We assess the existing work and gather all required information for engineering and permit submittal.
Full sets of drawings (Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) prepared to meet code standards.
We prepare and submit all after-the-fact permit applications, tracking progress and communicating directly with the city on your behalf.
Coordination of all required re-inspections to bring your property into full compliance.
Once approved, we obtain final inspections and close the permits properly, clearing the property’s record.
An after-the-fact permit, sometimes called a retroactive building permit, is requested after construction has already started or been completed. The local building department reviews the existing work, supporting plans and application to determine whether the improvement can be approved, must be corrected or must be removed.
Unpermitted work is often discovered during a sale, refinance, insurance inspection, code enforcement investigation or review of permit history. Even when the current owner did not perform the work, the property may still need to be brought into compliance. Addressing it early helps prevent a delayed closing or an open code case.
We review property information, permit history, violation notices and the scope of completed work.
Existing construction is measured, photographed and documented by the right professionals.
Existing-condition or as-built drawings, plus structural and MEP plans as needed.
Applications, documents and plans are submitted to the city or county.
We coordinate responses and resubmissions to reviewer comments.
Required inspections are completed and the permit is finalized and closed.
Floor plans, dimensions, elevations, room labels, door and window locations, life-safety information, and existing versus proposed conditions.
Foundation, framing, connection, beam, column, roof, and wall details when the work affects structural components.
HVAC equipment, ductwork, ventilation, exhaust systems, and equipment sizing when applicable.
Lighting, receptacles, circuits, service equipment, panel schedules, load calculations, and safety details.
Water supply, drainage, venting, fixtures, water heaters, gas systems, and isometrics when required.
Property boundaries, setbacks, easements, and the location of additions, sheds, pools, or other exterior improvements.
In many cases, yes. A property owner may be able to apply for an after-the-fact permit, provide plans documenting the completed work and complete the required inspections. Approval depends on the work meeting the applicable building and zoning requirements.
The current property owner may still need to address existing unpermitted work, even when it was completed before the property was purchased. The available solution depends on the permit history, type of work and local building department requirements.
Plans are commonly required when the existing work changed the property's layout, structure, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC system or exterior. The exact disciplines and level of detail depend on the project and reviewing jurisdiction.
Possibly. When important components are concealed, an inspector or design professional may require access to verify how the work was installed.
It can be an important part of resolving a violation for work completed without a permit. The permit generally must be approved, issued, inspected and properly closed before the related code case can move toward final compliance.
Costs vary by city or county and by the type of construction. Permit fees, professional plans, surveys, inspections, reinspection fees and necessary corrections can all affect the final cost.
The timeline depends on complexity, document availability, plan-review workload, number of disciplines and whether corrections are needed. Complete, accurate plans and prompt responses reduce avoidable delays.
Yes. We coordinate the site documentation, architectural or engineering plans, permit application, municipal submissions, plan-review responses, inspection scheduling and permit close-out.
