Possible indefinite wait on permit, what to do?

[JeremyH.]

Hi, what is one to do when there's only one inspector in an area to approve building permits, and you have no idea if it's going to be a wait for another 6 month (already been 6 I believe) or more?

It seems some people just build to code and if he shows up, he can approve or disapprove...

 

[Samo]

We have documented projects with pictures and site visits from Engineers, manufacturers specifications for materials, etc.

I don't recommend this approach and only used it do to a staffing problem with this local authority.  Also I have a professional relationship and long history with the Inspector who eventually was able to sign off on our work.

Sounds to me that you may have an issue with the permit app. and could visit planning/building dept. to get to the bottom of it.

Best of luck as I understand the frustration.  Sam

 

[JeremyH.]

No, they literally have one guy whom just doesn't get around to it. Visiting doesn't help.

 

[Wooden Skye]

Check with the code, I know certain places have if the plans are not accepted and permit granted within a certain time frame they are automatically approved. Sometimes this leads to the plan being rejected fairly quickly if they can't be fully reviewed.

 

[JeremyH.]

Check with the code, I know certain places have if the plans are not accepted and permit granted within a certain time frame they are automatically approved. Sometimes this leads to the plan being rejected fairly quickly if they can't be fully reviewed.

Interesting. Maybe. This is WA state.

 

[Kodi Crescent]

I feel for you.  Where I live there are only 2 guys for Electrical.  They aren't that far behind, but even a couple days is a hassle.  They could show up the day after you call (like the City says they should), or they could show up next week.  If you aren't home they say "it's your fault" we missed you, charge you a re-inspection fee, and you begin the rodeo again.

I have 2 open electrical permits, waiting for me to have time to wait for them.  One just expired due to "inactivity" (the work's already done).  The permit thing is such a hassle.

 

[JeremyH.]

Well the decision was made to just wait till spring for that project.

Don't people realize this stuff stalls economies in small areas?