Patricia's Construction and Contracting Blog: Tips for Novices to Experts

Understanding the Different Types of Permits When Setting Up a Building

by غزل موسوی

State authorities have to ensure that you comply with various regulations when constructing your building. A good way to do this is to issue a permit before you begin work on the building after ascertaining that you have met any prior requirements.  At the same time, permits are also important for ensuring that necessary inspection was done in preceding stages before you move to another stage. If you are looking to set up a new building for commercial or non-commercial use, here are some of the permits that you should seek from local authorities and the reason authorities issue them to you:

Planning Permits

Planning permits are issued before the construction work begins. It is a legal document granting you permission to develop or use the land. For you to get a planning permit, you have to apply to the state authorities seeking their consent on your intentions to develop the land. The application will then be assessed to determine any issues relating to the land such as transfer of ownership. In brief, authorities issue planning permits to confirm that you have all the rights to carry out your project.

Building Permits

Building permits specifically relate to the construction of the building. They relate to the methods of construction, building size and the compulsory inspections that will be carried out on your building as work progresses. Building permits ensure that the project you are undertaking is completed in a manner that does not jeopardise the safety, health and wellbeing of your workers and the people around the project. For example, the building surveyors can reduce the number of storeys on your building if the land conditions are not suitable for the size that you want.

It is important to take note of any deadlines within which you have to complete different tasks stated in the building permit. If your workers tell you that it is not possible to do the work within that time, then you should seek an extension early enough. This will minimise project delays when the permit lapses.

Occupancy Permits

When the construction work is done, your building has to be inspected to determine if it is fit for occupation. Here, the inspectors will examine things that are bound to affect the safety and health of the people occupying your building. The focus is not on finishing touches such as decorative tiles and glossy paint. Rather, the inspection and eventual purpose of issuing the permit is to guarantee the wellbeing of the occupants. For instance, your building should have a reliable supply of basic amenities such as water before occupancy is granted.

For more information, contact companies like Thomas Independent Certification. 

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