Printable · Tab F · Construction & Ops
Permit Checklist
A pre-flight checklist for any permit you are tracking. Companion to the Understanding Permits handbook.
1 page · Fill before meetingPrint-worthy
Ready to use this? Print checklist — yours to keep.
New to permits? Read the Understanding Permits handbook first.
What this is for
A single-sheet pre-flight you fill out before any counter visit, phone call, or hearing about a permit.
Who it's for
Neighbors tracking a specific permit, HOAs reviewing a project, or anyone who wants to walk in prepared.
When to use it
Print one per permit. Fill out the top section before the office opens; bring the questions to the meeting.
What's inside
A preview of what prints. The printed output is the deliverable; this is just so you know what you'd get.
Pre-flight
- Permit type & number
- Issuing office
- Ministerial vs discretionary
- Notice required
- Comment & appeal windows
What's on file
- Application form
- Site plan / plat
- Staff report
- Conditions of approval
- Environmental documents
- Public comments
- Prior permits
Questions to ask
- Code section relied on
- Staff recommendation & findings
- Outstanding prior conditions
- Phased project?
- Notice sent?
- Soonest decision date
- Assigned planner
Tracking
- Permit number
- Office / planner
- Comment period closes
- Appeal window
How to use: print · one permit per sheet · keep the whole stack behind Tab F.
Most common uses
If any of these match what you're working on, this is the right printable.
- A new building permit on your street
- A grading or land-disturbance permit
- A demolition or tree-removal permit
- A use permit or special-exception case
- A subdivision or lot-line adjustment
- Any permit you plan to comment on
Before They Build
Permit Checklist
A Neighborhood Action Guide
Permit checklist · one sheet per permit
Vol. I · Edition One · Generated August 3, 2026 · Private to this device · Not legal advice.
© 2026 Before They Build™. All rights reserved. Educational re-use permitted; see beforetheybuild.com/permissions.
Before you walk into the office
- I know which permit I am asking about (type and number, if known).
- I know which office issues it.
- I know whether it is ministerial (counter) or discretionary (hearing).
- I know what notice (if any) is required.
- I have read the most recent version of the application.
- I have noted the comment period and the appeal window.
What I expect to find on file
- Application form (signed and dated).
- Site plan or plat.
- Staff report or planning analysis.
- Conditions of approval (draft or final).
- Environmental documents (if any).
- Public comments received to date.
- Past permits for the same property.
Questions to ask
- Which specific code section does this permit rely on?
- Has staff issued a recommendation? On what findings?
- Are there outstanding conditions from prior permits?
- Is this part of a phased project? What comes next?
- Has any neighbor notice been sent? When?
- What is the soonest possible decision date?
- Who, by name, is the assigned planner?
Permit number / type: __________________________________
Office / planner: __________________________________
Comment period closes: __________ Appeal window: __________
Before They Build
Civic Handbook · Vol. I · Edition One
Permit Checklist · generated August 3, 2026
Prepared by Before They Build Editorial Team · Community Record Series
beforetheybuild.com/reports/permit-checklist
Printed August 3, 2026 · Reference ID ------
Private to this device. General information only — not legal advice. Confirm details with your local authority.
© 2026 Before They Build™. Educational use permitted. Not legal advice. Reprint or commercial use: beforetheybuild.com/permissions
Free during Public Beta · Suggested Support $2–3 · beforetheybuild.com/support