The Hidden Delays: Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate the Residential Permitting Process

Planning a custom home, remodel, or addition? It’s an exciting endeavor but starting a project not only takes a great design and a skilled contractor to bring your vision to life, it also takes knowledge of permitting timelines. Misjudging this phase can stall your project timeline expectations before ground is ever broken.


In cities like San Diego, permitting is not a quick box to check. It’s a multi-step process involving architectural plan reviews, compliance with evolving building codes, energy efficiency requirements like Title 24, and coordination across multiple city departments — from zoning and fire safety to engineering and utilities.


Even under ideal conditions, securing permits can take several months. On average, you should anticipate a timeline of 3 to 6 months — and that’s assuming your plans are fully compliant and correctly submitted from day one. Any revisions or omissions can trigger additional reviews, setting your timeline back further.


For clients eager to move forward, this delay often comes as an unpleasant surprise. But with the right team, it doesn’t have to.
At Woolsey Construction, we handle the entire permitting process in-house. From preparing detailed, code-compliant plans to navigating city reviews and managing communications with officials, we ensure every step is handled professionally and proactively. Our goal is to keep your project moving forward — without costly missteps or unexpected delays.


Don’t let poor planning hold your project hostage. Work with a construction team that understands the local permitting landscape inside and out — and knows how to move from concept to construction with clarity and confidence.

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