Summary: Whenever you sign on for a construction project you have to be aware of the different permits you will need to comply legal and safety codes.

When working on a construction project you will undoubtedly work with multiple parties. If you were to add up the number of construction workers, lawyers, contractors, planners, and owners, you might end up working alongside dozens or hundreds of people to get the single project completed. With so many people working together to make a building come together and so much on the line, you want to make sure you have the right permits to get the job done.

Occupancy Permit

An occupancy permit is a fairly basic permit that every structure will need before anyone can legally operate inside of it. This permit, in essence, shows that the building you have constructed follows the area’s building codes and that both the city and fire departments have allowed the building to be used for its intended purpose. Construction advisory services can help make sure that the building you are working on will meet these codes. For example, this is where the project owner would specify if the building will be used as an ‘office,’ a ‘store,’ or for residential purposes.

Change of Use Permit

If the structure you are working on will undergo a change of intended use, you will need to obtain permission from the planning and safety divisions. For example, if you and your team are trying to convert a former retail store into a restaurant, you will be changing the use of the structure. Construction law firms like Lyle Charles can help you make sense of the legal details you will need to be aware of when making changes to the structure. When you change the intended use of a building you have to be certain that you make the appropriate modifications to satisfy health and safety codes, as well.