No matter what kind of building you plan on putting up, you’ll first need to acquire a new construction permit. New construction permits ensure the government that you’re in compliance with local regulations. Construction can’t begin until you’re fully approved, says HomeAdvisor. So, follow these steps to get started.

Drafting a Project Plan for a New Construction Permit

The first step is to put your plan on paper. You’ll need to consider the scope of the project, taking into account funding, timeline and the type of construction. This is a good time to make sure you have a reliable architect or engineer ready to help you out with the more complicated parts of the construction. Include any drawings or dimensions you have in mind as well. FEMA offers a basic project planning template to help you organize all of this information.

Sharing Your Plans

Meet with a county code official. It should be easy to find a point of contact on your local government’s official website. The official can review your plans and offer advice on how to improve them. They can also offer you further guidance when you’re ready to submit your official application to the county.

Applying for a New Construction Permit

The application process might vary between jurisdictions, but generally, you need to show your plans to the town’s permit division. The application will come with a fee, and, in addition to a written project plan, you’ll likely need to present items such as photos of the land, maps, and proposed building designs. If you’ve worked closely with the local code official, you should be well prepared for this part of the process.

Waiting for Review

Next comes the review process. This might take some time, depending on the complexity of your proposal. Once the government has fully reviewed your documents, officials will either ask you to make certain changes or issue you a building permit. Once you have your permit, you’re all set to begin building. However, you’ll also have a new set of responsibilities.

Inspection and Approval

Once you’re building is constructed, building inspectors will stop by to take a look at the finished project. From the electrical wiring to the plumbing system to the general layout, inspectors might review and test various aspects of your building. At the end of the inspections, you’ll find out if your building is up to code. If it is, you’ll have final approval.

Suncoast Permits will assist your organization in obtaining new construction permits while alleviating delays and overcoming any unforeseen obstacles.