Permitting Expectations

Dear Valued Client,
Thank you for the opportunity. We understand that obtaining a permit from your local municipality can seem daunting, but we’re here to guide you through the process every step of the way. This is our opportunity to share with you a detailed outline of what to expect:

Step 1: Designer Hand-off (duration 1-3 weeks)
When permitting a job, the designer is required to submit an extensive list of documents to the permitting department. A few of these documents include a scaled 2 dimensional drawing and an “As built” Survey with topography and tree placement. If you do not have an up to date “As built” survey, we will need to order one right away. These typically take two weeks to get done. This is a prerequisite to start the process, there is nothing that we can do until it is complete. After these documents are acquired, the designer then schedules a meeting with the permitting department. This is where we make sure that both parties have a complete understanding of the scope of work. After this step is complete you will begin receiving weekly permit status updates on Friday.

Step 2: Determining Your Project’s Requirements Based on Municipality (2 weeks)
Before applying for a permit, it’s crucial to determine the specific requirements for your project. This includes understanding the type of permit needed (e.g., building, accessory structure, land disturbance, retaining wall etc.), any zoning regulations that apply, and whether special permissions or inspections (3rd party Engineer stamp) are necessary. The designer and our permitting department do this when the project is handed off.

Step 3: Preparing Your Documentation (1-4 weeks)
We will gather all necessary documents for your permit application. These typically include:

• Application Form
• Project Plans: Provide detailed plans, including architectural drawings, site plans, and structural/tree impact/ watershed calculations where applicable.
• Supporting Documents: Include any additional documents required, such as proof of property ownership, contractor licenses, adjoining property owners and zoning, or environmental impact assessments.

Some of these documents require us to hire someone from outside of the company to do them i.e. structural/soil engineers. When this happens, we get a quote and pass it along to you. Sometimes their schedules get backed up and we could wait 2-4 weeks for the documents. We will update you weekly but please be aware that this is something that is outside of Outdoor Makeover’s control.

Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once we have compiled all required documents, we will submit your application to the local municipality’s permit office. Some municipalities may allow online submissions, while others may require in-person visits.

Step 5: Review and Approval Process (3-6 weeks if permit is simple with only one round of comments)
After submission, your application will undergo a review process. This typically involves:

• Initial Review: The municipality checks for completeness and compliance with regulations. Depending on the municipality this can sometimes take 2-4 weeks.
• Technical Review: Depending on the complexity of your project, different departments (planning, zoning, site development, building, arborist) may review and approve your application. This is much more time consuming than applying for an indoor remodeling permit. Most municipalities give these departments a 2–3-week review deadline. Sandy Springs, and a few other municipalities, do not give a review deadline. These review deadlines tend to be viewed as a suggestion because many times they will take an extra week or two to make a decision.
• Possible Revisions/Comments: Each department will either approve of the permit or issue comments. Revisions take priority over working on a new permit at OMLS. Sometimes they will copy/paste comments that don’t apply just to push back their review deadline. Once we submit our revisions we get back in the queue and wait for an additional 2-3 weeks.

Step 6: Issuance of Permit
Once your application meets all requirements and passes all inspections, you will receive approval and your permit will be issued. This document grants you legal permission to proceed with your project according to the approved plans. If you want to change anything after the permit is issued, we have to submit a revision to the city and we jump back to step 5. Submitting a revision at this stage can cost up to the total price of the initial permit.

Step 7: Project Execution
With your permit in hand, we can now begin your project. We will notify you via WhatsApp and schedule a pre-construction inspection. Periodic inspections will be required during construction to ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards.

Step 8: Completion and Final Inspection
Upon completion of your project, we will request a final inspection from the municipality. This inspection verifies that the work was done according to the approved plans and meets all necessary standards.

Additional Tips:

• Be Patient: The permitting process can vary in duration depending on the complexity of your project and the workload of the municipality. Plan accordingly and allow for potential delays. For simple projects, in an easy municipality like Cobb, this process typically takes two months from the time the designer hands off the project. In stricter municipalities (Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Johns Creek, City of Atlanta/Alpharetta) this process typically takes 2-8 months.
• Variances are complicated: Some projects require us to request a variance. This is typically done if you have a stream within 75 feet of your property or any of your setbacks are encroached on. The variance process typically takes 4 months once we are told it is needed. This is in addition to the time it takes for steps 1-5.
• Additional costs required: Sometimes the municipality will require us to add items to your project in order to get the permit approved. They typically require us to add trees, flow-well, additional drainage, site access, silt fencing, etc. We sometimes learn this post-proposal, after discussing the permit request with the city. When this happens, we will notify you in your weekly permit update and send over a proposal for the additional work. This is something that is outside of our control but is necessary for your permit to be issued.
• Try not to compare this permit with other permits: Exterior permits are extremely complicated, with constantly moving pieces.

Please don’t let your experience with local government impact your view of our customer experience. We strive to give you the best experience possible through every step of your project that is within our total control.We hope this guide provides clarity on the process of obtaining a permit with your local municipality. Should you have any further questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to ensuring your project proceeds smoothly and successfully.

Thank you again,

Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces