Submitting the required application is the first step in the permitting process. The goal for Development Services staff is to complete our work within timeline targets and decide whether or not the application can be approved.
Expiration and cancellation code provisions ensure that applications actively progress through the permitting process. Reasonable constraints were established to ensure that a proposal mirrors current code requirements and to refrain from keeping application files open for an indefinite period of time.
It is important for you to know that a submitted application has a limited life.
Cancellation or Expiration Before Final Decision
A submitted permit application of any type can expire or be cancelled before a decision is reached if:
- A non-sufficient fund (NSF) check or rejected payment for submittal or billed fees is not corrected within five days of notification.
- Invoiced fees are not paid for 30 days or more.
- The application is dependent on another application and that application is expired or canceled. For example, a mechanical permit tied to a tenant improvement permit.
Building Permit Applications
Building, Clearing & Grading, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire permits, Sign permits that include building or electrical approval, and Utility Extension agreements can expired or be cancelled if:
Expiration
- The permit, or approval for construction, is not issued within one year from the date of application. In some situations, the application may be granted a 180-day extension; this request for extension must be made before the 1-year time limit has passed.
Cancellation
- An application for a single-family construction permit is called incomplete during its formal pre-screening process and all the required material is not submitted within 30 days of the pre-screening date.
- An application for a more complex project (one that requires a pre-application conference) is called incomplete during the formal completeness check and the required material is not submitted within 90 days of the incomplete date.
- Additional information or revisions are requested but aren’t submitted within 90 days of the request date.
- The permit is ready to issue but is not picked up before the 1-year date.
Land Use Actions and Approvals
Applications for Land Use permits and approvals can be cancelled if:
- An application for a more complex project (one that requires a pre-application conference) is called incomplete during the formal completeness check and the required material is not submitted within 60 days of the incomplete date.
- Additional information or revisions are requested but aren’t submitted within 60 days of the request date.
Sign Approvals, Requests for Services, Utility Connections, Right of Way Use Permits
There is no code definition of the application life for these types of applications.
This only applies to sign approvals not coupled with a building or electrical permit.
The Difference Between Expiration and Cancellation
Expiration means that an action, in this case reaching a decision, has not occurred within the time frame allowed by code. The application is not eligible for any refund. Cancellation means that the action cannot continue due to certain circumstances or that the applicant requests cancellation. The application is evaluated for potential refunds.
Multiple Applications In Review
Each application has an expiration date and stands on its own. However, the applications for permits that are secondary to a construction permit, such as a mechanical permit to a tenant improvement permit, take on the life of the construction permit application and may expire if the construction permit application expires or is canceled.
Be Sure Your Application Does Not Expire
The applicant’s actions greatly influence the processing timeline.
- Submit a complete application that provides all the information needed to make a decision. Visit our permits page for more information.
- Don’t apply for a construction permit too early in the process. For example, if your project requires a design review or critical area review, the construction permit will not be reviewed until that process is substantially complete. If the applications are applied for concurrently, much of the construction permit application life can be used waiting for the other approval.
- Respond quickly when additional material is requested. (You will receive an automated phone message when you are nearing the end of the time allowed for revision submittals.) The time waiting for that additional review material counts against the application life. When a reviewer needs to become familiar with the proposal after a long wait, this adds additional staff time, and possibly fees, to the review.
If these time frames or conditions aren’t met, the application will automatically expire or be canceled. You will receive a letter notifying you of the application status and if additional fees are due for work completed. To continue review, a new application must be submitted and fees paid.