You Can't Rush the Building Department, But Here's What You Can Do

If you've ever found yourself stuck waiting on a permit approval, you're not alone. One of the most common pain points in the construction and renovation industry is the wait time at the building department. The reality is: you can’t rush the building department. Whether it’s a high volume of applications, staffing shortages, or internal review policies, delays happen. But that doesn’t mean you're powerless.

Here’s what you can do to keep your project moving forward while staying proactive, compliant, and informed.

1. Submit a Complete and Accurate Application

The number one reason for permit delays? Incomplete or incorrect submissions. Make sure your permit application includes:

• Properly filled-out forms

• Accurate project descriptions

• Required signatures

• Supporting documents (site plans, drawings, calculations, etc.)

• Contractor licensing and insurance info

  
  

A complete submittal reduces the chance of rejection or unnecessary back-and-forth with reviewers.

2. Know Your Municipality’s Requirements

Every jurisdiction is different. What flies in one city or county may not in another. Become familiar with:

• Submittal checklists

• Review timelines

• Common code violations

• Local amendments to state building codes

If you work across multiple municipalities, tracking these differences can save you serious time and money.

3. Build a Relationship With Permit Technicians and Reviewers

Respect and communication go a long way. A professional, polite tone—whether in person, by phone, or by email—can foster goodwill and even help you get clarification faster when needed. Keep in mind: they’re just doing their job and processing dozens (sometimes hundreds) of permits a week.

4. Track Your Permit and Follow Up Strategically

Most building departments now offer online portals where you can track the status of your permit in real-time. Use it. Set calendar reminders to check in after the stated review period—not every day.

• Be strategic with your follow-ups:

• Ask if any additional documents are needed

• Confirm that your submittal has been assigned to a reviewer

• Clarify any comments or revision requests quickly

5. Be Prepared for Plan Review Comments

Very few applications get approved without at least one correction request. Don’t panic—this is normal. Respond quickly, address comments thoroughly, and resubmit without delay. This keeps your permit moving in the right direction.

6. Use a Permit Management Company

If you’re managing multiple projects or simply want to save time and reduce stress, hiring a permit management company can make all the difference. We speak the language of the building department, know how to navigate the red tape, and handle the follow-ups and coordination so you can focus on building.

At Carlton Professional Services Permit Management, we’ve helped contractors, homeowners, and restoration companies process permits efficiently across multiple municipalities. Whether it's storm recovery permits or complex remodels, we handle the hassle—so you don’t have to.

Conclusion: Control What You Can

While you can’t control how fast the building department moves, you can control how prepared, organized, and responsive you are. The better your process, the smoother and faster your permit experience will be.

Need help navigating your next permit?

Let us do the heavy lifting. Contact us today and get your project on the right track—without the stress.