By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer
Here’s the truth. The PermitUsNow team loves working with jurisdictions across Texas, throughout the U.S., and in Canada. We look forward to the challenges in meeting building codes and enjoy working with plan reviewers, plan analysts, supervisors, and other city staff.
Now, before you shake your head thinking we are crazy and wondering if we are aware of the challenges and demands of working with City Permitting Centers and plan reviewers, know that we have a passion for obtaining building permits and consider plan reviewers our friends in this industry.
The process of obtaining permits can be tough, but saying “thank you” goes a long way in working with City Permitting staff. Below are the top 7 ways to show appreciation.
You can say:
- I appreciate your guidance on how the City applies abc building code on this xyz type project.
- Thank you for taking my call today. I realize how busy you are with an increased workload.
- My sincere thanks for expediting this review. It really helped to eliminate further delays and save money for the project owner.
- I am grateful for you approving my project plans today so I can start construction on time.
- Thank you very much for doing xyz.
- Thank you for all your hard work and working OT to finish this review.
- Thanks a lot. We could not have gotten this approval without you today.
It is true that some plan reviewers are just doing their job, but other reviewers are overwhelmed with work and unable to respond to you as soon as they would like to do. Then there are those plan reviewers with a heavy workload who seem to always answer calls, respond to emails, and strive to meet target dates in the new paradigm shaped by the pandemic. Regardless of which bucket the plan reviewer reviewing your plans falls in, remember that it is best to treat others as you would like to be treated. And saying, “thank you” shows respect and places you in a position to keep your project plans moving through the system.
See my suggestions below on how to respond when you are faced with these situations.
- But Helen, what if the reviewer is short with me on the phone? Say, “Thank you.”
- What if the reviewer refuses to answer my call requesting a clarification? Say, “Thank you,” and then attempt another angle to obtain clarification or escalate.
- Okay, what about when the reviewer’s comments are totally off the mark and are flat out wrong? Say, “I appreciate you reviewing my plans. Are you available to meet on xyz date so I can go over my project’s scope?”
I think you get the point. Your bottom line objective is to continue moving towards the goal line to obtain your permit. Words like thanks, thank you, appreciate, and grateful help you pick up yardage on the field and minimize delays in permitting.
Plan reviewers, plan analysts, department supervisors, fire marshals and permit intake coordinators all have demanding jobs, and the PermitUsNow team appreciates their efforts on building safety, approving plans in a timely manner, working overtime, and releasing permits in the system for payment. When City Permitting staff across the country works together with permit expediters, architects, and contractors, communities thrive with construction activities and new businesses to boost the economy.
If you know a plan reviewer who has gone above and beyond in delivering exceptional service, please let me know. I welcome hearing the story.
Connect with me on Linkedin. And if you need assistance with permits, call PermtiUsNow anytime at 1.844.PERMIT.4. Visit us on the web at permitusnow.com. #BuildSafe
