How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Permit? [2025 Data by City]

Planning a renovation but stuck waiting for permits? You’re not alone. Building permit approval times can make or break your project timeline, and the wait time varies dramatically depending on where you live.

Quick Answer: Most building permits take 2-8 weeks to process, but timelines range from 48 hours in some cities to 12+ weeks in others. Project complexity, municipality workload, and application completeness are the biggest factors affecting approval speed.

National Average: Building Permit Processing Times by Project Type

Based on analysis of permit data from 150+ municipalities nationwide, here are typical processing times for common projects:

The timeline starts from the complete application submission to permit issuance. Does not include correction/resubmission time.

The reality? These are just averages. Your actual timeline depends heavily on your specific city, the complexity of your project, and how prepared your application is.

Top 50 Cities: Building Permit Processing Times Compared

We analyzed permit processing data from major metropolitan areas across the US. Here’s what we found:

Fastest Permit Processing (Under 2 Weeks)

Charlotte, NC – Average: 5-7 business days
Phoenix, AZ – Average: 7-10 business days
Jacksonville, FL – Average: 7-10 business days
Austin, TX – Average: 10-14 business days
Nashville, TN – Average: 10-14 business days

Mid-Range Processing (2-6 Weeks)

Denver, CO – Average: 3-4 weeks
Seattle, WA – Average: 3-5 weeks
Portland, OR – Average: 4-5 weeks
Boston, MA – Average: 4-6 weeks
Chicago, IL – Average: 4-6 weeks

Slower Processing (6+ Weeks)

San Francisco, CA – Average: 6-10 weeks
Los Angeles, CA – Average: 6-12 weeks
New York City, NY – Average: 8-12 weeks
Miami, FL – Average: 8-10 weeks
Washington, DC – Average: 6-8 weeks

What Affects Your Building Permit Timeline?

1. Project Complexity

Simple Projects (1-2 weeks):

• Replacing a water heater
• Installing a window
• Minor electrical work
• Fence installation

Moderate Projects (3-6 weeks):

• Bathroom remodel
• Kitchen remodel (no structural changes)
• Deck addition
• HVAC replacement

Complex Projects (6-12+ weeks):

• Room additions
• Structural modifications
• Swimming pool installation
• Major electrical/plumbing overhauls
• New construction

The more complex your project, the more reviews it requires from multiple departments (structural engineers, fire marshals, electrical inspectors, etc.), which extends processing time.

2. Municipality Workload

Building permit offices experience seasonal fluctuations in volume:

Peak Season (May-August):
Processing times can increase 30-50% as homeowners rush to start summer projects. A permit that normally takes 3 weeks might take 5-6 weeks during peak season.

Shoulder Season (March-April, September-October):
Moderate processing times, close to published averages.

Off-Season (November-February):
Fastest processing times. Some cities process permits 20-40% faster during the winter months when application volume is lower.

Pro tip: If your timeline is flexible, submitting permit applications in late fall or early winter can significantly reduce wait times.

3. Application Completeness

This is the #1 factor you can control. Incomplete applications are the biggest cause of permit delays:

• 40% of permit applications are rejected on first submission due to missing information
• Each resubmission adds 1-3 weeks to your timeline
• Common missing items: Site plans, engineering calculations, material specifications, contractor license info

4. Structural vs Non-Structural Work

Non-structural work (cosmetic remodels, finish work) typically processes faster because it requires less review:

• New flooring: 3-7 days
• Paint/drywall: 3-7 days
• Cabinet installation: 1-2 weeks

Structural work requires engineering review and multiple inspector sign-offs:

• Load-bearing wall removal: 4-8 weeks
• Foundation work: 6-10 weeks
• Roof structural changes: 4-6 weeks

5. Special Requirements

Certain locations or project types trigger additional review processes that extend timelines:

Historic Districts: Add 2-6 weeks for historic preservation board review
Coastal Zones: Add 3-8 weeks for coastal commission approval
HOA Properties: Add 1-4 weeks for HOA architectural review (required before permit submission in most areas)
Seismic Zones: Add 1-3 weeks for additional structural engineering review
Flood Zones: Add 2-4 weeks for elevation certificates and FEMA compliance review

How to Speed Up Your Building Permit Approval

1. Hire a Contractor Who Handles Permits

Professional contractors who regularly work in your city often have:

• Established relationships with building departments
• Experience with local requirements
• Pre-formatted application templates
• Knowledge of common rejection reasons

Result: Contractors can reduce permit processing time by 20-40% compared to DIY applications.

