Recent content by chasnr

Expediting is really an old title used for our services. Kind of like "Permit Runner". Who Runs permits to the individual jurisdictions anymore? I mean, yes, there are still some antiquated jurisdictions requiring in person plans to be dropped off. Quite inconvenient these days. When I'm...

Baltimore City unveiled a horrendous new permit portal at the beginning of February, 2025. It seems as though no one has a clue nor looked at surrounding area permit systems. They should have gone to the permit expediters for input. With that being said, when you re-sign in with the new...

I deal with many contractors who will only pull permits if the homeowner insists. Otherwise, they just risk getting caught and potentially losing there home improvement license. I bet this happens more often than not. I have run into a project where they were getting the basement...

This rings very true. For some of us fairly new to the industry(Nearly 5 year, so, not so new), it is a continuing learning process. Some projects can be quite daunting. Variances, Floodplains, etc...I never like to turn anything down, so, I learn as I am actually doing it. If it is...

In some counties in MD, the State Dept of Assessments and Taxation contacts me to find out if the project that was permitted for is complete. Usually it's for a deck or finishing a basement. They are pro-active in updating there records to be able to assess the improvement to the property...

This is as good of a complex question there is with regards to your situation. I had a similar circumstance where the homeowner decided to come clean and obtain a building permit after the fact of finishing his basement and all associated trade work. This happens quite often per the...

I cover mainly MD-DC-VA and depending on who your clients are will depend on the the applications being submitted. I originally was mainly pulling permits for basement waterproofing companies and they certainly slow down come Thanksgiving thru mid January. They also slow down if it is very dry...

Even though there may be some scopes of work that even a permit expediter like myself seems unnecessary, I always like to advise that if you get caught doing non-permitting work, you could be subject to fines and stop work orders. Fines vary obviously by jurisdiction, but, in Washington, DC...

I like that. Prince William County in Virginia charges for all revisions, even as silly it may be. They are one of the toughest when enforcing code and always requests an ICC report with basically any product being used. They will match up your plans/drawings to see if it coincides with...

Always be upfront with their specific jurisdiction if you are able. As a permit expediter, I tell my clients...I may not be able to get the permit much quicker than someone else, but, I will not let the permit sit around and not move along. That's the nature of our business. Follow up with...

Most revisions are pretty straight forward with most jurisdictions. And, pretty simple. They all have a procedure and most do want the narrative. Even if they do not request the narrative, you should include it for clarification of the amendment. Always being proactive makes for a quicker...

Some truth as others have said. Overall, I do truly believe it is for safety reasons and zoning potential issues, but, there are some scopes of work that really shouldn't require a permit. On the other hand, there are some jurisdictions that sub out their inspections and that becomes quite...

I always tell my clients, if a permit is not needed, the jurisdiction will not issue one even if you apply. As others have said, you just need to ask to find out. As minor as a project might seem, that jurisdiction may require the permit. And, if you get caught doing unpermitted work, you may...

I am a permit expediter that mainly pulls building permits for all types of scopes of work. Periodically, I have pulled Right of Way permits for Side Walk Cuts and Closures. I've recently been approached for a scaffolding permit in Baltimore City. I know this falls under the Right of Way...

My rule of thumb that usually holds true that is if it is going to have any roof, a stamped plan is going to be needed. Detached or attached.