You find a promising property for your next location. But as you plan the move, a permit review reveals a problem with the entrance or parking.
If you are expanding your business, knowing where delays begin can help you assess a property before you commit to a design or construction schedule. Five common oversights may slow your project, from checking the site to submitting and revising plans.
Assuming the property allows your planned use
A building that once housed a store may need separate approval before you use it as a restaurant. Check its permitted uses and any limits on parking or operating hours. If your plan requires a zoning change, account for that process before setting an opening date.
Overlooking restrictions on the site itself
Even when officials allow your intended use, the lot may limit where you can build. An old drawing might fail to show a utility easement, a drainage area or a required distance from the property line. A current survey can reveal conflicts while you can still adjust the layout.
Treating every location’s rules as the same
Requirements can change across city limits and between properties. A nearby municipality may use a different review process, while private deed restrictions could limit your plans. Confirm the public rules and private limits that apply to your site.
Those property checks can help refine the drawings your team submits. The next two mistakes arise when the submitted drawings are incomplete or later change.
Filing before the plans are complete
Submitting drawings to enter the review queue can backfire if details are missing or conflict. For example, a site plan might show one entrance in a different place than the building drawings. Have your architect and engineers compare their plans and check application requirements before filing.
In Texas, covered projects with an estimated construction cost of $50,000 or more generally require registration and construction documents for accessibility review. Nonetheless, smaller projects may still have to meet accessibility standards.
Revising plans after submitting them
A larger kitchen or relocated entrance may seem useful, but either change could affect drawings already under review. Discuss major revisions with your team, then check whether officials need updated plans or another review.
Why you may benefit from early preparation
Checking the property and application requirements early can reveal obstacles before they disrupt construction. Doing so may also help you set an opening date that accounts for permit review and possible revisions.
Some approvals might involve planning staff, a city council or a homeowners association. An attorney can review land use and purchase issues, address objections and communicate with those groups when their decisions affect your project.