Building Departments take a lot of heat, often from people who misunderstand how the process works. Whether it's plan review, inspections, or permit intake, there's a perception that the department is out to slow things down or make life difficult. That couldn't be further from the truth. Here's a breakdown of six common myths, why they persist, and what the reality actually looks like.
Myth #1: "Plan reviewers love rejecting plans."
Not true. In fact, most plan reviewers want to approve your submittal the first time. It's faster, more efficient, and far less work. When a set of plans doesn't meet code, the reviewer has to research, cite violations, document everything, and wait for corrections. Nobody benefits from that delay. The best-case scenario for everyone is a complete and code-compliant set of plans on the first round.
Reality: If your plans keep getting flagged for the same types of issues, it might be time to revisit your design process or check how your team prepares submittals.
Myth #2: "Inspectors fail jobs to feel powerful or important."
Let’s be real. Failing inspections means more time on-site, more documentation, and more conversations with frustrated contractors. Most inspectors would prefer to walk in, see everything built to code, and sign off. They don’t make the rules — they enforce them. And failing an inspection isn’t a personal decision, it’s a professional one.
Reality: The fastest way to pass inspections consistently is to follow the approved plans, ask questions when something’s unclear, and keep the jobsite ready and accessible.
Myth #3: "Permit Technicians are just paper-pushers."
Permit Techs are often the most overlooked professionals in the building process. They’re trained, they know the local code processes, and they’re the ones who ensure your submittal is complete and routed properly. They don’t just stamp papers; they troubleshoot submittals, help customers navigate regulations, and act as a liaison between you and the rest of the department.
Reality: A competent Permit Tech can save your submittal from hitting a wall. If you’re not getting things through intake smoothly, try working with them instead of venting at them.
Myth #4: "The department is deliberately slowing down my project."
Most building departments are under-resourced and overworked. There’s a good chance your reviewer or inspector is juggling dozens of other submittals or stops that same day. Incomplete applications, missing documents, or delayed responses from the applicant cause far more slowdowns than anything the department is doing.
Reality: Want faster turnaround? Submit a complete application, answer requests for info promptly, and make sure your design team is coordinated.
Myth #5: "Permit fees are just a cash grab for the town or city."
This one is flat-out wrong. By law in many states, building permit fees must be used to fund building department operations. That includes staff salaries, software systems, vehicles, and third-party consultants if needed. When a department runs efficiently, those funds are put back into faster service and better customer support.
Reality: If you’re unhappy with how fees are being spent, talk to your local council or elected officials. The building department doesn’t set the rules — they follow them.
Bottom Line:
Most building department staff are doing their best within the framework they’ve been given. They want to help you succeed. But that doesn’t mean they can ignore code requirements, rubber-stamp incomplete plans, or look the other way on safety issues. Respect the process, ask questions when needed, and understand that everyone benefits when we build it right the first time.
Got another myth worth busting? Drop it in the thread.
Myth #1: "Plan reviewers love rejecting plans."
Not true. In fact, most plan reviewers want to approve your submittal the first time. It's faster, more efficient, and far less work. When a set of plans doesn't meet code, the reviewer has to research, cite violations, document everything, and wait for corrections. Nobody benefits from that delay. The best-case scenario for everyone is a complete and code-compliant set of plans on the first round.
Reality: If your plans keep getting flagged for the same types of issues, it might be time to revisit your design process or check how your team prepares submittals.
Myth #2: "Inspectors fail jobs to feel powerful or important."
Let’s be real. Failing inspections means more time on-site, more documentation, and more conversations with frustrated contractors. Most inspectors would prefer to walk in, see everything built to code, and sign off. They don’t make the rules — they enforce them. And failing an inspection isn’t a personal decision, it’s a professional one.
Reality: The fastest way to pass inspections consistently is to follow the approved plans, ask questions when something’s unclear, and keep the jobsite ready and accessible.
Myth #3: "Permit Technicians are just paper-pushers."
Permit Techs are often the most overlooked professionals in the building process. They’re trained, they know the local code processes, and they’re the ones who ensure your submittal is complete and routed properly. They don’t just stamp papers; they troubleshoot submittals, help customers navigate regulations, and act as a liaison between you and the rest of the department.
Reality: A competent Permit Tech can save your submittal from hitting a wall. If you’re not getting things through intake smoothly, try working with them instead of venting at them.
Myth #4: "The department is deliberately slowing down my project."
Most building departments are under-resourced and overworked. There’s a good chance your reviewer or inspector is juggling dozens of other submittals or stops that same day. Incomplete applications, missing documents, or delayed responses from the applicant cause far more slowdowns than anything the department is doing.
Reality: Want faster turnaround? Submit a complete application, answer requests for info promptly, and make sure your design team is coordinated.
Myth #5: "Permit fees are just a cash grab for the town or city."
This one is flat-out wrong. By law in many states, building permit fees must be used to fund building department operations. That includes staff salaries, software systems, vehicles, and third-party consultants if needed. When a department runs efficiently, those funds are put back into faster service and better customer support.
Reality: If you’re unhappy with how fees are being spent, talk to your local council or elected officials. The building department doesn’t set the rules — they follow them.
Bottom Line:
Most building department staff are doing their best within the framework they’ve been given. They want to help you succeed. But that doesn’t mean they can ignore code requirements, rubber-stamp incomplete plans, or look the other way on safety issues. Respect the process, ask questions when needed, and understand that everyone benefits when we build it right the first time.
Got another myth worth busting? Drop it in the thread.
