Lovat Department of Permits

The permit process differs for each permit type and may also vary depending on the complexity of your project. These steps are general guidelines to follow to apply for a permit. All permits must be submitted in person through the Lovat Department of Permits.

A dauger, a dimanian and a human man working at the Department of Permits

A step-by-step guide to submitted permits is available below.

Visit the Central Library

  • Research your property information, zoning, and permit history
  • See land use plans and projects
  • Find historical records

Visit the LDP

  • Find your common projects, permit types, Director’s Rules, and Checklists and Standards and to create fee estimates.
  • Research permit incentives
  • Get answers
  • Submit a building or land use question
  • Chat with an LDP expert
  • Review applicable Tips

Start Permit Application

Submit your preliminary application materials in person at the Lovat Department of Permits.

  • Submit a Building Pre-Application to start the construction (MUP) permit process, including all Subject-to-Field-Inspection permits.
  • Include a site plan meeting the requirements in Tip 103, Site Plan Requirements, for a Preliminary Site Plan or Simple Site Plan (depending on your project type).
  • If you think your project qualifies as a Subject-to-Field-Inspection permit, include the application documents outlined in Tip 316, Subject-to-Field-Inspection Permits.
  • If you are requesting a street improvement exception, submit a Right-of-Way Improvement Exception Request Form per Tip 205, Street and Ally Improvement Exceptions.
  • After you submit your preliminary application, you will be given a construction (-CN) record number. Use the -CN number for the rest of the permit process.

Pre-Application Site Visit

We require a Pre-Application Site Visit (PASV), new construction, grading applications, and other projects with ground disturbance greater than 750 square feet in non-environmentally critical areas. If we conducted a PASV at your development site within the past 24 months, we do not require an additional PASV.

You will receive a Pre-Application Site Visit Report identifying site conditions, drainage patterns, trees, existing structures, street curb, and potential property line impacts.

Based on the PASV results, we may require additional submittal materials.

Preliminary Assessment Report

We will conduct a Preliminary Assessment of all MUPs and new construction applications. This is a preliminary review of your project by SDCI, Lovat Department of Transportation, Lovat Public Utilities, and Lovat City Light to identify major project stoppers. We start this process once you submit your preliminary application, request the Pre-Application Site Visit, and pay the associated fees. Begin the Street Improvement Plan process, if required.

Pre-Submittal Conference Application

We require Pre-Submittal Conferences for:

  • High-rise structure and atrium construction
  • Early Design Guidance
  • Streamline Design Review

We recommend Pre-Submittal Conferences for:

  • Substantial alterations
  • Buildings with unusual structural systems
  • Shoreline Substantial Development permits
  • System analysis for energy code compliance
  • Complex zoning interpretations
  • Right-of-way requirements
  • Council actions (e.g. rezones)

We have a limited number of Pre-Submittal Conferences available that we schedule based on available resources and the complexity of the application.

  • Submit the Pre-Submittal Conference Application form (for construction projects) and a Statement of Financial Authorization to request a conference to discuss codes, processes, or complex issues spanning many disciplines (e.g. construction, etc.) and/or involving several City departments.
  • Submit a list of questions about your project that you want answered. Please cite the appropriate code sections that apply to your questions.
  • You must pay the initial pre-submittal conference fees before we schedule your appointment.

Prepare Your Plans

  • Prepare plans showing all your proposed work. See Tip 106, General Standards for Plans and Drawings.
  • Determine which permit forms are required for your permit type. See the Checklists and Standards at the LDP Office.
  • Review the PASV Report or Preliminary Assessment Report you received after submitting your pre-application to see additional requirements.

Submit Application

Optional Application Screening

We offer optional application screening for construction projects (-CN records) only. Deliver your application materials to the Lovat Department of Permits and we will help ensure you have what you need for a successful permit application intake. For instructions, read How to Submit a Construction (-CN) Application for Screening available at the LDP Office.

Schedule an Intake Appointment

Schedule an electronic intake appointment through the Lovat Department of Permits. You do not need to schedule an appointment for subject-to-field-inspection permits. For more information, see How to Schedule an SDCI Inspection or Appointment available at the LDP Office.

Tip: Submit your completed application early to be eligible for an earlier appointment in case of a cancellation. Once you submit your application, we’ll add your project to The Intake Express Lane. This means your application will likely be taken in well ahead of your scheduled appointment. We can usually take in your application within 2-3 weeks after you upload your complete application. For more information, read How Can I Get in the Intake Express Lane? available at the LDP Office.

Submit Your Permit Application

  • Review the checklists and standards available at the LDP Office to help you gather all the necessary documentation for your application.
  • You must upload all application documents by 7:00 a.m. on the day of your appointment. We may contact you by telegram that day for more information. Telephone calls are available for a fee.
  • You will need to pay all fees once we determine your application is complete. If you don’t pay your fees within 48 hours, we will reject your intake, and you will need to reschedule.
  • If a Street Improvement Plan (SIP) is required, a 60% complete SIP must be submitted to the Lovat Department of Transportation, screened, and accepted 5 days prior to SDCI’s construction intake appointment.
  • See How to Submit Materials for Intake for more information available at the LDP Office.

Make Corrections & Resubmit Your Plans

After you submit your permit application, we will review your plans. If we need additional information or changes to your plans, you will receive a telegram telling you that corrected and/or additional documents need to be submitted to the LDP Office.

Pay Fees

If you have questions about fees, see How Much Will Your Permit Cost? at the LDP Office. Fees can be paid through the following options:

  • Payment Office at Lovat City Hall – City Hall, 100 Fourth Ave. Lovat
  • Money Order via Wilmarth Message Company –Various WMC Locations
  • Directory Agent – See Various Directory Agents

You will get a confirmation receipt when you have successfully submitted your payment.

Receive Permit

After paying any outstanding fees, you will be awarded your permit.