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Obtaining permits can be challenging for both temporary and permanently installed projects. These permits are required by law and help to protect your liability. While this article will attempt to provide a few tips for streamlining such permitting activities, every jurisdiction in every state is different.
Tip No. 1: Become a student of the jurisdictions where you conduct business
In my experience, the foremost tip is to get to know each jurisdiction you work in. This is not a marketing technique. This is your business. Your clients expect that you are the expert and know what is expected.
Get to know the fire marshal and building official, too. They are mandated with having to enforce a great deal of information on a number of different types of projects. They need to understand your projects and you are the only one to teach them.
There are also International Code Council and fire marshal chapter meetings if you want to reach out to many at the same time. You can even provide training on the latest in industry standards. Once you are more than familiar with the staff and the codes, you will find that permitting will be much easier.
Tip No. 2: Develop complete, easily understood plans.
Part of the permitting process is communicating the nature of the project with the jurisdictional staff. The plans and details provided are the means of communicating. You can even develop a standard plan if that is acceptable to the jurisdictional staff. Having your plans approved ahead of time will save a considerable amount of time going through the permitting process. Then all you would need would be a site plan locating the project on a given property along with the standard plan. This can be done for both temporary and permanent installations. Also, having clear and complete plans will be helpful during installation in the field.
Tip No. 3: Understand the codes and standards that are applied to your projects.
While this seems obvious, I have found that many people are concerned more with their business but don’t know the latest changes in industry in the various codes and standards that impact the construction of their own projects. These codes and standards are your business. Advanced Textiles Association provides opportunities for participating in the development of such codes and standards and is a great place to start.
Become the expert in the field, and when recognized by jurisdictions, I think you will find it very helpful to your business. There is also satisfaction that goes along with knowing that you are making a difference in your industry.
Paul Armstrong, P.E., C.B.O., serves as ATA’s code consultant. With more than 30 years of building safety management experience, he teaches regularly for California Building Officials (CALBO) and has developed several CALBO training courses. As a certified building official, he managed building plan review, counter assistance and inspection for Southern California agencies. Additionally, he was responsible for development of new business for inspection and plan review services for jurisdictions across the United States. His previous experience at the International Code Council (ICC) included leading the Architectural and Engineering Services Department and International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) Technical Services Department. He can be reached at paul.armstrong@pacodeservices.com.