Most permits start with a vision.
Wether you just purchased your first fixer upper or are developing large areas, you likely have a vision of what you would like to do with your property. The next step to making those dreams into reality is to obtain approval from your local zoning department. This step can feel like you have run into a wall of dollar signs and red tape.
You wait in line only to receive a list of requirements that seems to be written in a foreign language; filled with terminology that immediately gives you anxiety. You are not alone!
MySitePlan.com is a revolutionary service that comes along side our customers in the permit process by offering a FAST and affordable option for their project.
Here is what you will need to know when preparing for the permit process...
1.We DO NOT offer Stamped or Sealed Site Plans
Before ordering your site plan it is VERY important that you first find out if your city or county requires a plan that has in fact been stamped or sealed by a Engineer, Architect or Surveyor.
What is the difference between stamped plans and your Site plan?
For many reasons, your county may determine that an unstamped or uncertified plan is not adequate and will need to have a professional architect, engineer to surveyor review the plan. Ultimately by stamping the plan, that professional will be providing evidence of their responsibility for those documents.
2.Every County has Different Permit Requirements
Did you know that what is required by your county, may not be required by a different one? This is why we stress the importance of communicating with your county zoning department and nailing down exactly what they will require to be shown on your site plan. Once you have obtained the correct requirement information from your specific county or city, we can help guide you to exactly the right type of site plan on our website.
3. Permit Types
There are several different types of permits in construction. You might even need a combination of these. Structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical are common types of permits required by zoning departments.
What Type of Permit does mysiteplan.com work for?
Our aerial view plans work in partner with these other types of more detailed plans to build your permit application package and are great for these permits:
Demolition-Conditional Use-Construction-Sign permits-Residential-Commercial-Tree Removal-Swimming Pool Removal-Exterior Home Renovations-HOA
4. What is the Permit Process?
If you are planning to do the work yourself, the process of obtaining a building permit usually goes something like this:
- Contact your local building office and describe the project you want to do. If a permit is required, an application form will be provided to you that outlines the requirements for applying for a building permit. Some jobs may require multiple permits. A major remodeling project, for example, might require a carpentry/construction permit, an electrical permit, and a plumbing permit.
- Prepare the permit application, including whatever additional materials may be required. Construction projects may require drawings of the work you plan. This is where mysiteplan.com comes in. We provide a to scale site plan that easily depicts the details the zoning department will need.
- Submit the building permit application and pay whatever fees are required. The licensing office will issue you an official permit certificate.
- As you begin work, post the building permit certificate as required. This may mean taping the permit to a door or window near where the work is being done.
- At the designated points during the work, call the inspection office to arrange for an inspector to visit the work site and review the quality of the work. If the inspector orders any changes to the work, complete these changes and have the inspector return to review the work again. Many projects require two inspections—a "rough-in" inspection at a prescribed point in the workflow, then a final inspection once the work is complete.
The start to finish process of obtaining a building permit can be somewhat daunting at times. It is important to us to be the component in your project that is not complicated. To help us in our mission, the best thing our customers can do is to check in with their zoning departments to make sure the requirements for your plan is clear. Ask yourself these questions...
Does my plan require a stamp or seal?
Are my property and property features shown clearly via satellite imagery?
If utilities need to be shown, do I have the measurements and dimensions to provide mysiteplan.com?
Have I used the mysiteplan.com plan comparison chart to make sure my site plan includes what I need?
Need help getting started? Check out our Quickstart Guide! In this article we provide you detailed step by step guide to help you complete and submit your site plan order.
Still have questions? We have prompt and friendly customer service available to you 5 days a week from 8am to 4pm PST.
1-800-228-9723
