Construction Law

Who Can Secure a Building Permit? featured image

Who Can Secure a Building Permit?

Permits are an integral part of construction work. They are issued by local governments and you may need one for your project. Not all building projects need permits. However, the cornerstones of projects almost always require a permit. It all depends on the work that you need to do. It may also depend on who is doing the work. In this article, a Colorado Springs construction attorney discusses the specifics of getting a building permit, including who can file for and obtain building permits.

Building Permit Basics

A building permit is a license to perform a specific piece of work on a building. You may need to file for a building permit depending on what work you plan on doing. They are reserved for projects that make major changes or additions to a property. Simple repairs are not included, but most major repairs or new construction projects need at least one permit. Your project may need multiple permits to complete depending on what you are building and how complex it is. Before you begin any work, consult with Colorado Springs contractor attorneys to see what permits you may need. 

Performing work without a permit can lead to problems for the contractor and the homeowner. For the owner, he or she may face a fine. Even if the contractor was supposed to get the permit, it is the property owner’s responsibility. For the contractor, the company may face a fine and could lose some of its work privileges. Even with the help of Colorado Springs contractor attorneys, regaining your license privileges can be a challenge. 

Who Can Acquire Permits?

There are two parties that can seek a building permit for a property. Those are the property owner and a construction company that is authorized to work on that property. The entity that will do the work is usually the one that files for the permit, but there are some situations where the property owner may want to file for the permit. For example, property owners for large investment building developers may get their own permits as a way of protecting their investments. 

Otherwise, the contractor is usually responsible for obtaining the permit and faces more liability issues if they fail to do so. If you are unsure about getting a permit, work with a Colorado Springs construction attorney to complete the application process. 

When You Need a Permit

Permits are reserved for cases where major work is being done on a structure. For example, replacing a wall with large glass windows to make a sunroom would require a permit since the wall that is being modified is structural. Replacing a roof is another common construction project that requires a permit. It all depends on what is regulated in the area that the project is in and how integral to the structure the modifications are. 

There may be permits that only a professional can get and use. Local governments can set regulations so that only professionals can do specific types of work. For example, working on something that is directly connected to a utility, like electrical work, requires a professional permit in many places. Only a licensed electrician is allowed to do the work, making the electrician the only one who can apply for the permit. 

How to Get a Permit

Getting a permit is relatively easy. You just need to file a building plan with the local permit office. Every government that requires permits to do work also has an office that reviews plans and issues permits. Contacting that office and providing the information that they need about the project can get you a permit. However, they may deny your permit if you do not meet the basic requirements. 

When you apply for a permit, you will have to submit an application packet. Every application may have different requirements, making it a good idea to check the requirements with the permitting office in that area. The application may include two parts: the application paperwork and work drawings or blueprints. Not every project requires detailed drawings of the work to be done, it is mostly for additions to structures or new structures. 

How Long Does It Take To Get A Permit

Permitting times can vary from office to office. It also depends on what the application requirements are. If your application included drawings for a structure, then this will take longer to get a permit. The agency has to review the plans to make sure that they are accurate. It may also take time for an inspector to inspect the site if that is also required. 

Smaller residential projects, like adding a pool can take anywhere from a few days to a month since the property needs to be inspected throughout the process. Larger residential and commercial projects could take months to get a permit depending on what is being built. If timing may be an issue, try to file early. However, keep an eye on the time that you take after filing for the permit. Some permits expire if they are unused for a certain amount of time and you’ll have to refile for the permit. 

Permits are essential to the building process if you are required to get one. Being caught without the right permits can lead to major fines that could shut projects down. Don’t be caught without the right permits because of a lack of information. If you have questions about permits in the construction industry, contact a Colorado Springs contractor lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.

If you would like to speak with a Colorado Springs construction lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.