Honestly, I’ve been in the same boat with my last kitchen remodel. I figured digital would speed things up and cut down on costs—less printing, less running around—but nope, still had to lug a binder of plans to city hall. It’s like they want both just in case one system fails, but it ends up doubling the work.
Here’s how I’ve tried to make it less painful (not perfect, but at least it saves me a few headaches):
1. **Scan everything as you go** – Every time I get a new document or sign-off, I scan it right away. That way, if something gets lost or they “can’t find” a page (which has happened), I can email it over or print another copy without scrambling.
2. **Label files with dates and details** – Instead of “Permit.pdf,” I use something like “2024-03-15_KitchenPermit_R1.pdf.” Makes it way easier to track which version they’re talking about when they call with questions.
3. **Keep a running checklist** – I made a spreadsheet with every doc they asked for, plus columns for “digital sent,” “hard copy delivered,” and “confirmed received.” Sounds nerdy, but it’s saved me from making extra trips because someone misplaced paperwork.
4. **Ask for email confirmations** – When I drop off hard copies, I ask if they’ll send an email saying they got everything. Not everyone does it, but even one or two confirmations help if there’s confusion later.
5. **Budget for extra printing** – It stings paying for all those color plans, but I just factor it into the reno budget now. Last time, I found a local print shop that gave me a deal for bulk orders—cheaper than the big chains.
I totally get the frustration—it’s 2024 and we’re still babysitting paper trails. But until the city updates their systems (if ever), having both digital and physical backups is just kind of insurance against delays and lost docs. Not ideal, but at least it keeps things moving.
Funny thing is, my neighbor submitted his deck plans online *and* on paper last year, and the inspector still showed up with a dog-eared folder instead of an iPad... Some habits die hard, I guess.
I get the logic behind scanning and checklists, but I’ve actually found that sometimes going “old-school” can be a weird advantage. When I restored my 1920s kitchen, the city folks seemed to trust paper more—almost like seeing blueprints in person made them take the project seriously.
It’s like they want both just in case one system fails, but it ends up doubling the work.
Isn’t it possible that all this digital redundancy is making things messier? I wonder if we’re overcomplicating by trying to do both at once. Maybe just leaning into their preferred method (even if it’s paper) could save time, at least until they catch up tech-wise. Anyone else feel like sometimes less is more with these processes?
Title: Getting city approval: digital applications vs. old-school paperwork
Totally get what you mean. Last time I tried submitting everything online for a duplex reno, the inspector still wanted to see my hand-drawn sketches. Honestly, it felt like the paper copies made things move faster. Sometimes all this tech just adds more hoops to jump through... less really can be more when everyone’s used to the old way.
Honestly, it felt like the paper copies made things move faster.
Funny, I had the opposite experience. Last year, I did my permit stuff online and actually got a response in a couple days—way quicker than when I’d dropped off forms at city hall. Maybe it depends on the city or who’s working the desk that week... but I’ll take not having to drive across town any day.
Maybe it depends on the city or who’s working the desk that week... but I’ll take not having to drive across town any day.
That’s probably the key right there—depends on the city. Where I am, the online system is still a bit clunky. Last time, I uploaded everything and then got a call saying they needed “wet signatures” anyway. Ended up driving over after all. Guess it’s a toss-up until they get the tech sorted out everywhere. I do miss chatting with the folks at the permit desk, though... sometimes they’d give you a heads-up about stuff you’d never find online.
