Whenever you build a new structure, add on to an existing structure, or renovate a building in New York State, you must obtain the necessary permits to do so. Even small improvements – like adding solar panels- require a permit to proceed without violating state or local laws. President and permit expediting consultant of Dominion Expediting & Consulting Corp. Riccardo Cervini says New York’s municipal permitting system ensures safety, sustainability, and uniformity among construction projects.
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Where to Get Building Permits
Whenever permits are needed, you need to obtain them through the respective municipal building department that has jurisdiction over the property on which you intend to do work. You will need to provide architectural plans and details regarding the type, size, and purpose of your intended project.
Riccardo Cervini notes officials in municipal building departments ensure projects meet all local construction codes before issuing a permit. Without a permit in place, absolutely no work should be done other than planning the work. You might have to request a zoning variance for any proposed structures that do not comply with the local building and zoning codes.
General Steps of the Permitting Process
The permitting process starts by submitting an application, building plans, and fees to your municipal building department. Officials will review the application and its plans and determine whether or not it conforms with local and state ordinances and any applicable federal laws.
If your plans do conform, a decision will be made following the review process. When the project is approved, the building department will issue a permit that you will need to display onsite. If the department denies your application, it will not issue a permit and will list any deficiencies that require corrective action.
Corrective Action for Denied Building Permits
There are typically two types of corrective actions that fix permitting problems. One is to revise the plans and resubmit them when they conform with local ordinances and laws. That may require additional services from your design professional to continue the permitting process for your planned project.
The other corrective action is to file a request for a variance that will enable you to proceed with the zoning board of appeals. There are several types of variances which can range from the area and use variances to special use permits. You will have to provide a good reason why the variance is necessary and why it should be approved. An expediter, consultant, architect, engineer, contractor, and/or attorney can represent property owners who seek variances.
How a Permit Expediting Service Can Help
If you have a project in mind, Riccardo Cervini of Dominion Expediting says you can try to get all of the necessary permits and variances on your own. Doing so will take a significant amount of time, cost you money, and might result in extended delays that affect the project’s timeline and budget.
A permit expediting service, though, has the experience, expertise, and connections to ensure any permit and variance applications are submitted to the appropriate governmental units and their respective agencies.
A permit expediting service ensures all applications are fully supported, and work with your architect or engineer to ensure any designs conform with local ordinances. The service streamlines the process and makes it more likely for a project to proceed on time and remain on budget.
