How do you integrate permits into your project?

Getting the right advice early is the key. Researching what has happened in the past on the property is the first step. Try to resolve those issues. Otherwise they will be need to be incorporated into your proposed development applications. Look at the local market to see what is being approved and what isn’t to gauge the path of your proposed development. Work with a company that specialises in a holistic advice from early design to completion. Too many companies just focus on one area of development and leave the rest up to others. Companies like mine provide advice throughout the entire process.

My area of expertise is environmental permitting. The rules and regulations are all publicly available. So the regulatory process steps and needs are defined. First thing needed is technical information as to what the source of pollutants are, the number and locations, and how the facility will operate such devices. Permits for other facilities are also publicly available, so one can have a good idea of what permit conditions will look like.

First thing before anything else … know your property. Surveys, Federally or State protected areas (this alone can make a project completely impossible to build. For instance, Florida has tons of wetlands, most of which are protected because of the presence of endangered species. You MIGHT be able to migrate the species, but this requires advanced specialists, lots of time & money and, even more likely – you are denied from moving the protected area which may be smack dab in the middle of your property!) Always do a site walk around and remember to take a lot of photos & notes. Familiarity with your land is, in my humble opinion, the most valuable and critical information you need in order to even begin permitting! Great answer, though!

I agree. A cover letter that explains specifically what is being applied, the specific equipment to be included, how pollution rates and totals are determined, and any specific requested permit conditions that best meet both regulations and operational needs are delineated. It should also include the specific supporting documentation, calculations, measurements, etc. Such documentation should be prepared in a way that facilitates review.

Most regulatory agency processes include a screening review that evaluates whether the application is deemed complete, and if not, what is missing. This is typically about 30 days after application receipt. Such letters may also include specific questions on items that need clarification.

Yes, I agree. Promptness and completeness of formal responses is essential; it keeps the review and acceptance process moving. The last thing one needs is an application review that is put lower on the reviewer schedule/priority level. If one cannot provide a complete answer within a few days after receiving questions, then a good practice is to provide an interim response that states why it will take more time and when the complete response will be submitted.

Yes, I agree with that. It is a good practice. Such records should be stored in such a way that they are readily accessible when needed. Most permits that I am aware of related to building construction and occupancy as well as environmental permits are required to be displayed at the facility in a prominent location.