If you’ve ever hit a permitting wall, you’re not alone. We regularly hear from customers about the jurisdictions that stall progress, strain budgets, and test patience.

At previous events, we gathered feedback from over 130 builders, asking them to mark their least favorite places to permit in on our “Permitting Map of Shame."

According to these project teams, jurisdictions in California, Texas, Florida, and Colorado are among the hardest to permit it, and understandably so: all are high-growth states with overburdened permitting systems.

We also asked our Permitting team: “Which jurisdictions were hardest for our clients, and how did you tackle the challenges?”

Their responses included:

• Chicago, IL
• Tampa, FL
• Clark County (Las Vegas), NV
• Mecklenburg, NC
• Boston, MA
• Nashville, TN
• San Jose, CA
• Houston, TX
• Denver, CO

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High volumes of development activity, understaffed departments, evolving codes, and unclear submittal requirements all play a role in explaining why permit approvals can move slowly.

It’s also hard to navigate building requirements when each metro contains dozens or hundreds of unique jurisdictions, each with its own codes.

Below are real permit stories from Pulley clients and the tactics we used to secure a faster approval, so you can avoid the same pitfalls.

In Tampa, Florida: Plan in Parallel

• The Challenge: Commercial projects changing use in Tampa require a Water and Wastewater Commitment Letter, often taking 5 to 6 weeks. Our client turned to Pulley for help after realizing their approval was put on hold due the missing Water and Wastewater Commitment Letter.
• The Pulley Approach: We secured an Early Start Notice so construction could begin, while our team followed up relentlessly with the Water Department, and secured an approval 3 weeks ahead of the typical review schedule.
• Pro Tip: Identify parallel reviews early, so you know what to submit and by when. In some cases, an Early Start Notice can keep projects moving while you wait for final sign-offs.

In Chicago, Illinois: Know Your Debt

• The Challenge: Chicago is known for its complex permitting process and stringent regulations , which is why every building permit requires a debt check. One client’s project was delayed by a single unpaid parking ticket.
• The Pulley Approach: Our team used the self-certification program to speed up the process, ran a pre-check through the Department of Finance, resolved the debt, and submitted proof to keep things on track.
• Pro Tip: Chicago offers a helpful self-certification program, but double-check for any outstanding debt (even as small as parking tickets!) before applying.

In Denver, Colorado: Schedule Time with Reviewers

• The Challenge: Denver is one of the fastest growing metros in the US, and has a reputation for stringent with reviews and long wait times. Our client faced multiple frustrating rounds of comments with no clear resolution in sight.
• The Pulley Approach: Our Permitting team set up a live call with the reviewer to walk through the re-submittal together. That single conversation cleared up confusion and led to a next-round approval.
• Pro Tip: When in doubt, ask for a quick call with a reviewer. It can prevent weeks of back-and-forth and streamline your re-submittal.

Go deeper with Inside Denver’s Building Department

In San Jose, California: Pressure Pays Off

• The Challenge: Our client’s project was stuck in limbo after the AHJ exceeded their expected timeline for comments issuance and were unresponsive to outreach.
• The Pulley Approach: We escalated carefully, contacting alternate city staff, documenting every outreach attempt, and continuing follow-up at a respectful cadence. The pressure paid off and we secured a final approval without delaying the project.
• Pro Tip: Be persistent, not pushy. Stay organized, keep a clear paper trail, and escalate cautiously when needed.

Pulley’s Permitting Best Practices

When it comes to navigating tough jurisdictions, the biggest advantage is having the right relationships and permitting expertise on your side.

Strong due diligence, local expertise, and clear tracking can unlock complex permits. But beyond that, there are a few best practices that help across the board:

• Start early and plan ahead. Make sure you know the full scope of the project, what agencies will need to be involved, and what permits will need to be submitted by when.
• Know your jurisdiction. Take time conducting research on the codes and filing process so you don’t have to go through more rounds of comments than necessary later.
• Pick up the phone. Most jurisdictions allow you to schedule a call with a reviewer, which can save weeks when requirements are unclear.
• Be persistent, and respectful. Consistent, courteous follow-up goes a long way. Always document your outreach and only escalate when necessary.

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At the end of the day, AHJ’s are here to help us build safer, and permitting is all about communication, context, and coordination.

Maintaining a speedy and thorough permitting process can be hard and resource-heavy.

Choosing the right partnerships who can help you streamline your permitting workflow, create transparency, and take proactive steps towards a faster approval is crucial.

If you have a project in mind, set up a call with our team here to learn how Pulley can help you break ground faster.

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