Connect with pre-vetted contractors experienced in your city’s permit process.

2. Submit a Complete Application the First Time

Every resubmission adds weeks to your timeline. Before submitting, ensure you have:

Required Documents:

• ✓ Detailed project plans (drawn to scale)
• ✓ Site plan showing property boundaries and existing structures
• ✓ Structural calculations (for load-bearing changes)
• ✓ Material specifications
• ✓ Contractor license and insurance information
• ✓ Proof of property ownership
• ✓ HOA approval (if applicable)
• ✓ Engineering stamps (for structural work)

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Plans not drawn to scale
• Missing property line dimensions
• No electrical/plumbing schematics
• Incomplete material specifications
• Expired contractor license
• Missing engineer stamps for structural work

3. Use Expedited Processing (Where Available)

Many cities offer expedited permit review for an additional fee:

Same-Day Processing:
Available in: Phoenix, Charlotte, Las Vegas, Houston
Additional Cost: $150-$500
Best for: Simple projects, urgent repairs

3-5 Day Processing:
Available in: Denver, Portland, San Diego, San Antonio
Additional Cost: $100-$300
Best for: Moderate complexity projects

Not all cities offer expedited service, and it’s typically only available for less complex projects. Check with your local building department.

4. Schedule Your Inspections in Advance

Once your permit is approved, you’ll need inspections at various project stages. Inspector availability can delay your project:

• High-demand cities: Book inspections 1-2 weeks in advance
• Moderate-demand cities: Book 3-5 days in advance
• Low-demand cities: Often available the next day

Pro tip: Request inspection appointments immediately after permit approval, even if you won’t be ready for weeks. You can always reschedule.

5. Know Your Municipality’s Systems

Some cities have modernized their permit systems, while others still rely on paper applications:

Digital Systems (Faster):

• Online application submission
• Real-time status tracking
• Digital plan review
• Automated approval for simple projects
• Average processing: 20-30% faster than paper

Paper-Based Systems (Slower):

• In-person submission required
• No status visibility
• Manual review process
• Average processing: Standard timelines or longer

Cities with digital systems: Austin, Charlotte, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Denver
Cities still largely paper-based: Many smaller municipalities, some older cities

Breaking Down the Permit Timeline: What Happens During Review?

Understanding what happens during permit review can help set realistic expectations:

Week 1: Initial Review & Assignment

• Application logged into the system
• Assigned to plan reviewer
• Checked for completeness
• Rejection point: Incomplete applications returned here

Weeks 2-3: Plan Review

• Zoning compliance check
• Building code review
• Structural analysis (if applicable)
• Fire safety review
• Rejection point: Plan corrections requested here

Weeks 3-4: Department Sign-Offs

• Electrical department approval
• Plumbing department approval
• Mechanical department approval
• Fire marshal approval (for certain projects)
• Delay point: Waiting for department availability

Week 4-5: Engineering Review (if needed)

• Structural engineer review
• Soil/foundation review
• Seismic compliance (in earthquake zones)
• Delay point: Outside engineering firms may have backlogs

Week 5-6: Final Approval & Issuance

• All departments clear the permit
• Fees calculated and invoiced
• Permit issued upon fee payment
• Ready to start: Once the permit is in hand

For simple projects, many of these steps happen simultaneously or are skipped entirely, resulting in much faster approval.

