Navigating the building permit process can be one of the most time-consuming and frustrating parts of a commercial project. From inconsistent requirements to unclear zoning issues and outdated forms, one missing detail can delay approvals by weeks.

That’s why we created this checklist, designed to help commercial architects and project teams meet building permit requirements the first time around.

Whether you are opening a new restaurant, managing a retail rollout, or expanding in a national rollout, this guide will help you submit a complete, compliant permit application.

What’s Inside

Get a practical breakdown of the 10 most important elements of any commercial permit application, including:

  • How to clearly define your scope of work
  • Which plans and documents to submit and in what format
  • What zoning, environmental, and fire compliance items to prepare for
  • How to avoid the top reasons permit applications get rejected
  • When to bring in a permit expediter and why it matters

Maintain Project Momentum by Downloading Our Guide Today

Ultimately, permit delays don’t happen because professionals like you aren’t doing the work. They happen because local regulations shift, submission standards vary, and requirements get missed in the chaos of construction.

At Scout Services, we maintain a database of over 7,700 municipalities across the U.S. Our team works directly with city officials and building departments every day, ensuring your applications are submitted right and on time.

By involving a permit expediter early, you’ll reduce friction, improve accuracy, and shift your internal resources back to where they are most valuable. Our provided checklist gives you a great start and reflects the most common building permit requirements we see across the country. Clear up some of the confusion by downloading our guide today.