When it comes to starting a new commercial construction project in Nashville, understanding how to navigate the unique challenges of our city is paramount. And when you consider that Nashville sees tens of thousands of permit requests flying through the city each year, getting that approval process right becomes a really big deal for keeping projects on track. That’s why many developers consider hiring a permit expeditor—someone whose sole job is to manage the paperwork, coordinate with city departments, and help get your permits approved faster.
At Crain Construction, with over 90 years of building experience right here in Nashville, we understand the intricacies of local development. We see ourselves as more than builders; we are trusted partners who guide our clients through every stage of their project, starting with crucial early decisions like whether to engage a permit expeditor. Often, our in-house expertise and established processes allow us to manage the permitting process efficiently, negating the need for an external third party.
This article aims to provide commercial developers building in Nashville with a clear understanding of permit expeditors, the key questions to consider if you’re considering an expeditor, and how Crain Construction’s experienced team often handles the permitting process seamlessly for our clients.
The Rise of Permit Expeditors in Nashville
One thing is certain — permitting delays can quickly derail a project if you aren’t prepared. Whether you’re developing a boutique hotel, multi-use property, or large hospitality space, waiting on approvals can stall your schedule, inflate your budget, and create headaches for everyone involved.
Permit expeditors are third-party professionals who handle the administrative tasks and coordination needed to get your building permits approved. They prepare and submit applications, ensure all paperwork complies with local regulations, and follow up with city offices to help avoid delays.
In Nashville, this often means navigating the Metro Department of Codes and Building Safety, zoning, stormwater, and the Fire Marshal. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in developers turning to expeditors, especially for large, complex projects or those with fast-track schedules. Out-of-town investors and teams unfamiliar with Nashville’s permitting process also tend to lean on this resource to help bridge local knowledge gaps.
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Permit Expeditor
If you’re trying to decide whether to bring an expeditor onto your team, here are a few questions to consider:
1. How Complex Is the Project?
If you’re building a small, straightforward structure, your permitting path may be relatively simple. But the more square footage, scope, and systems you add—mechanical, electrical, plumbing—the more coordination is needed. That’s when an expeditor can be a helpful asset.
2. How Critical Is Your Timeline?
Some projects have flexible schedules. Others have deadlines tied to financing, leases, or hotel opening dates. If you’re under pressure to break ground quickly, an expeditor can help avoid weeks of delay by tracking every step of the approval process and responding to feedback quickly.
3. Does Your Team Have the Bandwidth?
Preparing forms, managing uploads, and communicating with city departments takes time. If your architect or contractor already has permitting experience and capacity, you may not need extra help. But if your team is stretched thin, outsourcing the permitting process can save time and prevent mistakes.
4. Are You Familiar with Nashville’s Building Codes and Systems?
Nashville uses an online ePermit system and has its own local code amendments. There are also pre-submittal meeting requirements, plan stamping protocols, and a range of forms that need to be completed just right. An experienced contractor or expeditor should know Nashville’s Building Codes & Zoning Requirements — and the people who work in Metro — at a deep level.
5. What’s the Cost vs. Benefit?
Permit expeditors typically charge an hourly or flat rate based on your project’s complexity. On a multi-million-dollar build, spending a few thousand dollars to save weeks of delay might be a smart investment. On a smaller-scale project, that fee might not be worth it. Either way, get an estimate up front and weigh the value against your overall timeline and risk tolerance.
The Crain Difference: Leveraging Local Expertise
At Crain Construction, our in-house expertise and established processes often streamline permitting, negating the need for a third-party expeditor. Here are three key advantages we offer:
- Decades of Nashville Know-How: Navigating the Metro Maze
Our extensive history in the Nashville market gives us a distinct advantage in navigating the local permitting landscape. Over the decades, we have cultivated deep experience in dealing with Metro Codes, understanding zoning regulations, and navigating all the specific nuances of Nashville’s permitting processes.
- Staying Ahead of the Curve: Our Proactive Permitting Approach
Our dedicated pre-construction team stays informed of Nashville’s evolving codes and maintains strong working relationships with city permitting officials. This often allows us to anticipate potential challenges and address them proactively before they escalate into significant roadblocks.
- A Permitting Partner: Handling the Heavy Lifting
We routinely assist our clients in assembling comprehensive permit packages, scheduling valuable pre-submittal meetings with city officials, and coordinating directly with plan reviewers – essentially performing many of the key functions of a permit expeditor as an integral part of our general contracting services.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
If you have any specific questions about the permitting process or what contractors should know about building in Nashville, we’re happy to answer your questions. Contact us today to learn how our experienced team can guide your next project from concept to completion. We’re here to be your trusted partner in building Nashville’s future.