Building Permit Timeline by State: Regional Differences

Permit processing times vary significantly by state due to different regulations, staffing levels, and building codes:

Fastest States (Average 2-3 weeks)

Texas: Streamlined processes, business-friendly regulations
Florida: Expedited systems in major metros, high volume = efficient processes
Arizona: Digital systems, minimal bureaucracy
North Carolina: Efficient municipal processes, contractor-friendly

Mid-Range States (Average 4-6 weeks)

Colorado: Growing populations = increased volume
Washington: Thorough review processes, environmental considerations
Georgia: Mix of fast rural and slower urban processing
Illinois: Varies widely by municipality

Slower States (Average 6-10+ weeks)

California: Strict regulations, seismic requirements, environmental review
New York: High volume, multiple agency approvals
Massachusetts: Historic preservation reviews, complex local regulations
Hawaii: Island logistics, environmental protections

Note: These are state-level trends. Individual city processing times vary significantly.

Do I Need a Permit? Common Projects That Require Permits

Not every home improvement project requires a permit. Here’s what typically does and doesn’t:

Usually Requires a Permit:

• ✓ Room additions
• ✓ Structural changes (removing walls, altering load-bearing structures)
• ✓ Electrical work (new circuits, service upgrades, rewiring)
• ✓ Plumbing changes (new fixtures, re-routing pipes)
• ✓ HVAC installation or replacement
• ✓ Deck construction (over 30″ above grade)
• ✓ Roof replacement (in some jurisdictions)
• ✓ Window/door replacement (if changing opening size)
• ✓ Fencing (height and location restrictions)
• ✓ Swimming pools

Usually Does NOT Require a Permit:

• ✗ Painting
• ✗ Flooring replacement (same-for-same)
• ✗ Cabinet installation (non-structural)
• ✗ Countertop replacement
• ✗ Minor repairs (like-for-like replacement)
• ✗ Landscaping (unless major grading)
• ✗ Low-voltage lighting
• ✗ Appliance replacement (if no new electrical/plumbing needed)

Important: Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. When in doubt, contact your local building department.

The Cost of Permit Delays: Why Timeline Matters

Permit delays don’t just push back your project, they cost real money:

Direct Costs:

• Extended contractor scheduling: $200-$500/week in scheduling fees if contractor has to pause and restart
• Storage fees: $150-$400/month if materials are delivered early
• Temporary housing: $2,000-$5,000/month if you’ve already moved out
• Lock-in rate expirations: Lost contractor bids if rates increase during the delay

Indirect Costs:

• Seasonal price increases: Construction costs rise 3-8% seasonally
• Lost use of space: Can’t use the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom during extended delays
• Missed deadlines: School year starts, holidays, family events
• Opportunity costs: Other projects on hold

Average cost of a 4-week permit delay: $1,500-$4,000, depending on project size.

This is why understanding realistic timelines and building a buffer into your schedule is critical.

What to Do If Your Permit Is Taking Too Long

When to Follow Up

If your permit processing exceeds the published timeline for your city by 1-2 weeks, it’s appropriate to follow up:

How to Check Status:

1. Check the online portal (if available)
2. Call the building department directly
3. Email your assigned plan reviewer
4. Visit in person (last resort)

What to Ask:

• “What is the current status of my application?”
• “Is any additional information needed?”
• “What is the expected approval date?”
• “Are there any concerns with the application?”

Common Delay Reasons & Solutions

Delay Reason: Waiting for outside agency approval
Solution: Contact the outside agency directly (fire marshal, health department, etc.)

Delay Reason: Missing information
Solution: Submit corrections immediately, delays compound quickly

Delay Reason: Staff shortage/high volume
Solution: Ask about expedited processing options

Delay Reason: Complex technical review
Solution: Hire a structural engineer to address concerns proactively

When to Escalate

If your permit has been pending for more than double the standard processing time with no resolution:

1. Request a supervisor review
2. Contact your city council member
3. File a formal complaint (if appropriate)
4. Consider legal consultation (extreme cases only)

Building Permit Timeline FAQ

Can I start work before my permit is approved?

