5 Permitting Tips for Public Works Contractors

Pics 72

By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer  

It is always a great feeling to sign a new contract.  Be it for a commercial or public project, the sound of hearing the words, “You have been awarded XYZ job” is sweet music.  This was apparent when I was recently picking up a package at the post office. A Contractor saw the PermitUsNow wrapped fleet truck and came over to ask the following question.

Contractor: “Do you pull permits for city road projects?”

PermitUsNow: “Yes, we do. How can I help you?”

Contractor: “We are doing some intersection saw cuts, installing new driveways and culverts; and the City gave us a violation notice the other day for not having the proper permits and mentioned something about trees.”

PermitUsNow: “What is your full project scope? Where is the project located? Do you have a copy of the violation?”

The above kind of scenario occurs often and the PermitUsNow team members are passionate about answering questions and providing insights to Contractors, Architects, and Project Owners even when we are in the field. 

Below are 5 permitting tips shared with the Public Works Contractor to assist him in getting back on track with construction.

· Review the contract to see if the City Engineer or contracted Civil Engineering firm has the responsibility to pull permits.

· Double check with City Public Works PM and let them know about violations plus steps to resolve.

· If the Contractor is responsible to pull permits including for impact to trees and ROW infrastructure like light poles, make sure to register with the jurisdiction which will require your Certificate of Insurance and bond information.

· Confirm the number of driveways, culverts, intersections, etc. based on the scope shown in the contract.

· Review project schedule to assess the phasing of permits and how long it will require street closure and sidewalk permits.  

Municipal roadway projects are often challenging, especially when work involves high traffic and busy city streets with complex utilities.  Contractors are advised to review the above 5 tips to minimize project delays and to avoid negatively impacting public travel.  With so much infrastructure work going on in many cities and upcoming bond work in the U.S, Contractors can call PermitUsNow at 1.844.PERMIT.4 for permitting assistance.

At PermitUsNow, we are committed to pulling permits for our Architect, Contractor, and Project Owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Plus, we make it easy for you to work with us. Simply: 1) Email us your plans, 2) Follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and 3) Let us get your permitting done for you. So, send us your plans today, and we’ll free you up to focus on doing what you love – building your customers’ dreams.  

Visit us on the web at permitusnow.com. 

#BuildCustomersDreams #BuildSafe

Similar Posts

  • Two Out of Three Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs From November 2020 to November 2021, but Tight Labor Market, Supply Chain Limit Gains

    FacebookXRedditPinterestEmailLinkedInWhatsApp By Subcontractors USA News Provider Construction employment increased in nearly two out of three U.S. metro areas between November 2020 and November 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said the job gains were welcome news for the industry but cautioned that…

  • RRC Grants Waivers, Takes Actions to Speed Hurricane Harvey Recovery

    FacebookXRedditPinterestEmailLinkedInWhatsApp The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) today announced several actions to speed recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Harvey. These actions will permit energy industry operators under RRC jurisdiction to focus on restoring operations as quickly as possible without compromising public safety and environmental protection. Among the actions taken by the RRC: Temporary administrative…

  • San Antonio City Council Approves Creation of Multimodal Transportation Commission

    FacebookXRedditPinterestEmailLinkedInWhatsApp In a major step toward building a safer, more connected transportation network, the San Antonio City Council passed an ordinance creating the Multimodal Transportation Commission. This new advisory body will provide input and recommendations on policies affecting not only drivers, but pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The commission’s creation follows a series of policy…

  • The State of Houston’s Rebound – How Smart-Growth is Helping the City Grow Up, Not Out

    FacebookXRedditPinterestEmailLinkedInWhatsApp Houston, Texas is a city known for the opportunity it brings to both businesses and residents in affordability, landmass and employment opportunities that attract populations from across the state, nation and globe. Much like the build out methods taken historically in the leading Texas city of Dallas, Houston has been adding on and building out its infrastructure more widespread each year….

  • ExxonMobil Starts Up New Ethane Cracker in Baytown, Texas

    FacebookXRedditPinterestEmailLinkedInWhatsApp Subcontractors USA News Provider ExxonMobil said today that operations have commenced at its new 1.5 million ton-per-year ethane cracker at the company’s integrated Baytown chemical and refining complex. The new cracker, part of ExxonMobil’s Growing the Gulf Initiative, will provide ethylene feedstock to new performance polyethylene lines at the company’s Mont Belvieu plastics plant,…