What is a Commercial Building Permit?

Navigating local, county and state permit processes can be a challenging task for anyone.

Commercial building permit requirements vary from state to state, county to county and even town to town. Completing forms, filing paperwork, coordinating inspections and doing so without repeated corrections and resubmissions is time consuming and often frustrating.

That is where a permit management service, such as Express Permits, can simplify the process and move business along smoothly. Through outsourced building permit services, management and expediting, Express Permits provides effective, specialized assistance.

Commercial building permits are, put simply, assent by an overseeing authority to build, renovate or conduct repair work on a commercial building. They include an application process and - typically - multiple steps toward approval.

Commercial building permits are required in all U.S. states in order to ensure that it meets local building codes, zoning and safety standards. The approval process includes a series of steps, including design concept, specifications, construction drawings, review and final approval.

The information required within a commercial building permit and how the application process works vary based on where it is being sought and the scope of work. For example, California’s Green Building Standard Codes includes specific greenhouse gas reduction regulations that do not match other states’ carbon limits.

These types of permits also can take noise ordinances, sightlines, aesthetics, materials and other requirements into consideration.

Commercial building permits are designed to make certain that construction projects follow all local and state building codes in order to establish required minimum standards for safety and performance. This can include fire prevention, energy conservation, accessibility, plumbing services and more.

But safety is not the sole reason for building permits.

Communities establish standards not only to ensure the look they want to uniformly project but to set basics for all commercial buildings. Location, access to utilities, zoning requirements and the project’s full scope all come into play.

Permits certify that projects meet these standards and that a project can move forward. Cities and counties want you to build there. They want you to be part of their communities. They also want to project a look and feel for zoned areas.

The codes outlined within the permitting process certify consistency for all who walk by and enter the buildings.

A commercial building permit typically is required for any project that involves construction, repair, alteration or similar work that adds to or changes the structure. A good rule of thumb is if walls are involved - whether adding them, removing them or installing anything inside of them - the work requires approval.

Permits typically are not necessary for maintenance, minor repairs, temporary structures and home-based businesses. No permanent structural changes, probably no permit.

It always is best, though, to check local regulations to be sure. Building department requirements for the same project can vary greatly in nearby counties and even more so for neighboring states.

For example, do you need a permit to paint a commercial building?

As with most things, it depends.

Regular painting or wallpapering inside a facility typically does not require a building permit. However, if the painting is part of a larger project that also includes carpeting or replacing lead paint, it might.

When it comes to the exterior, rules get a bit trickier. Altering a building’s color or significant changes might require a permit depending on the jurisdiction. That is why it is always best to check local regulations, a service provided by Express Permits.

Failing to secure proper permitting can result in stop-work orders and fines.

Identifying whether a permit is required and filling out the proper paperwork are just the initial steps in the permitting process.

Nothing stalls work faster than failing to get information to the right people in the proper way.

Most U.S. counties and local authorities accept permit applications electronically. This requires creating an account, remembering a password, understanding the terms of use and building a personal profile in order to file online.

Files typically are required in PDF format with drawings drawn to scale.

Some areas, though, still require in-person filing at an administrative building. Applications can be found online or at the local building department.

Other areas offer both but limit in-person filing to one or two days per week. Make sure to check the agency’s website for information as showing up on the wrong day is time you will never get back.

What money you save by identifying, filling out and submitting what you believe to be the proper permits often will cost you even more in time and aggravation.

Instead, it is much more efficient to outsource this work and simplify the process, saving on time and money while ensuring accuracy and maximizing speed through the process.

Express Permits is ready to assist you get the permit process started and support you through the finish, providing the guidance you need to obtain the necessary permits efficiently and effectively.

Email us at sales@expresspermits.com with any questions or visit our website.

Make sure to read the next part of this series where we answer the question: What Commercial Building Permits Are Required?