Pizza might get you a smile, but I doubt it’ll get you a sign-off any faster. I’ve tried the “bring everything” method too—my car’s basically a mobile file cabinet at this point. Ever had them ask for something you didn’t even know existed?
Ever had them ask for something you didn’t even know existed?
Oh man, last month they wanted a “soil compaction certificate.” I thought they were making it up just to mess with me. My budget’s already stretched thinner than my patience, and now I’m supposed to pay for a test on dirt? At this rate, I’m half-expecting them to ask for a “neighbor’s dog’s approval” form next. Have you ever tried to guess what random doc they’ll spring on you next, or is it just me?
It’s not just you—sometimes I think they’re pulling requirements out of a hat. Last year, I had to get a “historic paint analysis” before touching my porch. Didn’t even know that was a thing. It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone in this maze. Just remember, every hoop you jump through gets you closer to seeing your vision come to life. Hang in there...
It’s wild how granular the requirements can get. I ran into something similar with a duplex conversion—the city wanted an “arborist report” just because there was a tree within 20 feet of the lot line. Didn’t matter that it was basically a sapling. It does feel arbitrary at times, but I’ve found that documenting every step and keeping a paper trail helps when things get confusing. Not much comfort in the moment, but it’s saved me headaches later on.
Yeah, the tree thing gets me every time—had to pay for a survey just because a neighbor’s hedge was “close enough” to count. Out of curiosity, did you ever try pushing back on any of those requirements, or just go with the flow? Sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth arguing or if it just slows things down more.
