Overview
Express Review is a service that allows payment for faster examination of some commercial construction plans, usually resulting in permits the next day. Cary is one of the few towns in the state to offer this service, helping those with commercial projects meet financing deadlines and other timetables.
The Inspections and Permits Department began the service in April 2001, scheduling appointments after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Express Review may be used for fit-up and white box projects, as well as smaller new commercial buildings.
Express Review can shave weeks off the time for a permit. To minimize waiting, the architect or person designing the project may call for an appointment while finishing plans since reviews occur about two weeks after scheduling. To hold an appointment, application forms must be returned within 48 hours of scheduling. Cancellations must occur at least three days before the review.
The cost is $600 for the first hour and $150 for each additional 15 minutes. If a plan requires another session, the cost is $300 for the first hour and $150 per additional quarter-hour. Cancellation fees apply. Minor changes may occur on the spot, and plan reviewers expect one session to be sufficient in most cases. Fees that the service generates will pay for it.
The owner, project coordinator, contact person and each professional whose seal is on the plan must attend the review. Permits usually follow within 24 hours. Building owners may coordinate projects involving less than 1,000 square feet. Fire Department inspectors will join reviews that include sprinkler systems.
Contact
For more information, call a Permit Technician in the Inspections and Permits Department at (919) 460-4989. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fax number is (919) 319-4574.