Permitting—The Great Delayer of Projects and Ways to Expedite the Process

Delays to capital projects are costly both in time and expense. One of the least determinable elements of project progress is the permit approval phase. A careful review and understanding of the legislative process and regulatory rules provide opportunities to accelerate permit approvals. In certain situations, the adjustments to a project commencement date, the scale of a project, and/or even how a project are defined can significantly reduce permitting requirements. This paper will explore the intent of certain local, state, and federal permits and the regulation language associated with these rules. It will discuss permit exceptions and how these clauses can negate the need for a permit, allowing the project to remain compliant with safety and environmental regulations.