Although it’s never the highlight of a new project, permitting is a necessary step in turning your project dreams into reality.
Before starting a new project, it’s important to have a detailed permitting plan set to minimize project delays, ensure the proposed work is allowable by code, and pay permitting fees only once.
Permitting plans are submitted to the city or governing jurisdiction to ensure the project follows all required building codes. They need to review and approve our plans before work can begin, a process that usually takes a few weeks. If the permit plans are submitted with incomplete information or contain proposed work that doesn’t follow code, there can be significant delays and possible resubmittal fees.
When we take on a project, we spend time reviewing local building codes to make sure what we’re proposing is allowed within the jurisdiction. In some rare cases, we can apply for a variance to the code if there’s something beyond the ordinary we’d like to propose.
Here’s a look at how we approach the permitting process:
1. Research Local Code
We’ll look up the property’s address to find out what jurisdiction the building code applies to. With this information, we’ll be able to determine:
- What is allowable to build without a permit
- What part of the project needs a permit
- What kind of permit is needed
For example: a structural permit for pools, walls, and pergolas; a utility permit if connected to city sewer or water; and a site development permit for major grading and groundwork projects.
2. Ensure Our Design Meets Code
With the local code in mind, we’ll check that our proposed design fits within what’s allowable. It’s important for us to do this before we present our proposed design to the client; we never want to sell a project that isn’t going to be feasible!
3. Gather Info into Permitting Plan Set
Our permitting plan sets consist of an existing conditions drawing showing the site as it stands currently and a simplified landscape plan showing the major elements being proposed (like a pool or pergola), their dimensions, and their distance from property lines and the residence.
Depending on the project, additional plans may need to be included in the set, like tree protection, erosion control, and construction details.
Each jurisdiction has different requirements for what needs to be shown on permitting plans, but some elements are always necessary (property address, acreage, boundaries, setbacks and easements, and labels).
4. Gather Signatures
Many jurisdictions require a licensed professional to stamp drawings prior to submittal. We can stamp landscape projects for Oregon and Washington, and we work with locally licensed contractors and engineers to complete their portion of the permitting set.
5. Submit Permit Application and Wait for Approval
If all goes according to plan, construction can begin once the permit has been approved. Occasionally, a jurisdiction may come back and ask for more information or clarity. If this happens, it’s not the end of the world! We will address the feedback, re-file, and give you an updated timeline for the project.
While it may seem like a complicated and overwhelming process, we have a lot of experience doing it. Our experience helps to streamline the process, saving you time and money!