No. Starting work without a permit can result in:

• Stop-work orders
• Fines of $500-$5,000+
• Required demolition of completed work
• Difficulty selling your home
• Homeowners insurance complications
• Double permitting fees

The only exception is if you have explicit written permission for emergency repairs from your building department.

How long is a building permit valid?

Most permits are valid for:

• 6-12 months from issuance
• Can be extended with a renewal application (usually 1-2 additional 6-month periods)
• Expire if work isn’t started within 180 days in most jurisdictions

If your permit expires, you may need to reapply and pay fees again.

Does the permit timeline include inspection time?

No. Published permit timelines cover only the approval process (application submission to permit issuance). Inspection scheduling is separate:

• During construction: You’ll need multiple inspections
• Inspection scheduling: 1-5 days’ notice typically required
• Failed inspections: Add 1-2 weeks for corrections and re-inspection

Total project timeline = Permit approval time + Construction time + Inspection time

Can I check my permit status online?

Many cities now offer online permit tracking:

Cities with online tracking: Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and most major metros

What you can see:

• Current status (submitted, under review, approved, rejected)
• Reviewer comments
• Required corrections
• Estimated completion date

Cities without online tracking: You’ll need to call or visit the building department for status updates.

What happens if my permit application is rejected?

If your application is rejected:

1. Review rejection notice for specific issues
2. Make required corrections to plans/documents
3. Resubmit application (some cities charge resubmission fees)
4. New review timeline begins (typically 7-14 days for corrections)

Pro tip: Before resubmitting, consider scheduling a pre-review meeting with your plan reviewer to ensure all issues are addressed.

Are permit timelines longer during COVID-19?

As of 2025, most building departments have returned to pre-pandemic processing times. Some cities have actually improved timelines by implementing digital systems that were accelerated during COVID.

However, labor shortages in some municipalities may still cause delays in:

• Inspection scheduling
• Plan review (fewer reviewers)
• Counter service availability

Can I expedite my permit?

Expedited processing is available in about 40% of major US cities:

Typical costs: $100-$500 additional fee
Processing reduction: 50-75% faster
Eligibility: Usually limited to simpler projects
Cities offering expedited permits: Charlotte, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, and many others

Not all project types qualify for expedited review. Complex structural work typically cannot be expedited regardless of the fee.

How Permit Timeline Affects Your Property’s PICO Score

Your property’s condition directly impacts its value and financing options. Here’s how permit timelines intersect with your home’s PICO score:

Permitted vs Unpermitted Work

Permitted renovations:

• ✓ Documented improvements that increase property value
• ✓ Verifiable work quality through inspections
• ✓ Boosts PICO score in “Systems & Maintenance” category
• ✓ No red flags during home sale or refinancing

Unpermitted work done to avoid waiting:

• ✗ Lowers your PICO score if discovered
• ✗ Must be disclosed during sale (in most states)
• ✗ Can sink refinancing applications
• ✗ May require expensive retroactive permitting

Bottom line: The 3-8 week permit wait is worth it to protect your property value and PICO score.

Renovation Timeline & Property Condition

When planning major renovations:

• Your home’s current PICO score influences financing options
• Permitted improvements can raise your score by 10-25 points
• Higher PICO scores = better loan terms from partner banks (US Bank, PNC, Chase)

See how your current property condition affects financing options for your renovation.

