Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General Services
Q: What is a permit expediting company and what services do you provide?
A: A permit expediting company specializes in navigating the complex permitting process on behalf of property owners, contractors, architects, and developers. We handle all aspects of permit applications, from initial document preparation through final approval. Our services include building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, mechanical permits, zoning applications, historic preservation reviews, public space permits, and coordination with multiple DC agencies including DCRA, DDOT, HPRB, and DOEE.
Q: What types of permits do you expedite for residential projects?
A: For residential projects, we handle building permits for renovations and additions, electrical permits for panel upgrades and rewiring, plumbing permits for bathroom and kitchen remodels, mechanical permits for HVAC installations, historic district approvals for properties in DC's historic neighborhoods, zoning compliance reviews, occupancy permits, and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permits.
Q: What commercial permits do you assist with?
A: Our commercial services include building permits for new construction and tenant improvements, change of occupancy permits, certificates of occupancy, fire department approvals, health department permits for restaurants and food service, liquor license coordination, signage permits, public space permits for sidewalk cafes and construction staging, and complex multi-agency approvals for large developments.
Documentation and Requirements
Q: What documentation do I need to provide to get started?
A: The required documentation varies by project type, but typically includes architectural plans and drawings, structural engineering plans (if applicable), property surveys, existing permits or certificates of occupancy, property deed or lease agreement, and contractor licenses and insurance certificates. We'll provide you with a comprehensive checklist specific to your project during our initial consultation.
Q: Do you prepare the technical drawings and plans?
A: We do not prepare architectural or engineering drawings. However, we review all submitted plans for completeness and compliance with DC codes before submission. We work closely with your design team to ensure all drawings meet regulatory requirements and can recommend qualified architects and engineers if you need design services.
Q: What happens if my plans don't meet code requirements?
A: Our pre-submission review process is designed to identify potential code compliance issues before we submit your application. If we discover problems, we'll work with your design team to address them. If issues arise during the review process, we coordinate directly with agency reviewers and your consultants to resolve them quickly and efficiently.
Our Process
Q: How does your permit expediting process work?
A: Our process begins with a comprehensive project consultation where we assess your needs and identify all required permits. Next, we prepare and compile all necessary documentation, ensuring completeness and accuracy. We then submit applications to the appropriate agencies and actively track their progress through our established contacts. Throughout the process, we address any reviewer comments or questions immediately and keep you informed with regular updates. Finally, we coordinate permit pickup and delivery once approvals are obtained.
Q: Do you handle applications to multiple agencies simultaneously?
A: Yes, we coordinate applications across multiple DC agencies when required. Many projects need approvals from DCRA, DDOT, HPRB, DC Water, and other agencies. We manage these parallel processes to optimize timing and ensure all approvals align with your project schedule.
Q: What happens if a permit application is rejected?
A: Permit rejections are rare when we handle the application, but if one occurs, we immediately analyze the rejection reasons and develop a correction strategy. We coordinate with your design team to address any issues and resubmit the corrected application. Our goal is to resolve problems quickly while keeping your project on track.
Communication and Updates
Q: How do you keep clients informed throughout the process?
A: We provide regular communication through multiple channels. You'll receive weekly email updates on application status, immediate notification of any issues or required actions, direct access to your project manager via phone and email, and online portal access where you can track your project's progress in real-time. We believe in transparent, proactive communication throughout the entire process.
Q: Who will be my main point of contact?
A: Each client is assigned a dedicated project manager who serves as your primary contact throughout the permitting process. Your project manager has direct relationships with agency reviewers and the authority to make decisions and resolve issues on your behalf. You'll also have access to our senior staff for complex technical questions or escalated issues.
Q: How quickly do you respond to client questions or concerns?
A: We pride ourselves on responsive client service. Phone calls and emails are typically returned within 2-4 hours during business days. For urgent issues, we provide same-day response and resolution. Our clients have direct access to their project managers, not a general customer service line.
Benefits and Compliance
Q: What are the main benefits of using a permit expediting company?
A: The primary benefits include significantly faster permit approvals through our established agency relationships, reduced risk of application errors and rejections, expert navigation of complex regulatory requirements, time savings that allow you to focus on your core business, stress reduction through professional handling of bureaucratic processes, and comprehensive project coordination across multiple agencies and requirements.
Q: How do you ensure compliance with local DC regulations?
A: Our team maintains current knowledge of all DC building codes, zoning regulations, and permitting procedures through ongoing training and direct relationships with agency staff. We conduct thorough pre-submission reviews, stay updated on code changes and new regulations, maintain active memberships in professional organizations, and have former agency employees on our team who understand the review process from the inside.
Q: Do you guarantee permit approval?
A: While we cannot guarantee approvals (as final decisions rest with government agencies), our success rate is exceptionally high due to our thorough preparation and expertise. We do guarantee that your applications will be complete, accurate, and code-compliant when submitted. If an application is rejected due to our error, we will correct and resubmit at no additional charge.
Company Differentiators
Q: What sets your company apart from other permit expeditors?
A: Our differentiators include over 15 years of exclusive focus on Washington DC permitting, established relationships with key personnel at all relevant agencies, former agency employees on our team who understand the process from both sides, comprehensive pre-submission review process that prevents costly delays, and proven track record with thousands of successful permit approvals across all project types.
Q: Do you work with projects in all DC neighborhoods?
A: Yes, we work throughout all eight wards of Washington DC. We have extensive experience with the unique requirements of different neighborhoods, from historic districts like Georgetown and Capitol Hill to developing areas like Navy Yard and NoMa. Our local expertise includes understanding ward-specific regulations, community concerns, and agency reviewer preferences.
Q: Can you handle emergency or rush permit situations?
A: Yes, we specialize in expedited permit processing for urgent situations. Our established agency relationships and deep understanding of the review process allow us to prioritize applications when necessary. We can often coordinate same-day submissions and direct reviewer contact for truly emergency situations, though we always recommend starting the permit process as early as possible in your project planning.
Q: Do you provide services beyond permit expediting?
A: In addition to permit expediting, we offer regulatory consulting for project planning, code compliance reviews for existing buildings, zoning analysis and feasibility studies, coordination with utility companies and other service providers, and ongoing compliance monitoring for businesses with recurring permit needs. Our goal is to be your comprehensive regulatory partner throughout your project lifecycle.