Delays in Issuing of Building Permit and Occupancy Permit: an Analysis of Causes and Durations

Abstract

Obtaining building permit and occupancy permits are complex and time consuming processes involving many stakeholders. This mostly leads to unwarranted delays, increased costs, and needless frustration. This research analyzes delay causes and durations for building permit and occupancy permit issuances. Field study is carried out at the Konak Municipality in .zmir. 56 building and 107 occupancy permit applications made in 2008 are thoroughly examined in terms of their rejection reasons and delay durations. The findings of the research show that the most frequent application type -new construction of a standard apartment building- reviewed requires an average duration of 107 days for building permit and 99 days for occupancy permit issuance. Analyzing the delay causes, missing documents in the application file required for obtaining a building permit and incomplete submission of documents required after the building inspection in situ required for obtaining an occupancy permit are found to be the main delay causes. Permit officials, inspectors and project owners are as well interviewed to reveal their concerns and suggestions for streamlining the permit processes. Finally, the permit issuance processes of various world cities are reviewed for comparison purposes. Research results show that common problems detected in the permit processes are that they are cumbersome and time consuming due to the complexity of the codes and regulations, and inadequate number of staff. For streamlining the permit processes, re-examining all bylaws and regulations for simplifying purposes, efficient use of information technologies, preparing guidebooks with simpler terms and increasing the number of staff by improving customer services are needed.