When it comes to permits for commercial construction, it’s not just about making a submission, getting the tick of approval and then getting started with fit out or foundations.
Well, in essence, it is, but there’s a lot more than what meets the eye.
It’s not an administrative task that requires a couple of documents emailed through, and maybe a phone call or two – it requires plenty of strategy, proactivity and sharp attention to detail.
Ultimately, it makes it all the more important to know that you’re dealing with a real person – a true permitting partner that is here to assist through the whole journey – not just a filing service, or AI agent that helps with light admin.
So let’s talk about the key characteristics of your ideal permit consultant…
Filing Service vs Permitting Partner
You may have heard of a filing service as an alternative option to a permit consultant, to help you submit your commercial construction permits – here are some of the key differences.
A Filing Service:
- Submits Plans
- Waits for comments
- Reacts to feedback and instigates changes
On the other hand, a Permitting Partner:
- Researches appropriate jurisdictions and submission processes.
- Reviews documents before submission.
- Proactively anticipates potential issues and pitfalls.
- Works strategically to minimize delays and unwanted costs.
The Value of Experience With AHJs
Now we’ve covered the key differences between a filing service and Permitting Partner, it’s clear the added expertise that’s needed to manage a highly nuanced process.
Understanding that permit submission expectations differ location to location is a key part of the job. Determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), submission protocols can differ in terms of relevant agencies (e.g. fire and environmental departments), online or paper submissions, and so much more.
Completing research into the necessary protocols is so important, and can’t always be done without a little experience and nuanced industry know-how.
Risk Management & Timeline Control
So if a Permit Consultant has you covered when it comes to the whole permit submission process, it’s safe to say that risk management is a pretty important aspect.
Here are a few ways we manage risk and ensure that timelines remain under control.
- Early identification of compliance gaps
- Coordinated response to review comments
- Adherence to AHJ protocols to minimize review cycles
A Permitting Partner Is Essential
In commercial projects, there are often so many moving parts, that as an architect or project manager, you don’t even know where to look.
With tight construction timelines, contractors, designers, architects and engineers are all working towards a common goal, sometimes to the detriment of attention to detail in the planning and permitting phase.
Having someone handle your filing isn’t enough – having someone on your team that can be agency or jurisdiction facing, taking all of the tedious communication, unclear guidelines and stress off your back, is what might save your project hundreds of thousands in delay costs.
Not to mention so much time saved to do the things you do best.
I love working with my clients on the simple to the complex, from small fit-out related permits, to multi-jurisdiction projects. Want to talk more about your next project?
Get in touch to book a free consultation, where we’ll run through everything you could need to manage your project to perfection.