Permits
Permit Timelines: How Long Does Each Type Take?
Updated June 2025 — Realistic estimates and how to avoid delays
Permit Timeline by Modification Type
| Modification | Permit Application to Approval | Inspection Scheduling | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab bars (wall opening for blocking) | 3–10 business days | 3–10 business days after installation | 2–4 weeks total |
| Permanent wheelchair ramp | 5–15 business days | 3–7 business days after construction | 2–5 weeks total |
| Stair lift (permit-required states) | 5–21 business days | 2–14 business days (elevator inspector) | 3–6 weeks total |
| Roll-in shower conversion | 5–15 business days (plumbing + building) | 3–10 business days | 3–6 weeks total |
| Vertical platform lift | 10–30 business days (elevator permit) | 5–21 business days (state elevator inspector) | 4–10 weeks total |
| Home elevator (new installation) | 15–45 business days | 7–21 business days (state elevator inspector) | 6–16 weeks total |
| Doorway widening | 5–15 business days | 3–7 business days | 2–5 weeks total |
The Most Common Causes of Permit Delays — and How to Avoid Them
Delay 1: Incomplete Application
The single most common cause of delay. Most permit offices return incomplete applications rather than following up. Solution: Call the building department before submitting. Ask exactly what they need for your specific project (drawing, dimensions, contractor info, etc.). Submit everything at once.
Delay 2: Plan Review Backlog
Busy building departments, particularly in high-growth areas, may have plan review queues of 3–6 weeks for residential permits. Solution: Ask about current review times when you call. Some jurisdictions offer expedited review for an additional fee — sometimes worth it for time-sensitive situations.
Delay 3: Elevator Inspector Scheduling
State elevator inspectors are often a bottleneck for stair lift, VPL, and elevator permits. There may be only a few inspectors for an entire state, with scheduling several weeks out. Solution: Call the state elevator division early in the process and ask about inspection scheduling before you even submit your permit application. Some states allow scheduling in advance before the permit is issued.
Delay 4: Failed First Inspection
If an inspection fails, a re-inspection must be scheduled — adding days or weeks. Solution: Use a contractor who has done this specific type of work and this type of inspection before. Ask your contractor: "Have you had this type of work inspected by this jurisdiction? What do they specifically look for?"
Expediting When Needed
If your situation is urgent (returning home from hospital, safety risk), tell your building department or state elevator division explicitly. Most jurisdictions have provisions for expedited review in genuine safety situations. Your VA social worker or a local patient advocate can also help expedite VA HISA-related project permits in some cases.