Launching a new facility—whether a dry-cleaning operation, pet food manufacturing plant, or steel fabrication site—requires meticulous planning. Your permitting strategy is one of the most critical planning components, and it is often underestimated.
When permitting isn’t prioritized early, the consequences can be significant. Delays in permit approvals can push back construction and startup schedules, ultimately costing stakeholders tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue and productivity. Fortunately, permitting can be navigated efficiently and strategically with the right approach and support.
At SCS Engineers, we help facility owners across industries develop tailored permitting strategies that align with their project schedules and minimize operational risks. Here are key strategies to set your project up for success:
Start Early and Account for Review Timelines
Permitting requirements—and their associated review times—vary by jurisdiction. Understanding the specific county, state, and federal timelines is essential. Allocate sufficient lead time for permit preparation and agency reviews, revisions, and approvals.
Incorporating a risk matrix into the project schedule helps facility owners prepare for potential delays, identify critical permitting paths, and manage expectations from the outset.
Involve Qualified Consultants During Early Planning
Engaging experienced environmental consultants early in the process is one of the best ways to avoid costly missteps. A knowledgeable consultant will:
At SCS Engineers, we assist facility owners with comprehensive permitting matrices and strategic guidance to keep projects on track.
Collaborate with Regulatory Agencies
Proactive engagement with permitting authorities—before and during the design phase—can reduce uncertainty and align expectations. Treating regulators as project stakeholders fosters open communication, often resulting in a more collaborative, solutions-driven review process.
By presenting the project scope early, owners can obtain feedback on application requirements, permitting conditions, and submittal timelines. This insight enables teams to refine designs and address concerns before formal submission, preventing time-consuming revisions later.
Foster Cross-Disciplinary Coordination
Design disconnects are a common source of last-minute changes that derail schedules. Regular coordination meetings between architects, engineers, and environmental consultants are essential to ensure alignment of technical requirements, system design, and regulatory constraints.
When teams work in silos, inconsistencies in design documents can trigger permit rework, construction delays, and added costs. A coordinated team avoids those pitfalls by integrating compliance considerations into every design phase.
Address Environmental Permits Early
Environmental permits can span multiple jurisdictions and may include authorizations for:
Each of these permits can involve a different agency and timeline. A consolidated permitting matrix developed by an experienced consultant can help identify all applicable requirements and prevent gaps in compliance.
Talk to an Experienced Engineer
With decades of experience in environmental compliance and permitting, SCS helps facility owners navigate complex permitting landscapes efficiently. Our teams provide clear guidance, maintain agency communication, and support your team from planning through project execution.
If you’re planning a new facility and want to streamline your permitting process, we’re here to help.
About the Author: Kokil Bansal is a Professional Engineer and SCS Project Manager responsible for providing environmental services, site redevelopment and sustainability planning for public and private clients. She is particularly adept at coordinating and managing new facilities and the redevelopment of contaminated sites. Contact her at SCS Engineers or on LinkedIn.
