Permits - lead time

Typically they say it takes 4-6 weeks to for the DOB to review an Alt II application once submitted. Sometimes its sooner, a lot of times its longer. You will need to hire an expeditor to submit the application to the DOB, unless your architect does this, which is sometime the case. Once the application is approved, then your contractor can pull his permits. Where are you along the process?

Wea97,

BuiltINstudio is correct. As a contractor we never submit the paperwork. Usually the architect works with an expeditor to submit the plans and they work with the DOB to get approval. It is not an easy task. Once the drawings are approved then the contractor gives information to the expeditor and the permit is pulled.

Thank you.
Right now I'm in the process of closing. How long it usually takes the contractor to get the permits once the application gets approved?

Thank you both. It looks like it takes a long time to get construction started, no wonder why many don't want to get permits and do less renovation.

You may also have an option to file as a Professional Certification job -- this costs more (both in DOB fees and your architect will likely charge more) but you can start much sooner. Basically the licensed architect promises that the plans conform to DOB requirements, and that they'll perform some of the DOB's work in monitoring and inspecting the contractor's work. The architect's license and DOB filing privileges are at stake if they screw it up. DOB may choose to audit, but plan review is no longer mandatory and they have less opportunity to hold up the job. You still probably need the expeditor.

It would be an option to pro-cert the job, but it seems you are almost guaranteed an audit these days which can potentially delay you more than the 4-6 weeks. The upside is the permit would be available within 48 hours, the downside is that potential for delay after construction is already started.

BuiltinStudio,

Why would it be delayed if you are doing everything according to the plans? Why would an audit stop or delay the project?

There is the potential for delay. For instance, on a previous job, we were audited right before the plumbing inspection was schedule. Because of the audit, we were denied for the inspection and couldn't close the walls until the the audit was cleared. This is just one example of what CAN happen. I am not saying everything cannot go smoothly, just be prepared for some snags or hiccups.

Just to confirm that I understand the process, it takes 4-6 weeks to get the Alt 2 application approved by the DOB but it can be less time if it is filed as a Professional Certification Job, is that right? but how long it takes to the contractor(s) to get the permits once the Alt 2 is approved? Are electrical/structural/construction plans included in the Alt2 or in the contractor's permits process?