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Ask the Permit Guy »About Permits by Pinecrest
We are a permit expediting company with over 28 years experience in the construction industry and 18 years with a focus on permit services. We have an extensive knowledge of building and zoning codes and permit processing and procedures and can get the job done FOR YOU!
We make your life easier by handling and coordinating all your permit needs. We complete and submit the required applications and forms, track the review process, keep you posted on progress and deliver the permit when it is issued.
Spurge Speaks
WAY UP!
Greetings, I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of Spring that just can’t make up its mind about warming up or not. I know it’s been a while since last we spoke. The reason is because permit submissions are up, WAY UP! That of course has positives as well as negatives. Let’s look at the negatives first. Many of the jurisdictions, because of the economic down turn a few years ago, were forced to furlough and/or lay off workers who dealt with submittals and reviews of permit applications. This of course means, in many cases wait times are up, WAY UP! Wait times just to get an application into the system, wait times to get an application reviewed, wait times to get the permit issued, wait times to get inspections of the project made.
Are all of the “negatives” I just spoke of really negatives? I, for one have to say no, for the most part. While some jurisdictions have simply gone along with the status quo’ during the slow times, most have taken the time to really look at their system and process to get permit applications in and permits out. Many jurisdictions may have lost some positions but have put a lot of focus on training, retraining and cross training the people that do the jobs necessary to get permits out and building projects going. Most permit centers are becoming more and more predictable in their process. Is there room for improvement? Of course there is, as it should be with all of us.
The positive effect of permits being up are so numerous. Besides all of the folks involved directly with the permitting process being able to hone our craft there are SO many people able to get back to work on a daily basis and now having to worry about will there be work next week. I see more and more concrete mixers, lumber trucks, cranes on the skyline, guys and gals waiting in line at the lunch truck it makes me feel proud that the permit for that job started with me or one of my colleagues and now look at how many people are affected.
Until the next time we talk, keep looking up, WAY UP!
Holiday Issues
Yesterday I was informed that Anne Arundel County has become “overwhelmed” with inspections. If you are an electrical contractor, you should plan on at least a week from the time you call for your inspection to the time the inspection is made. Other inspections “will be made as soon as possible”. I urge everyone to think and plan ahead. If you are closing in on a deadline to open or settle, I highly recommend that you schedule your inspection well in advance.
We all know that sometimes that isn’t an option. If that is the case pick up the phone and call your inspector and ask what his or her schedule is like for the coming day/week. These are good people and most likely will do what they can to accommodate your situation given some forewarning.
As always, if you are calling for an inspection, BE READY for it. Make sure the work is done, the building is open or someone is there to let the inspector in, make certain that the approved plans are on site.
Check back for updates on the status of other jurisdictions. I will do my best to keep you informed on their issues and holiday schedules.
The Permit Guy wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving .