How to Avoid Permit Fines During Construction

You can build a beautiful home or a profitable renovation—and still lose sleep if the city red-tags your project and starts racking up fines. I’ve been on job sites where a $250 “oops” turned into thousands in penalties, weeks of schedule delay, and costly tear-outs just to inspect hidden work. The good news: permit fines are almost always avoidable. With a clear plan, the right paperwork, and a few ground rules for your team, you can keep inspectors on your side and your schedule intact.

The real cost of skipping permits

Let’s put numbers to it. Municipalities handle enforcement differently, but across the U.S. you’ll commonly see:

• Investigation fees: Many cities (Seattle, Austin, Phoenix, countless others) charge 2x–3x the permit fee if you start work before the permit is issued.
• Daily penalties: Some jurisdictions add $200–$1,000 per day until you correct the violation. Others add set penalties per inspection missed or per code section violated.
• Stop-work orders: These pause your schedule immediately and can trigger reinspection fees ($100–$300 each) and demobilization costs for subs.
• Tear-out costs: If you covered walls without inspections, you may have to open them back up. On a 2,000 sq ft house, that can be $1,500–$7,500 in drywall and finish rework alone.
• Big-ticket environmental penalties: If you disturb more than an acre without a stormwater plan, federal and state agencies can levy serious fines—often quoted as “over $60,000 per day per violation” under the Clean Water Act. That’s not a scare tactic; it’s why larger sites take erosion control seriously.
• NYC, LA, and similar major-city risk: Work-without-permit penalties commonly land in the $1,000–$25,000 range, plus correction costs. Commercial jobs can go higher.

Compare that to standard permit fees:

• Small interior residential permit: $150–$1,000
• Single-family new build (permit + plan review + impact fees): $3,000–$15,000+ depending on region; suburban areas with school/park/transport fees can be much higher
• Commercial tenant improvement: Often calculated as a percentage of construction value; plan review and fire permits can add several thousand

The math is obvious. Build permit fees and time into your plan and treat them like any other material or trade.

What permits do you actually need?

Every jurisdiction has its own menu, but here’s a practical map to start your checklist.

Zoning and planning approvals (before building permits)

• Zoning clearance: Confirms setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and use (e.g., whether an ADU is allowed).
• Design review/architectural committee: Common in downtowns or planned communities; sometimes requires specific materials or window styles.
• Variance or special exception: Needed if your project can’t meet zoning rules (e.g., building too close to a property line).
• Historic preservation certificate: For work in historic districts or landmark buildings, covering materials, door/window styles, even paint colors in some cities.
• Site plan approval: For larger residential or commercial projects, confirms parking, landscaping, drainage, fire access, lighting, and pedestrian paths.

Skipping these can derail your building permit application. If you’re converting a garage to living space or adding a rooftop deck, zoning is where you find out whether it’s allowed and what conditions apply.

Building and trade permits

• Building (structural) permit: Foundation, framing, sheathing, decks, retaining walls, additions, interior wall changes—anything structural.
• Electrical permit: New circuits, panel upgrades, EV chargers, generators, solar, battery storage, low voltage in some areas.
• Mechanical (HVAC) permit: Furnaces, AC units, ductwork, venting, commercial kitchen hood systems.
• Plumbing permit: New or relocated fixtures, water heater replacement, gas lines, sewer tie-ins.
• Roofing permit: Required in many areas for full reroofs; triggers inspections for sheathing, ice and water shield, and roofing materials.
• Insulation/energy Code Compliance: Often part of the building permit. You’ll need blower-door tests, duct tests, or energy compliance forms (e.g., REScheck, Title 24 in California).

Trade permits may be pulled by licensed subs or by the GC depending on local rules. Clarify who’s responsible before work starts.

Specialty permits and approvals that trip people up

• Right-of-way (ROW) permits: For dumpsters, storage pods, material staging, scaffolding, sidewalk closures, cranes, or trenching in the street. Not having these is a fast track to fines and angry neighbors.
• Demolition permits: Even for partial demo; may require asbestos or lead paint surveys if the structure predates certain years.
• Grading/earthwork permits: Required if you move more than a set amount of soil (commonly 50–100 cubic yards). Related erosion control permits often kick in too.
• Stormwater permits (SWPPP/NPDES): If you disturb an acre or more (or are part of a larger common plan), you’ll need a stormwater pollution prevention plan, silt fence, inlet protection, and inspection logs.
• Septic and well permits: Outside city utilities, your county health department will want engineered septic designs and well siting/quality tests.
• Fire department permits: Sprinklers, alarms, fire pits, propane tanks, hot work permits for welding/cutting on commercial sites.
• Tree removal permits: Many cities protect trees above a certain diameter (including on private property). Removing without permission can trigger hefty fines and replanting requirements.
• Floodplain approvals: Building or remodeling in a FEMA flood zone may require elevation certificates, flood vents, or restrictions on materials and electrical placements.
• HOA approvals: Not a government permit, but ignoring an HOA’s architectural review can halt your project via legal action.

Step-by-step plan to stay fine-free

I use a repeatable system on every project—works for both residential and light commercial. Here’s how to set it up.

1) Map the jurisdiction and the players

• Identify the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ): City, county, or both. If you’re near a boundary, confirm who handles what.
• List all agencies you might touch: Planning, Building, Fire, Public Works, Health (septic), Environmental, Transportation, Utility companies.
• Find their checklists: Most departments post submittal checklists online. Print them and mark which apply to your scope.

Pro tip: Call the front desk and ask, “I’m planning X at address Y. Which departments will want to see this? Anything people commonly miss?” You’ll be amazed how helpful staff can be when you ask early and politely.

2) Build a permit matrix

Create a one-page matrix with columns for:

• Permit/approval name
• Department
• Requirements (drawings, engineering, surveys)
• Fees (estimate)
• Lead time (business days)
• Responsible party (GC, owner, architect, specific sub)
• Status (Not started, Submitted, Comments, Approved)
• Notes (conditions, required inspections)

Example:

• Building Permit – Building Dept – Arch/structural drawings, energy calcs – Est. $2,800 – 15 business days – Architect/GC – Submitted – Condition: special inspections for hold-down anchors.
• ROW Dumpster Permit – Public Works – Occupancy map, traffic control sketch – $85 – 2 business days – GC – Approved – Must keep 3 ft clear around fire hydrant.

Keep this matrix visible in your site office or project management platform (Procore, Buildertrend, Asana, Trello—use what your team actually checks).

3) Define scope clearly and draw what you intend to build

Permit reviewers react well to clean, complete submittals. Include:

• Accurate site plan: Show setbacks, easements, trees to be removed, grading changes, utility locations. A survey is golden for tight lots.
• Floor plans and elevations: Before/after plans for remodels; call out dimensions and materials.
• Structural plans/calculations: Required for new structures, major openings, tall retaining walls, or high wind/seismic zones. Hire an engineer early if you need one.
• Energy compliance: REScheck or state-specific forms; window U-values and SHGC; insulation R-values; HVAC sizing calcs (Manual J/S/D where applicable).
• MEP diagrams: Even basic risers and layouts help reviewers and inspectors understand your plan.
• Fire/life safety: Egress windows, smoke/CO detectors, sprinkler/hood plans where applicable.

If you make field changes later, you’ll need to update these. Build time in for that.

4) Schedule a pre-application meeting (when worth it)

For additions, ADUs, or commercial TIs, 30 minutes with a planner or plans examiner can save weeks. Bring:

• Draft drawings
• Questions about setbacks, height, parking, occupancy classification, or fire separation
• Any tricky conditions (historic district, floodplain)

Ask directly: “What are the most common reasons this type of application gets delayed or rejected here?” and “What inspections do reviewers usually add as conditions?”

5) Budget both fees and time

Typical review timelines:

• Small interior remodel: 5–10 business days
• Decks/porches: 5–15 business days (longer if near setbacks or over an easement)
• Single-family new build: 15–30 business days; longer in high-growth areas
• Commercial TI: 15–30 business days (fire review may add a parallel timeline)
• Subdivision/major site: 60–120 days with multiple rounds

Build in time for comments and resubmittals. On a new home I plan for two review cycles; on commercial work, three. For fees, a safe placeholder is 1%–3% of construction cost for permits and plan review, plus any impact fees (which can be several thousand to tens of thousands in high-growth areas).

6) Submit cleanly the first time

• Match the city’s submittal checklist exactly.
• Include valuation that reflects reality. Undervaluing to reduce fees often triggers investigation or recalculation, and some cities add penalties. Use the project budget or standard cost-per-square-foot the city publishes.
• Label sheets consistently (A1.1, S2.0, M1.1). Add a clear index.
• Digital submittals: Combine files as requested; bookmark plan sets; include unlocked PDFs for review stamping.
• Pay initial fees promptly; many departments won’t start review until paid.

7) Track review comments and respond fast

• Create a comment log: Note each reviewer’s item, response plan, and responsible person (architect/engineer/GC/sub).
• Hold a 48-hour turnaround goal for comment responses. The speed at which you resubmit directly affects reviewers’ willingness to help.
• If you disagree with a comment, schedule a call. Often the reviewer is aiming at the same safety outcome you are. A small detail change or a field inspection note can resolve it.

8) Know your inspections and how to pass the first time

Confirm inspection sequence when the permit is issued and post it on site. Typical residential sequence:

• Erosion control (if applicable)
• Footing/foundation forms and rebar before pour
• Underground plumbing/mechanical/electrical
• Slab or structural slab
• Shear wall/structural framing
• Rough plumbing/electrical/mechanical
• Insulation and air sealing
• Drywall nailing (some jurisdictions)
• Final inspections for building and trades
• Energy/duct testing
• Smoke/CO detectors, safety glazing, guard heights, egress

Commercial may add:

• Fire rough-in and fire alarm testing
• Hood/duct testing for kitchens
• Accessibility compliance inspections
• Special inspections (welds, high-strength bolting, epoxy anchors, concrete cylinder tests)

Practical tips:

• Never call for an inspection unless the work is 100% ready and accessible. Partial “let’s just see” visits often lead to failed inspections and reinspection fees.
• Keep a permit box on site: laminated permit card, approved plans, inspection notices, special inspection reports, truss/joist packages, and product cut sheets (windows, handrails, fire caulk).
• Train your crew on inspection etiquette: clean site, ladders/stairs installed, lights on, plans open to the right sheet, someone knowledgeable available to walk with the inspector.

9) Control changes like you control costs

The fastest path to fines is building something different than what was approved.

• Field changes affecting structure, egress, fire separation, or site conditions typically require a formal revision. Submit a delta set (cloud and tag changes), updated calculations if needed, and a narrative of what changed and why.
• Small like-for-like swaps: Ask your inspector. Many will allow equivalent substitutions if you provide cut sheets on site and the change is clearly equal or better.
• Change orders should include a line: “Permit revision needed? Yes/No,” and the responsible party. Don’t let subs make unilateral scope changes that affect code.

10) Close out properly

• Plan for a Temporary Certificate Of Occupancy (TCO) if finishes are behind but life-safety items are complete. Useful on commercial TIs and large custom homes.
• Expect a punch list from final inspections. Schedule fixes and reinspections right away—many cities allow next-day or even same-day if you call before 9 a.m.
• Keep warranties, manuals, and test reports organized. Some jurisdictions require them for final sign-off (especially for fire/life safety systems).
• Keep your sign-offs. When you sell or refinance, title companies and appraisers often request documentation.

Common mistakes that trigger fines—and the easy fixes

• Starting demo early: Even “soft demo” inside can require a permit, especially if you’re touching walls, wiring, or plumbing. Fix: Apply for demo separately if it speeds the schedule.
• Covering work too soon: Drywall over roughs or backfilling trenches without inspections is a guaranteed tear-out. Fix: Use a pre-cover checklist and have the supervisor sign it.
• Ignoring the property line: Decks and accessory structures drifting into setbacks cause red tags. Fix: Pull a survey if you’re within a couple of feet of limits.
• Encroaching on the right-of-way: Dumpsters or materials on the sidewalk without a permit draw quick tickets. Fix: ROW permit with a simple traffic control plan; cones and signage.
• Working outside allowed hours: Many cities have quiet hours and Saturday work restrictions. Fix: Post allowed hours in the site office; ask for a special exemption in writing if you need an early concrete pour or crane pick.
• Unlicensed subs pulling trade work: Some jurisdictions allow homeowner or GC permits only if trades have proper licenses. Fix: Verify licenses and who will pull each permit in your subcontract.
• Valuation games: Listing a $150,000 remodel as $30,000 might trigger audits and penalties. Fix: Use the city’s cost guide if available; it keeps you out of trouble.
• Building something different than what was approved: Moving a window or changing staircase layout without a revision is a red flag. Fix: Revise plans promptly; inspectors are reasonable when you follow the process.
• Missing special inspections: Epoxy anchors, shear wall nailing schedules, structural steel—some items require a third-party special inspector. Fix: Schedule them as you would any trade and upload reports to the permit file.
• Forgetting utility permits: Gas meter upsizing, new service drops, and temporary power poles all have their own processes. Fix: Start utility applications early—often in parallel with plan review.

Real-world scenarios and what they teach

Case 1: The finished basement that stalled a sale

A homeowner finished a 900 sq ft basement: new bathroom, bedroom, and family room—no permits. Everything looked great. Three years later, the buyer’s appraiser asked for permits. The city flagged work without permits and issued an order: obtain after-the-fact permits or remove improvements.

What it cost:

• Double permit fees: $1,200
• As-built drawings by a designer: $1,000
• Partial tear-out for inspection: $2,800 (drywall removed to inspect plumbing and wiring)
• Rework to add a proper egress window: $2,500
• Delay: 6 weeks; the buyer asked for a $7,500 price reduction for carrying costs and uncertainty

Lesson: Basements touch egress rules, fire separation, plumbing venting, and electrical—exactly the stuff inspectors care about. Permits would have added about $800 and two weeks up front. A classic example of penny wise, pound foolish.

Case 2: The deck and the setback

A small GC built a 14′ deep deck, assuming the rear yard setback was 10′. It was 15′. The deck encroached by 4′. After a neighbor complaint, the city issued a stop-work order and a variance requirement.

Outcomes:

• Variance application: $600 + 30 days + a public hearing
• Design revision and engineer letter on new footings: $1,100
• Lost time for framing crew: 1 week
• If variance had been denied, tear-down would have added $5,000–$8,000

Lesson: Always confirm setbacks with zoning. If you’re close, stake it and invite the inspector or zoning officer to verify before drilling footings.

Case 3: Commercial TI with a surprise wall

A restaurateur added two non-load-bearing walls to reconfigure seating and storage without updating the permit. Fire inspection flagged them because they affected travel distance and exit width.

Costs:

• Stop-work order on a nearly finished job
• Expedited revision with life-safety review: $2,000 (architect + city fees)
• Delay: 2 weeks, which meant pushing opening and payroll for staff already hired

Lesson: Even “simple” walls can change occupant loads, egress, and sprinkler coverage. On commercial jobs, treat interior changes as life-safety changes until proven otherwise.

How fines are calculated and enforced

Every city does it differently, but common patterns include:

• Investigation fee: 2x–3x the base permit fee if work started early.
• Fixed penalty schedule: $100–$1,000 per violation, sometimes per day.
• Stop-work order costs: A set fee to lift the red tag after corrections are approved.
• Reinspection fees: $75–$300 for failed or no-show inspections.
• Daily penalties for ongoing violations: Especially for right-of-way encroachments and environmental issues.
• Special cases:
• Major metros (e.g., NYC) can levy thousands per violation, especially for public safety or work done contrary to approved plans.
• Environmental/water quality agencies can assess high daily penalties for unpermitted land-disturbing activity or polluted runoff.

Enforcement is often complaint-driven. If neighbors are upset (noise, parking, dust), expect visits. That’s why good communication with the neighborhood is part of permit compliance.

Already started without permits? Here’s the damage control plan

It happens. You’re halfway through, and someone asks where the permit card is. Don’t bury your head. Move quickly:

1) Stop the work that requires a permit. Secure the site. 2) Take comprehensive photos of everything open—framing, wiring, plumbing—before you cover another inch. Label what’s where. 3) Call the building department. Be honest and collaborative: “We realized we’re missing permits for X and want to correct it properly. What’s the fastest way to get into compliance?” 4) Hire a design pro if needed. As-built drawings may be required. Engineers can evaluate whether the built conditions meet code. 5) Apply for an after-the-fact permit. Expect double fees; it’s cheaper than a protracted enforcement case. 6) Prepare for targeted tear-outs. Ask the inspector which areas they need to see. Propose selective openings to minimize damage. Most inspectors are fair if you bring solutions. 7) Document corrections thoroughly. Keep a binder or digital folder with photos, reports, and receipts. 8) Rebuild only after written approval to cover or proceed.

If a stop-work order is posted, follow it. Working under a red tag can escalate penalties and damage your reputation with the department.

Work with HOAs, neighbors, and inspectors—not against them

• HOAs: Submit early. Provide a clean scope description and visuals. If the HOA guidelines contradict city code, the stricter rule usually wins.
• Neighbors: A simple flyer with your schedule, contact info, and what to expect reduces complaints. If you’re closing a lane for a day, knock on doors.
• Inspectors: They’re partners in safety. If they flag something, ask for the code reference and a clear path to fix it. Don’t argue on the curb. If you truly disagree, request a supervisor meeting with your architect/engineer present.

Small courtesies matter: swept sidewalks, no blocking driveways, and clear signage. Less friction means fewer surprise visits.

Special situations that need extra care

Historic districts

Expect:

• Material and design constraints (wood windows, specific siding profiles)
• Longer lead times for reviews (3–8 weeks is common)
• Limitations on window size changes, porches, and visible additions

Tip: Bring samples and photos to the review board. Showing that you’re preserving street character goes a long way.

Floodplains and coastal zones

• Elevation certificates and flood-resistant materials may be required below base flood elevation.
• MEP systems often must sit above certain heights.
• Some areas require no-rise certifications for additions.

A missed flood rule can delay projects by months. Engage a surveyor early.

Rural projects with septic and wells

• Septic designs must be sized for bedroom count and soil percolation rates.
• Expanding a three-bedroom to a five-bedroom home may trigger a septic upgrade.
• Well permits require setbacks from septic systems, property lines, and potential contaminants.

Health departments move at their own speed; build that into your schedule.

Solar, storage, and EV

• Electrical plans, line diagrams, and product listings (UL certifications) are required.
• Utility interconnection approvals are separate from building permits and can take 2–6 weeks.
• Some jurisdictions fast-track solar, but battery systems may trigger fire department review.

ROW-heavy urban jobs

• Crane picks, scaffolds, and sidewalk sheds each have their own permits and stamped drawings.
• Traffic control plans and flaggers may be required.
• Cities often have moratoriums on road work during holidays or winter. Ask up front.

Tools, templates, and checklists you can actually use

Use these (adapt as needed):

Permit log (columns):

• Permit/approval
• Department
• Submittal date
• Fees paid
• Reviewer contact
• Status
• Comments received date
• Resubmittal date
• Approval date
• Conditions/inspections
• Responsible party

Pre-submittal checklist:

• Confirm zoning and setbacks
• Verify scope matches drawings and contracts
• Structural calcs included (if needed)
• Energy compliance form attached
• Utility load calculations provided (if panel upgrade or new service)
• Product sheets: windows, insulation, fire-rated assemblies
• Valuation checked against budget
• HOA submittal (if needed) filed
• Right-of-way needs identified

Pre-inspection checklist (rough):

• All rough work complete and labeled
• Junction boxes accessible and wired properly
• Nail plate protection at penetrations
• Plumbing pressure test in place
• Duct leakage test scheduled (if required)
• Fire caulking at penetrations
• Shear nailing per plans; hold-downs tightened and inspected
• Approved plans on site, open to relevant sheets
• Ladders and lighting in place

Close-out checklist:

• Final building/trade inspections scheduled
• Fire alarm/sprinkler tests complete with reports
• Energy certificates, blower door, and duct test results filed
• As-builts updated to reflect field changes
• Manuals and warranties packaged for owner
• TCO or CO received and saved to project file

Budgeting and timeline benchmarks by project type

These are ballpark numbers; always check local data.

• Kitchen remodel (non-structural):
• Permit fees: $200–$800
• Timeline: 5–10 business days review, 2–3 inspections (rough electrical/plumbing, final)
• Watchouts: GFCI/AFCI compliance, ventilation, tamper-resistant outlets, countertop receptacle spacing

• Structural kitchen remodel (moving walls/opening):
• Permit fees: $600–$2,000
• Timeline: 10–20 business days review
• Watchouts: Beam sizing and engineering, load paths, smoke/CO updates, energy code for altered exterior walls

• Deck:
• Permit fees: $150–$600
• Timeline: 5–15 business days
• Watchouts: Setbacks, guard height and spacing, stair geometry, ledger attachment, frost depth footings, zoning limits on coverage

• Basement finish:
• Permit fees: $300–$1,500
• Timeline: 10–20 business days
• Watchouts: Egress window size and sill height, bedroom smoke/CO, bathroom venting, insulation for exterior walls, ceiling height and duct obstructions

• ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit):
• Permit fees: $2,000–$10,000+ (can include impact fees, sometimes reduced)
• Timeline: 30–60 business days
• Watchouts: Parking, separate utility metering, fire separation from main house, lot coverage, height, and sewer capacity

• Single-family new build:
• Permit fees: $3,000–$15,000+ plus impact fees (some areas $20,000–$60,000)
• Timeline: 30–60 business days, multiple departments
• Watchouts: Site drainage, energy code, truss engineering, special inspections, ROW permits for driveway cuts

• Commercial tenant improvement (restaurant/retail):
• Permit fees: Often 1%–2% of construction value plus fire permits
• Timeline: 15–30 business days; fire review parallel
• Watchouts: Occupancy classification, egress, hood/suppression, grease interceptors, accessibility clearances, health department approvals

Contractor selection and accountability for permits

If you’re the owner hiring a contractor:

• Ask who pulls which permits. The permit holder is responsible for code compliance; it also ties to licensing and insurance.
• Verify licenses and insurance for all trades. Ask for license numbers and check them on the state website.
• Include permit responsibilities in the contract:
• Which permits and approvals the contractor will obtain
• Handling of plan review comments
• Scheduling and attendance at inspections
• Costs for reinspection due to contractor-caused failures
• Conditions for change orders that require permit revisions
• Consider a permit expediter for complex projects. Worth it when you have multiple agencies or tight schedules.

If you’re a GC:

• Hold a kickoff with subs specifically on permit boundaries. Example: “No one moves plumbing or adds circuits without my written approval and a permit check.”
• Post the permit and required inspection list clearly on site.
• Keep a shared calendar for inspection dates; assign a responsible person for each inspection.

How to stay on inspectors’ good side

Years of jobsite experience boiled down to a few habits:

• Call inspections with realistic readiness; avoid wasting their time.
• Fix recurring issues. If you fail on nail plates once, the inspector will check every future job for them. Build it into your pre-cover checklist so you pass consistently.
• Be there. If an inspector shows up and can’t access the work or ask questions, it’s a missed chance.
• Present options. “We can add blocking here or swap to a rated assembly there—does either meet your intent?” That collaborative tone goes far.
• Say thanks. A quick follow-up email with “we’ve corrected X and Y—see photos attached—ready for reinspection tomorrow” shows professionalism.

Permitting and insurance, lenders, and resale

• Insurance: Claims adjusters can deny coverage if fire or water damage is tied to unpermitted work (especially electrical). Don’t give them an easy out.
• Lenders: For construction loans and draws, lenders often require permits before releasing funds and proof of inspections before next draws.
• Resale: Appraisers and buyers ask for permits on improvements. Unpermitted work can reduce appraised value or derail deals.

Paperwork isn’t glamorous, but it protects value.

Quick-reference: When you can skip a permit

This is a trap question because rules vary. Typically exempt:

• Paint, flooring, cabinets without moving plumbing/electrical
• Minor repairs under a certain dollar amount (varies)
• Fences under a specific height (though zoning still applies)
• Like-for-like fixture swaps in some jurisdictions (e.g., faucet, toilet), but gas and electrical often still require permits

When in doubt, call. I keep a short script: “We’re replacing X with Y. Same location. Do you require a permit or an over-the-counter mechanical/electrical/plumbing permit?” The 5-minute call saves hundreds later.

A realistic 90-day permitting-and-inspection playbook

Use this as a starting template for a mid-size residential project:

Days 1–7:

• Confirm zoning and setbacks; order survey if needed
• Finalize scope and drawings
• Build permit matrix; identify ROW needs and HOA timeline

Days 8–14:

• Pre-application meeting with planning
• Submit building and trades permits (digital)
• Submit ROW/dumpster permit

Days 15–30:

• Respond to first round of comments within 48 hours
• Apply for any required variance or historic approvals (if triggered)
• Start utility applications (service upgrades, gas meter)

Days 31–45:

• Permits issued (target)
• Precon meeting with subs to go over inspection schedule and rules
• Erosion control in place; call for preconstruction inspection if required

Days 46–60:

• Foundation and underground inspections
• Framing and rough MEP begin
• Order special inspections as needed

Days 61–75:

• Rough inspections; correct punch list items quickly
• Insulation and air sealing; energy tests scheduled

Days 76–90:

• Drywall, finishes
• Finals for building and trades
• Close-out documentation
• CO/TCO issued

Obviously, projects vary. The point is to schedule permitting like any critical path task—not as an afterthought.

Bringing it all together

Permit fines don’t fall from the sky. They show up when projects run ahead of paperwork, when teams wing it on code, or when scope changes aren’t communicated. The antidote is simple and repeatable: map your approvals, submit complete drawings, respect inspections, and treat changes as mini-permits.

I’ve seen small teams deliver complex projects without a single red tag because they built these habits:

• One living permit log that everyone can see
• A culture of “ask first, build second”
• Tight pre-cover checklists so inspectors find a clean, code-compliant job every time
• Quick, professional responses to review comments and corrections

You don’t need to become a code lawyer. You just need a system, a bit of discipline, and respectful relationships with the agencies that keep construction safe. Do that, and permits become a smooth part of the build—not a source of fines, delays, and headaches.