Swift Permits FAQ’s

What are the Advantages of permit expediting?

With our extensive local knowledge & expertise, our team knows exactly what is needed for each jurisdiction and makes sure that the permitting process goes as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What is digital drafting?

What we call digital drafting is turning your property into a 2D plan on paper/PDF that will accurately reflect what is currently at the site, and what work plans to be proposed. This type of plan is needed for permit applications and approvals, and we don’t put together a chicken scratch hand drawing.

What is the benefit of 3D modeling?

With the help of 3D modeling, you can see exactly how your property is going to look, including landscaping, furniture, and any other details. It will help bring your project to life and give you an accurate representation by taking out the guesswork. We are not designers, but we can turn a design into a 3D rendering.

What is the difference between an owner builder project, and a project with a contractor?"

The main difference between an owner-builder and a project with a contractor is going to be who holds the liability. With a contractor, they will be the permit holder, and responsible for things like insurance, worker’s compensation, etc. When doing a project that is Owner-Builder the homeowner is going to liable for everything done, and might be required to even get some paperwork notarized so government agencies know the documentation was properly read and signatures were not forged.

What documents are required for an owner builder project?

Depending on the jurisdiction, you will need to fill out an Owner-Builder form & sign it, and in some cases get it notarized.

How do I find out what jurisdiction I’m in?

For starters, we recommend calling the development services department for whatever city you are in and asking them, by giving them your address. If that sounded like a foreign language to you, we always check this before submitting permits to make sure it is all going to the correct place.

What are typical permit fees for....?

Typical permit fees are more complicated than ever. We only cover a small scope of work with residential accessory structures but depending on the jurisdiction we have seen fees vary from $600-$3,500 for the exact same swimming pool.

Researching your jurisdiction to see if they have a ‘fee schedule’ is a good way to get an idea of what permit fees cost.

How do I get pool engineering for a project?

While there are plenty of engineers that you can work with, we like to work directly with Pool Engineering, Inc. located in Anaheim, CA. Giving them a call, or submitting your project online through their website is how you can get pool engineering yourself. Using our service, we can submit that for you as well.

Do I need a permit to build an In-Ground Swimming Pool?

Yes

Do I need a permit to build an Above Ground Swimming Pool?

This depends on the jurisdiction, but some require a 'pool permit' and some only require an electrical permit to handle pool equipment.

Do I need a permit to build a Spa?

In ground, yes. Above ground/prefab spas that just gets delivered can often only require an electrical permit, which we also handle.

Do I need a permit to build a Retaining Wall?

Depending on the jurisdiction all retaining walls need a permit. Most jurisdictions don’t require a permit for walls less than 36” in height unless it is supporting an upslope or a surcharge.

Do I need a permit to build a Patio Cover?

Each jurisdiction is different, but depending on the style, square footage, height, and where you live in relation to Environmentally Sensitive Lands, or Brush Management Zones, you may be exempt from requiring a permit. Research for Patio Cover bulletins or Permit Exemptions within your jurisdiction.

How long does it take to get a permit for an In-Ground Swimming Pool/Spa?

While we do what we can to issue permits as quickly as possible, these times are constantly changing based on the workload received by each building department. When permits are capable of being done Over the Counter, we get permits in a matter of days or a couple weeks provided there aren’t excessive corrections needing to be resolved. Some jurisdictions take 3+ months for a swimming pool permit because of their backlog.

How long does it take to get a permit for a Retaining Wall?

Height of retaining walls is a big factor, but for walls 6’ or less in height the process is similar to swimming pools. We do what we can to issue permits as quickly as possible, but these times are constantly changing based on the workload received by each building department.

When permits are capable of being done Over the Counter we get permits in a matter of days or a couple weeks provided there aren’t excessive corrections needing to be resolved. Some jurisdictions take 3+ months.