timeline for basement permit (Summit: construction, contractor, inspectors)

[imsusan]

I live in the city of Summit. We applied for a permit for a basement renovation just short of THREE MONTHS ago. They told us "about two weeks" and it is now going on three months. They just give me one story after another...there was a question about the egress window (contractor answered it) it was waiting for the fire inspector who only works one day a week, and he was out, or he was sick, or he had a pile of apps on his desk and couldnt get to it...building was looking at it, sent it back to electrical for a quick question, now it was on buildings desk again...

Does it makes sense to anyone that it should take three months??? Is there any kind of action I can take to get this thing taken care of without screwing myself over when it comes time for final inspections???

Has anyone else been through this? Am I just naive, or am I being jerked around?

Sheesh. We had a hard time finding a contractor who would even agree to do it with a permit, and all of our friends advised us not to go that route, but we wanted to do the right thing. Now I understand why they said the hassle of selling an unpermitted was far easier than getting the dang permits.

Any suggestions???

[BobKovacs]

It doesn't "make sense" that it should take that long, but it's definitely something I've seen happen numerous times. While they technically are supposed to give you a permit within 28 days, that clock resets everytime they need to get questions answered, and usually you'll just make matters worse if you push them too hard to get it done. If it was me, I'd probably stop down at the building department and ask to speak to the building official- calmly explain what's taken place, tell them that your contractor is ready to walk, and ask if there's anything that can be done to expedite the process. If you ask nicely, he may be able to push it through- of course, if he's the source of the problem, you're likely to get nowhere.

[FlyersFan]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

It doesn't "make sense" that it should take that long, but it's definitely something I've seen happen numerous times. While they technically are supposed to give you a permit within 28 days, that clock resets everytime they need to get questions answered, and usually you'll just make matters worse if you push them too hard to get it done. If it was me, I'd probably stop down at the building department and ask to speak to the building official- calmly explain what's taken place, tell them that your contractor is ready to walk, and ask if there's anything that can be done to expedite the process. If you ask nicely, he may be able to push it through- of course, if he's the source of the problem, you're likely to get nowhere.

I install radon mitigation systems and need permits for every job....that includes a building and electrical permit. While my work is considered minor/emergency I don't have to have the permits in hand and approved to start the work. The bottom line here is that the State allows 20 days for a township to approve permits....not 28.....no exceptions. If you getting the run around you need to call the State DCA who regulates all township construction offices. Periodically I run into trouble with this type of situation along with township building inspectors who just are not as knowledgeable as they should be trying to enforce codes that just don't apply. The DCA will straighten their act out as politely as possible....call 609-984-7609 for help.