How to Navigate the Permit Process Without Losing Weeks on Delays

Learn the step-by-step process for getting your commercial sign permits approved faster — and avoid the most common mistakes that lead to costly delays.

Why Permit Delays Cost More Than Time

If you’ve ever waited on a permit, you know the pain: every day of delay means missed opportunities, higher costs, and frustrated clients. For business owners, that can mean pushing back grand openings, delaying rebrands, or leaving outdated signage up longer than planned.

The good news? Many delays are preventable — if you know what cities are looking for and how to submit your application correctly the first time.

Step 1: Do Your Homework Before You Submit

Before you put together a single drawing, confirm the rules:

• Check Local Codes & Zoning: Look up maximum sign height, square footage allowances, and setback requirements.

• Verify Location Restrictions: Some cities have historic districts, overlay zones, or corridor regulations that affect what’s allowed.

• Talk to the City: A quick pre-application meeting can clarify requirements and avoid back-and-forth later.

Pro Tip: Knowing the code up front allows you to design signs that are compliant from day one — avoiding costly redesigns later.

Step 2: Prepare a Complete & Accurate Package

One of the most common reasons permits get held up is missing or incomplete documents. Most jurisdictions require:

• Scaled Site Plans & Elevations – showing exact dimensions and locations

• Engineering or Structural Calculations – if required by code

• Electrical Details – including disconnect switch location for illuminated signs

• Contractor Info – licensed and registered with the jurisdiction

• Application Form – filled out completely and signed

  
  

Make sure every page is clearly labeled, and use file naming conventions that match the city’s requirements if you’re uploading digitally.

Step 3: Submit It Right the First Time

Digital permitting portals are great — until your file is rejected for a simple formatting issue. Double-check:

• File format (PDF vs. DWG)

• Proper page orientation and legibility

• Correct fees paid upfront

  
  

When submitting in person, bring two copies if required and confirm the clerk’s checklist before leaving.

Step 4: Follow Up Strategically

After you submit, mark key dates on your calendar:

• Initial Review Period: Know how long the city says it will take.

• Follow-Up Window: If you haven’t heard back after their stated timeframe, send a polite inquiry.

• Reviewer Contact: If available, reach out directly for clarifications — but keep it professional.

  
  

Persistence helps, but calling daily won’t make your review go faster and can slow the process if staff are overwhelmed.

Step 5: Respond to Comments Quickly

If the city sends comments or a request for revision:

• Review them carefully — don’t just resubmit the same drawings.

• Make every correction in one go (piecemeal resubmittals often restart the clock).

• Resubmit with a clear response letter or comment log so reviewers can see what changed.

Final Takeaway

Time is money when it comes to permitting. By planning ahead, submitting complete packages, and staying on top of your review, you can cut weeks — sometimes months — off the approval process.

And if you’d rather not spend your time buried in applications and zoning codes, that’s what we do best. GoPermit specializes in permit procurement for businesses across the U.S. — getting approvals faster so you can focus on what you do best.

📞 Contact Us Today to start your next project on the right track.