Securing a construction permit efficiently requires accuracy and completeness. Sounds simple enough. But in commercial construction, there are a lot of variables at play, and permitting is rarely simple, and little oversights and mistakes are easy to make.
Unfortunately, even a small error can mean substantial delays in approval. So, to help spread the word on what to watch out for, we’ve asked our in-house experts, Erika and John to share some common causes they’ve seen for permit delays in Minnesota. In no particular order, here are the top three issues they called out.
1) Incomplete and Inaccurate Plan
In commercial construction, the plan or plan set refers to the comprehensive document outlining all the necessary work to complete the project. If any part of the plan is incomplete or inaccurate, the permit application will be automatically denied by the city until the problem is rectified. Often, this requires returning the plan to the architect who compiled it in the first place, adding further time to the delay.
Some of the specific errors Project Manager Erika has seen in plans supposedly ready for submission include:
- Improper code written on the title page
- Missing code summary
- Missing structural details
- Missing required documentation
2) Late Application for Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) Determination
In Minnesota cities, both residents and businesses need to pay to use the sewer system. That cost is referred to as a Sewer Availability Charge (SAC). The charge must be paid when a new building connects to the sewer system for the first time, or when the building is expanded or renovated in a way that increases demand on the municipal sewer system. In some municipalities, there may also be a Water Availability Charge (WAC) subject to similar procedures.
For commercial operations, the specific charge each building pays needs to be determined through a review by the city. If an application for SAC determination is not submitted prior to applying for a construction permit, permit approval will often be put on hold until the SAC determination process can be completed. The time this takes can be hard to predict, as it is often impacted by the shifting workloads and priorities of the city. So, if the scope of work involves plumbing additions or changes in total occupancy, it’s best to request an SAC review well before it’s time to submit the permit application.
3) Code Compliance
The Minnesota State Building Code applies throughout the state and establishes the minimum construction standard that’s required. Each city, township, and/or county may also have additional, more stringent codes that need to be followed. These codes are complex and subject to change over time, creating numerous opportunities for unintentional non-compliance.
For example, Project Manager John notes that issues with low-energy lighting code compliance have come up with some recent permit applications. Just a quick review of how these regulations are laid out reveals where the confusion may lie. These regulations are detailed across 9 separate sections in the 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code. That code is a distinct, supplementary document to the 2020 Minnesota State Building Codes. Both sets of regulations must be adhered to when planning a commercial construction project. But, with multiple sources of truth in play, confusion is bound to happen - particularly for anyone less experienced with Minnesota’s regulatory environment.
Expertise Can Make or Break the Permit Application Process
To keep a commercial construction permit application on track, there’s no substitute for an expert project manager with excellent attention to detail. That’s because the more familiar one is with state and city processes, the more likely they are to catch mistakes before they’re made.
At Diversified Construction, our expertise in the commercial renovation and remodeling process is second to none. We know the rules, regulations, and bureaucratic quirks of Minnesota and its cities inside and out. And we’ll help ensure your project passes the permitting process on time, so you can start using your new space ASAP. Just get in touch with us today to get started.
