Approval Process

When one wants to remodel, build an addition or build new, it will require approvals from the local municipality. This process includes submission of applications, fees, drawings and related documentation to explain the project.

There is a mixture of agencies, boards and committees that will generally review the project. The municipal agencies are typically qualified employees that may belong to a Building Department or Engineering Department. They will often analyze what is being done and refer the project for further review by other agencies or boards. The Boards or committees might include professionals, volunteers or a combination of both. The committees may also include county based, state based or regional reviews depending on the scope of the project. These boards address various aspects of compliance such as environmental conservation, zoning compliance, Architectural appearance, Traffic impact, Neighborhood or town planning, etc. . The Boards usually work in concert to advise the Municipal agencies of their findings. In addition to this, many areas have local Landowners or Neighborhood Associations that may require their blessing before submitting a project to the Municipality.

As the municipal agencies staffing is based on revenue derived from tax collections, which is short due to the recession and related lay-offs-most building departments are running short-staffed despite having fewer projects to review.

So what should you expect at this time?

For most smaller projects that our office has done over the past 2 years.: It generally take between 3 weeks-8 weeks for you project to be reviewed and sent to one board for review. If all goes smoothly and there are not objections or revisions needed, we advise our clients that another 2 weeks to a month will be needed to obtain a building permit and allow construction to start.