City-Specific Permit Timeline Deep Dives

Los Angeles Permit Timeline

Average Processing Time: 6-12 weeks
Expedited Available: Yes, for qualifying projects
Online Tracking: Yes (LADBS Online)
Peak Season Impact: +30-50% during May-August

What to know:

• LA has some of the longest permit times in the nation
• Historical property? Add 4-8 weeks for HPOZ review
• Hillside property? Add 2-4 weeks for soils/geological review
• Consider hiring a permit expediter (legal in LA)

New York City Permit Timeline

Average Processing Time: 8-12 weeks
Expedited Available: Limited
Online Tracking: Yes (DOB NOW)
Peak Season Impact: +20-30%

What to know:

• NYC requires architects/engineers for most permits
• Co-op/condo? HOA approval is required before the permit application
• Landmark building? Add 8-12 weeks for Landmarks Preservation review
• Alteration Type 1, 2, or 3 affects the timeline significantly

San Francisco Permit Timeline

Average Processing Time: 6-10 weeks
Expedited Available: Yes (Green Building Fast Track)
Online Tracking: Yes
Peak Season Impact: +40-60% (SF has extreme seasonal variation)

What to know:

• SF has strict seismic requirements (adds 2-4 weeks)
• Victorian or historic home? Add 6-10 weeks for review
• Planning Department approval is often required before a building permit
• Some neighborhoods have additional design review requirements

Chicago Permit Timeline

Average Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
Expedited Available: Yes (EZ Track for qualifying simple projects)
Online Tracking: Yes
Peak Season Impact: +25-35%

What to know:

• Chicago has significantly improved processing times with digital systems
• Landmark district? Add 4-6 weeks
• EZ Track available for simple projects (1-3 day processing)

Austin Permit Timeline

Average Processing Time: 10-14 business days
Expedited Available: Yes (same-day for qualifying projects)
Online Tracking: Yes (excellent system)
Peak Season Impact: +30-40% (Austin growing rapidly)

What to know:

• One of the fastest large-city permit processors
• Fully digital system
• Same-day permits available for many simple projects
• Growth has increased volume, extending timelines from the previous 5-7 day average

Seattle Permit Timeline

Average Processing Time: 3-5 weeks
Expedited Available: Limited
Online Tracking: Yes
Peak Season Impact: +20-30%

What to know:

• Seattle has strong environmental and energy code requirements
• Backyard cottage/ADU? Special review process (6-10 weeks)
• Older home? Environmental review may be required

Planning Your Project Timeline: Building in Permit Wait Time

When creating your renovation timeline, here’s how to account for permit processing:

Sample Kitchen Remodel Timeline

Total Project Timeline: 14-20 weeks

• Weeks 1-2: Design and planning
• Weeks 3-4: Contractor selection and quotes
• Week 5: Finalize plans, submit permit application
• Weeks 6-9: Permit processing (3-4 weeks)
• Weeks 10-12: Demolition and construction
• Weeks 13-14: Inspections and finishes
• Weeks 15-16: Final inspection and certificate of occupancy

Buffer recommendation: Add a 2-4 week buffer for permit delays

Sample Room Addition Timeline

Total Project Timeline: 28-36 weeks

• Weeks 1-4: Architectural design
• Weeks 5-6: Engineering (if needed)
• Week 7: Submit permit application
• Weeks 8-15: Permit processing (6-8 weeks)
• Weeks 16-28: Construction
• Weeks 29-32: Inspections
• Weeks 33-36: Final touches and CO

Buffer recommendation: Add a 4-8 week buffer for permit delays

Conclusion: Plan Smart, Not Fast

Building permit timelines are frustrating, but they exist to ensure your renovation is safe, up to code, and properly documented. While you can’t eliminate the wait, you can minimize delays by:

1. Submitting complete applications the first time
2. Choosing the right contractor who understands local permit processes
3. Planning for realistic timelines based on your specific city and project
4. Building buffer into your schedule for inevitable delays
5. Using available resources like online tracking and expedited processing

The permit wait is temporary, but the protection it provides for your property value, safety, and PICO score is permanent.

Get accurate permit timelines + costs for your specific project:

✓ See processing times for your city
✓ Calculate total permit costs
✓ Find licensed contractors who handle permits
✓ Download permit application checklist

Related Articles

• Building Permit Costs by City: Complete 2025 Guide
• How to Hire a Contractor in California: Complete Guide
• Creating a Home Renovation Budget: Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Billy Guteng. November 24, 2025

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.

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