What to know about applying for a building permit in Foster City
All construction projects need to follow the rules and regulations set up by the local building code. This ensures the structure is safe to use and built to last for a long time. Homeowners, property developers, and contractors need to get permits from the local Building Department before embarking on any construction project.
At Service First Permits, we provide permit pulling services. Our team will help you go through the entire permit application process and ensure it gets approved quickly.
What type of projects do you need building permits for in Foster City?
Cosmetic changes like painting or adding wallpaper don’t require a permit, but all structural alterations need one. Getting a permit ensures that the building complies with health, energy conservation, and safety codes. Here’s a look at what kind of projects require permits:
- Kitchen or Bathroom remodels
- Roof installation or replacement
- Room additions
- Water heater installation or replacement
- HVAC installation
- Fences and Retaining Walls
- Garages
- Siding repair of any kind
- Generator installation
- Furnace installation or replacement
- Sunrooms
- Outdoor installations including patios, gazebos, arbors, decks,
- Spas and pools
- Sheds of over 120 sq feet
- Skylights, antennas, or solar panels
It is always a good idea to double check whether you need permits. Our experts will offer straightforward advice on the matter during the consultation. We’re familiar with the latest rules and regulations at Foster City, CA and will provide the most current information on the subject.
Understanding the Permit Application Process in Foster City California
The application process is pretty straightforward, but mistakes and lack of proper information can set it back. Many applicants struggle to get the application through and are forced to resubmit because of errors. We can help you avoid this problem entirely. Here’s a look at the permit application process in Forster City:
Applicants need to fill out a planning application form carefully, making sure there are no errors, and that all information provided is accurate.
The application package should include four detailed plans. Plans aren’t needed for furnace or heater replacement if the location remains unaltered.
The package should be submitted to the Building Department along with the fees for the process.
The plans go through a review process where experts evaluate every aspect of it to make sure the property is compliant.
If the plan is sound and there are no errors, the department will inform you of its approval and provide the permit.
If the plan doesn’t live up to the building code standards, the reviewers will add plan check comments and send them back to you. These issues need to be fixed before the plan can be resubmitted.
The entire process can take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the plan. If the application package has to be resubmitted, you’ll have to wait for a few more weeks before you get your permit.
Plan Check Turnaround Time
Foster City works to process all the applications as quickly as possible. We make sure the plans are accurate to avoid delays. Plan turnaround times depend on the valuation and complexity of the project. Here’s a look at the breakdown:
- Applications with valuations of under $100,000 have a one-week turnaround. If the application is approved, you’ll get the permit within that time.
- The review process for applications with valuations between $100,000 and $1,000,000 can take up to 2 weeks.
- Applications with valuations over $1,000,000 require at least four weeks to get through the review process.
- Resubmitted applications of under $1,000,000 in value will take one week, and applications over $1,000,000 will take around two weeks.
Typically, applications take more time than this because they keep coming back with plan check notes. Our expert expeditors can help you avoid this entirely.
Permit Expediting Services in Foster City
The permit application process can be quite quick if you go about it the right way. We make sure that your application has a strong chance of being approved at the first try. The points below explain how we accomplish this:
Our team collects all the required materials from you. This includes the plans, designer or architect’s notes, details for the application, and more. We know what kind of information the Foster City building department needs and make sure it is included in the package.
Our experts go over every detail in the application package carefully. We consult with professionals to make sure the plans comply with the building codes in California.
The application is submitted to the building department along with the application fee. We keep track of the process and communicate with the department on your behalf.
If the application is sent back with plan checks, we will study the errors carefully and fix the mistakes. We take every step possible to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Once the application is approved, we send the permits to you so you can start working on the project immediately.
Why Work With A Permit Expediter?
Working with a permit expediter might seem like another step in the process, but it can help you save both time and money. Here are some reasons why you should consider working with us:
We handle the most time-consuming aspects of the application process, like checking the plans, consulting with experts, and filling out the application form accurately. This allows you to focus on other aspects related to the project.
If the plan comes back, you need to resubmit the application and pay the fees for the review again. Every time you need to resubmit, you’re forced to spend more money on the process.
We have been through the application procedure hundreds of times and know how to interact with the building department to get things done quickly. We know where and how the application needs to be submitted and what the current fees are.
If you want to know more about the process or wish to consult with us at Service First Permits, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team will be happy to answer all of your questions.
