Permits can become a headache for any homeowner or contractor. Depending on the work needed, requirements can vary greatly and mistakes are easy to make throughout the process. Once you have submitted everything correctly, you have to wait and hope that they process your application quickly. Sometimes the permit is rejected and you must start the whole process over again! This article aims to help guide you through the process, making it a little easier and, hopefully, a little less painful.

To begin with, what kind of construction or alterations require a permit? Any:

• Altercations, construction, or deconstruction of any building or structure, including: fences, split A/C systems, and swimming pools.
• Electrical work costing more than $500.
• Plumbing work costing more than $1,000.
• Construction or altercations of a sidewalk, driveway, or curb in public-right-of-way.
• Altercations, construction, or deconstruction of any sign.
• Temporary installation of a tent or similar structure for religious or commercial purposes (this permit is temporary).
• Construction of a storage or tool shed exceeding 120 square feet.
• Any repairs or maintenance work exceeding a $1,000.
  

  What information is required for such permits?

• Plot plans should include plot dimensions drawn to scale, location of existing structures including your driveway, location of proposed work and dimensions, distance from existing property, property lines, easements, etc.
• Plans must be drawn to scale and provide enough detail that show the nature and extent of work.
• Floor plans should include room labels (i.e. kitchen, dining, patio, etc.), room dimensions and location. All exists, windows, and any other structures should be placed accordingly with their proper dimensions listed.
• Cross sections should include ceiling height, size and spacing of beams, floor joints, rafters, etc.
• Exterior drawings should include the height of building, and layout of all windows and fixtures.
• The tax map key or address is required in addition to the homeowner’s name and address.

It is important to note that you will need an Architect’s or Engineer’s signature for the following projects: any work on one-story buildings of $40,000 or more, any work on two-story buildings of $35,000 or more, or work to be done on structures containing reinforced concrete or steel. For more in depth information on permit requirements, you can view this pamphlet from the Honolulu Department of Permit and Planning (DPP) at: http://www.honoluludpp.org/Portals/0/pdfs/construction/BP%20Plan%20Format%20Checklist.pdf. For examples of plot plans and drawings, please check out this pamphlet: http://honoluludpp.org/Portals/0/pdfs/construction/dpp_brouchure.PDF. You can also view the full rule chapter at: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/ocs/roh/ROH_Chapter_18_.pdf.

Once you’ve determined that the work needed or desired for your home does require a permit, the first step is to ensure that you have hired the correct vendor for the job. Not all contractors are made the same nor are plumbers or electricians. While most vendors will submit the request for a permit, some will require that the homeowner file for the permit; which can slow the process down. When submitting plans, if any changes or alterations are required by the DPP in order for approval, it is best that the vendor work directly with the DPP. As they are the expert in the field, they can better communicate with the DPP on the intended work to be done and ensure that all work to be done will be up to code. When the homeowner is the main communicator between the vendor and the DPP, there is greater risk of miscommunication. This can result in work being completed outside of code, which fails inspection and requires costly alterations or even hefty fines. Masterpiece Construction LLC will work directly with the DPP for all building permits and never require a homeowner to handle the process themselves.

Once your building plans are finalized, plans will need to be drawn up for the work to be done and an application submitted. Applications typically take 4 to 6 months for approval [1][2]. It is imperative to ensure that the plans drawn up for the project are correct. If mistakes are present, the DPP will send your plans back without approval and you will need to resubmit them again starting the cycle over. You can refer to this checklist: http://www.honoluludpp.org/Portals/0/pdfs/construction/1ResidentialBuildingPermitChecklist.pdf, to help ensure that your submitted plans are correct and meet all requirements. It is highly recommended that you continuously check on the status of your application, to ensure that the approval process is not being delayed in any way, and if so, can be corrected as soon as possible. The DPP allows you to check your application status on their website at your own convenience.

One of the most frustrating portions of the permit approval process, is the wait. While certain permits for electrical or plumbing work are typically processed faster than building permits, 4 to 6 months is a long time to wait. While the DPP claims that this is due to an increase in construction, it has been suggested by the Office of the City Auditor that the problem may also be due to the increasing number of vacant job openings and the loss of key staff members due to retirement [2]. Fortunately, there are alternatives to expediting a building permit if time is of the essence: One Time Review and third party review.

One Time Review (OTR) helps to expedite the approval process by submitting plans for immediate final approval. All plans are submitted to the DPP, in sets of four, to be reviewed and commented upon. Once the DPP reviewer’s comments have been settled, the plans are returned and final. Keep in mind, if there are any issues that arise during construction, you will be bound by the building inspector’s decision upon inspection. This is a great option to save time if the work to be done is straightforward and will easily fall within building codes and standards. It is recommended to discuss this option with your vendor, as they can better advise if an OTR is sufficient for the project at hand.

Third party review is another option that can help take the stress out of applying for a permit for both the homeowner and the vendor. Project plans are submitted to a third-party company instead of directly to the DPP, who then review them and obtain the necessary permits for the job. However, third party companies can be expensive costing as much as $3,500 to $4,000 or more depending on the size of the project [1]. If the additional cost is worth the investment, then you may want to explore this option.

Overall, the permitting process can be a very time consuming and frustrating process. If you make sure to understand the requirements for your individual application, it can make the process go much quicker and smoother. Masterpiece Construction LLC, offers multiple solutions to help alleviate the time and hassle involved in bringing your project to the construction phase by either handling this process from start to finish, or by helping you complete the necessary documents if you've already started the process. If after reading this article and going over the DPP’s checklist of requirements, you are still unsure of what is exactly needed for your application, you can always make an appointment to meet with someone at the DPP to help draft your application correctly: http://www3.honolulu.gov/DPPApptCalendar/frmApptInt.aspx. While permits are necessary for safety, the most important part is that you are happy with your new home or addition and all the hard work and effort are worth the final results.

[1] http://www.architecthonolulu.com/time-saving-tips-hawaiian-permitting-process/
[2] https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/oca/oca_docs/dpp_onestop_permit_centers_final_report.pdf