Intro:
When a permit gets delayed, most people assume it’s the city’s fault. But in reality, the slowdown often starts much earlier. The truth is, permit delays usually begin at the drawing board — with incomplete plans, missing information, or unclear systems.In this post, we’re busting five common myths that keep projects stuck in limbo. Then we’ll show how the right tools can speed things up.

Myth 1:
“It’s always the city’s fault.”
Fact: Most delays begin with the plan set. Missing sheets, incomplete systems, or unclear details hold up approvals before the city even sees it.

Myth 2:
“Redlines mean you’re almost there.”
Fact: Redlines are rework. Every markup adds time, cost, and back-and-forth. Catching issues early means faster approvals with fewer surprises.

Myth 3:
“If it has a permit, it must be code-compliant.”
Fact: In California, a permit mostly confirms fees were paid. It doesn’t guarantee that the project meets building codes. Cities are not responsible for defects found after approval.

Myth 4:
“Compliance can be fixed in the field.”
Fact: Delayed fixes are expensive and risky. Smart teams review early and catch issues before they become change orders or legal problems.

Myth 5:
“Permitting always takes a long time.”
Fact: Not anymore. Platforms like Spacial use AI to check compliance, identify missing elements, and speed up the entire submittal process.

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Permitting doesn’t have to be slow, frustrating, or full of surprises. The more you can catch before submission, the faster you’ll move from design to approval.At Spacial, we’re helping teams build smarter from day one — with fewer redlines, clearer plans, and permits that get approved in record time.