Commercial building permits are your local government’s way of making sure companies keep their customers and employees safe by complying with building codes. Ignoring permit requirements is a safety hazard to building occupants and could impose expensive fines on your business.
On the surface, it seems like a confusing task, and you probably have a few questions. To properly navigate the permit process, take a look at some common questions.
For the city of Omaha, building permits that don’t require an assessment are issued at the time of application. For larger commercial properties, you need to schedule a feasibility review to confirm the safety of your workspace. The timeframe for this varies, but you can typically expect to receive an inspection three or four weeks after your initial submission.
Most commercial construction requires some type of certification. Businesses in Omaha need to acquire a permit for any of the following:
The city of Omaha requires a certificate of occupancy as part of your commercial building permit based on two factors:
A site plan is a blueprint of your entire property and should include:
If you’re working with design-build contractors for your new construction project, they can provide you with copies of your site plan. If you’re adding new additions to your current property, your site plans are usually included in your mortgage and purchase information. Additionally, you can find helpful building information by visiting the Douglas Omaha GIS website.
Keeping track of building permits, reviews, and licenses for your commercial project can be overwhelming. The following checklist contains standard requirements your business needs to certify your facility.
Before you can start your project, the city of Omaha needs to approve your site plans, which includes:
Your local state plan review ensures all structural and mechanical elements in your new facility are up to code, such as:
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional licensing documents as part of your commercial building permit. Different industries require different licenses to confirm your facility is safe for guests. Some businesses that require specialized licenses are:
For businesses unfamiliar with local construction requirements, consider enlisting the help of architects, engineers, or general contractors. They can help you identify your needs and ensure a smooth construction project.
There’s no way around it. The entire process of obtaining commercial building permits is a hassle—but what if you didn’t have to?
Enter Carlson Kennedy. As a full-service general contractor, we handle your entire construction project from start to finish. Our operations team specializes in securing the necessary building requirements for our clients. Take a load off your shoulders by starting your next construction project with us.