Getting a permit approved is one step. Getting the job from submittal to a Certificate of Occupancy is a longer road, with uploads, status checks, comments and reinspections along the way. A1 can carry the permit through that road so it doesn't stall while everyone assumes someone else is watching the portal.
What permit support covers
We handle the engineering-side work of keeping a permit moving:
- Electronic uploads. Putting the set, calcs, letters and forms into the city's online portal in the format it asks for.
- Tracking. Watching the status so a request for information doesn't sit unanswered.
- City comments. Answering the engineering comments directly and telling your drafter exactly what to change on the rest.
- Resubmittals. Packaging the revised sheets with a response that lists each comment and where it was addressed.
- Close-out. Letters or documents the city needs before it issues the Certificate of Occupancy.
That includes building permits and additions, and smaller permits like fences, drive approaches and demolition.
Who handles what
Permits stall when two people each think the other one owns a task. Here's how it usually splits:
| Task | A1 | Drafter | GC or applicant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uploading documents to the portal | Yes | If they prefer to | |
| Watching status and deadlines | Yes | Kept informed | |
| Engineering comments and calcs | Yes | ||
| Drafting changes to the sheets | Tells them what to change | Yes | |
| Application, owner signatures, fees | Yes | ||
| Scheduling field inspections | Yes | ||
| Zoning approvals and variances | Yes |
We agree on this split at the start of each job, so nothing falls in the gap.
When the city sends comments
Comments after submittal are normal. The goal is to answer them once. When a review letter comes in, we answer anything that's engineering, and send your drafter a short list of sheet changes. When the revisions come back, we check them against the comments before resubmitting, so a fix on one sheet doesn't create a new comment on another.
If you want a deeper look at a set that's already been rejected, start with plan review. For the usual reasons permits slow down, see why your project stalls at permitting.
Through to the Certificate of Occupancy
Passing the last inspection doesn't always mean the CO arrives. Cities often want final documents: engineering letters, revised drawings that match what was built, or sign-offs from each trade. We track what's outstanding and produce the engineering items, so the close-out doesn't drag on after the work is done. The Certificate of Occupancy: what it takes covers where projects get stuck at the end.
What permit support isn't
A1 doesn't do drafting, surveys or geotechnical work, and we don't do zoning entitlements. If a comment asks for something outside engineering, like a revised survey or a zoning approval, we'll tell you who usually provides it and what the city is asking for. Not sure whether you're dealing with a building or zoning issue? Zoning vs building code explains the difference.
Questions
Do I need to give you my portal login?
Many portals let the applicant add a contact or delegate access, which is the better route. We'll work with whatever the city's system allows.
Can you pick up a permit that's already in progress?
Yes. Send the current status, any comments and the latest set, and we'll take it from there.
Will you answer comments that aren't engineering?
We'll help you understand them and tell you who should answer. Drafting changes go to your drafter, and administrative items go to the applicant.
How is permit support priced?
We look at the permit and what's left to do, then give you a flat quote.
Permit stuck in the portal? Send us where it stands or call (214) 382-9584.