Navigating the Permitting Labyrinth

Understanding the difference between legislative, quasi-judicial, and administrative actions is the key to predicting permit timelines.

By-Right vs. Discretionary

A by-right project requires only administrative review. A discretionary project requires subjective approval by a planning commission or city council.

The 14-Month Average

Based on our 2023 analysis of 50 major US municipalities, the average time to entitle a 50-unit multifamily building is 14 months. This does not include building permit review.

Pre-application meeting: 1-2 months
Environmental review (CEQA/SEPA): 6-12 months
Design review: 3-6 months