Once the Building Department receives a complete application, we are obligated to review or deny the permit within 20 business days -- but in most cases it is much sooner. The review time depends upon the scope and complexity of the proposed work, the number of subcodes (building, electric, fire protection & plumbing) that need to review it, the quality of the submission, along with whatever applications are ahead of yours waiting to be reviewed. If your project requires Zoning, Engineering, Tree Preservation, Historic Preservation, or any other approvals, these must all be approved/obtained before the 20-business day clock starts in the Building Department.