Express Application Review

The purpose of the Express Team is to provide an express review of applications that neither qualify for over the counter (OTC) issuance, nor rise to the level of a complex plan check review.  The goal is to bypass the normal plan check process for qualified applications.  The Express Team consists of reviewers from each division typically necessary for review of ministerial applications.  The team has regularly scheduled semiweekly team meetings to review applications that qualify for express review.  The active participation and discussion create a collaborative approach to reviewing applications efficiently, avoiding the possible delays and back-and-forth communications resulting from a segmented review.  The goal is to approve or provide the applicants issues to address on these simple permits within 5 days or less of a complete application submittal, to expedite the permit reviews and save time for applicants. 

Examples include:

• Kitchen and bathroom remodels
• Decks
• Pools constructed using a pre-approved stock pool permit
• Solar ground-mount systems only
• Small accessory structures constructed using prescriptive code allowances
• Generators
• Simple grading and drainage permit applications, including those eligible for self-certification

Additional Information

• Refer to the grading self-certification program project eligibility form for the parameters of applicable projects.
• Projects with minor structural, grading, or drainage calculations that do not require significant review time.
  • Minor structural calculations generally involve alterations to no more than two vertical or lateral load-resisting elements of standard wood-framed construction.
  • Simple grading and drainage plans typically include stockpile grading, excavated ponds, and single-run drainage conveyances.
• Projects that do not require a concealed construction plan to verify construction elements installed prior to permitting or inspection.