JOURNAL
Notes on permits, code, and craft.
Plain-language writing on the work itself — what we learn from plan-check cycles, how state code adoption moves, and the practical decisions that turn a sketch into an issued permit.
October 5, 2026
Minneapolis Drops Plan Review for Flat Roofs, Siding, and Replacement Windows
Minneapolis removed plan review for project types including flat roofs, siding, and replacement windows and doors. The city expects hundreds of permits a year to be issued or ready for payment in one to two days—some immediately.
Read →
August 25, 2026
San Diego County Now Lets You Sell ADUs Separately—Here's What Changed April 4
San Diego County's April 4 implementation of AB 1033 allows separate ADU sales via condo map. What it means for financing, investment pro formas, and your next permit set.
Read →
August 16, 2026
Denver's 180-Day Permit Clock: What the First Year Means for Restaurant Projects
Denver commits to approving development projects within 180 days of city review time, with a fee-refund process when it misses. Here's what the first year shows—and why one-and-done concept review matters.
Read →
August 13, 2026
California's New Accessible-Dining Rule: Table Clear Floor Space Can't Overlap the Accessible Route
California now prohibits accessible dining table clear floor space from overlapping accessible routes, tightening layouts for QSR and casual-dining plans.
Read →
August 8, 2026
LA Al Fresco Operators Face an April 1, 2027 Permit Deadline: What You Need Now
LA's Al Fresco program transitions from temporary authorization to full permits—here's the timeline, fees, and inspection requirements restaurants must meet.
Read →
August 1, 2026
Kansas S.B. 418: By-Right Approval for Zoning-Compliant Homes, Townhouses, and ADUs
Kansas enacted the By-right Housing Development Act (S.B. 418): qualifying homes, townhouses, and ADUs that meet existing zoning get approved without a hearing—here's what that does to permit timelines.
Read →
July 4, 2026
New Mexico's Food Permit Fee Increases, Effective Oct. 1, 2026—What Restaurant Projects Should Budget
From October 1, 2026, restaurant operators under the New Mexico Environment Department's food program pay 5× more for a re-inspection and 7× more for a late renewal. The fee changes, a QC checklist, and budget advice for projects outside Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
Read →
June 29, 2026
California AB 1308 Puts a 10-Business-Day Clock on Final Inspections
Building departments now have 10 business days to inspect 1-10 unit projects after notice of completion—or face HAA enforcement. Here's what changed.
Read →
June 12, 2026
Arizona Now Fines Cities and Counties $5,000 for Malicious Permit Delays
Arizona's SB 1566, effective September 12, 2026, lets the Attorney General fine a city, town or county $5,000 per violation for maliciously delaying single-family permits. Here's what builders need to know.
Read →
April 22, 2026
What is a permit set, and what does it actually include?
A permit set is the package of drawings and supporting documents a building department reviews before it issues a permit. Here is what is in one, what we don't draw, and why following the city's submittal checklist matters.
Read →
April 8, 2026
ADU vs. addition: which permits faster, and why?
Adding 600-1,200 square feet to a single-family lot can go through plan check as either an ADU or an addition. The two land in similar livable space but follow different permit paths. Here is the comparison.
Read →