.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, the success of getting a permit processed faster is to submit a before and after layout, even if the layout from before is exactly the same as the after. By comparing these two plans, the reviewer can clearly identify what the proposed work is.
So, let us go down the list of what is required to be shown to help you get a permit expeditiously.
- List the applicable codes.
- List the type of construction.
- Indicate if the building is sprinklered or not.
- Provide a floor plan before the remodel (often shown as a demo plan).
- Provide the proposed floor plan.
- Provide a list indicating the scope of work. Be generic, for example, replacing all fans; there is no need to say 4 fans inside and 2 outside. Sometimes these notes don’t match the plans and create additional questions. Too many details lead to more questions.
- Complete your application and be brief in the description, as often they reject it because the application listed the project in detail, and it did not match the scope of work listed on the plans.
- Make sure to provide details applicable to the project. For example, if you are cutting the floor to install a pipe, make sure to include details of how you are going to repair the floor.
Another important thing to remember is that projects that fall under the residential code (see my other blogs where it tells you where each code applies) do not need mechanical, plumbing, or electrical plans (MEP), as those are not required by the code, but if you are working on a condominium, these items are required.
If you are a remodeler, you will find that once you master the process for a couple of your projects, the rest of them are often similar and you can anticipate the comments because you get to know what the reviewers are looking for.
Hope this is helpful for your next project. Make sure you put the effort up front so you can reap the benefits of spending less time in the permitting process and becoming more efficient with your time. Remember the difference is in the small details that will make the reviewers’ job easier.
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