How long do plans, permits, and approvals take?

[William C.]

Architects, builders, GCs, investors, and anyone else who knows anything about applying for permits on a late scale renovation I need your help. I know every project is different, but assume you need to start from scratch, get ALL permits, and all structural, electrical and plumbing engineer approved plans. "About" how long would it take from the day the architect starts drawing, until the builders start swinging a hammer? A range works. I guessing it's at least 2 months, and that's moving quick. From experience I'd say from now on plan on 6, if it's sooner, bonus. We are 4 months in, only now that we have plans is the township telling is about items we need, including a variance for a road set back that will take at least another month. So we'lol be building at about the 6 month mark. Seems long. But maybe this is to be expected. Thanks for your input.

[Sean Walton]

I agree with J it can vary widely based on the jurisdiction, whether the exterior appearance is changing, if the design conforms to the current zoning. 3 weeks to 9 months are quite possible for small to medium projects.

Before you spend a lot of time and energy on design hire an architect who has worked in that jurisdiction on similar projects before. Have them do a rough site plan and elevations and set up a meeting with the planning department. Ask how long it will take for approvals. Does it need to go in front of city council? If planning doesn't see any issues meet with building. If building doesn't have an issues have your architect make a planning department submittal and submit right away.

At this point you can have the architect keep working on construction documents but they will usually say any changes required by planning will be an additional service so you need to decide if that risk is acceptable.