The Approval Process Nobody Explains: Planning vs Building

Planning approval and building permits are two separate things. Most homeowners don't figure that out until they're months into the process.Use The Approvals Question Worksheet for free!Your city has two departments that both have to say yes. Planning asks what and where. Building asks how and safe. They run different clocks, apply different criteria, and come in a specific order. A planning approval is permission for the concept — not permission to build. Not every project touches planning. If you're redoing a kitchen without moving an exterior wall, you probably go straight to building. Same house, same city, completely different timeline. If you're in an HOA, that committee goes first. Their approval letter is part of what the city asks for. Before your design is locked, go make a pre-submittal visit to your planning department. That hour is the highest-return hour in your project. Whether your neighbors get a vote is a design decision you make at the table, months before anyone applies. This episode gives you the map before you need it. Worksheet in the show notes. Next episode: do I actually need a permit?ASK BILL A QUESTION - Call or text 530-289-6368Voicemails may be featured on a future episode, first name only. Let me know in your message if you'd prefer to stay off the air. Free Story: The Tale of Two Homeowners Watch: YouTube Listen: Podcast Read: AMAZON , All Book StoresVisit: Homepage Follow: Instagram: Facebook: Learn: BuildQuest Planning Platform: Contact: Email: wwreid@theawakenedhomeowner.comMentioned in this episode:The Awakened Homeowner BookThe Awakened Homeowner Book