Phased Approval Permits

Are you about to engage in a building project containing a rigorous and tight construction schedule? The California Building Code (CBC) provides a provision for the building industry to work on phased approval permits. The Development Services Department provides a pros and cons approach towards phased approvals and phased process.

PROS: 

It may be beneficial for projects requiring tight construction schedules to divide work into phases prior to a full plan review.  California Building Code (CBC) has a provision CBC 107.3.3 for phased approvals.  This type of permit is issued for certain aspects of a project before the complete building permit are approved. 
 

Most common example of this permit type is a building foundation.  This type of work can be done while more complex aspects of a project can continue to move forward in the plan review process.

CONS:

The phased approval process means: work is permitted only for a specific portion of a project, there is potential that unforeseen changes required elsewhere in the building-phase can adversely impact previous construction work. Due to this reason, all phased approval requests prior to issuance must be carefully reviewed and approved with the understanding of no guarantee toward a problem free buildout by the Building Official.

PROCESS

Before a Phased approval Permit can be issued, the following steps must be completed:

STEP 1:

The applicant must complete the Phased Approval Permit Application on the reverse of this form and submit it to the Chief Building Official (or his or her designee) for review.

STEP 2:

If the Building Official approves the Phased Approval Permit application, the applicant must prepare a separate set of plans that covers the scope of work for which the phased approval is being requested.

STEP 3:

The plans for the specific phase must be submitted for review under the normal plan check process. The Phased Approval will have a permit number and inspection records just like any other permit. Work on the site will be limited to the scope indicated on the approved set of plans.