Five Steps to Managing Permit Processing Gridlock
Navigating the permitting process for large-scale broadband projects can be daunting due to the lack of standardization and varying lead times across different regions. To help streamline this process and avoid gridlock, CHR Solutions offers these five essential steps:
1. Build Strong Relationships
A key strategy in managing permit processing is establishing and maintaining strong relationships with permitting entities. Trust and familiarity can significantly expedite the approval process.
Actionable Tip:
Engage with local permitting authorities early and often. Make personal visits, shake hands, ask questions, even ask advice. This will help ensure they know who you are and what your project entails. The more familiar they are with your team and your track record, the smoother the process will be.
2. Leverage Technology
Using technology effectively can help track and manage the permitting process. While traditional methods like Excel spreadsheets can be functional, modern dashboards provide a real-time, graphical representation of permit statuses, making it easier to identify and address bottlenecks. CHR Solutions Permitting Dashboard helps users manage and track permit information in real-time so they can make informed decisions regarding the planning and designing of their networks.
Actionable Tip:
Implement permit tracking dashboards that integrate location data with project details. This not only provides a clear view of where each permit stands but also facilitates proactive management by sending reminders to others about upcoming deadlines, and tracking progress in real-time.
3. Maintain Transparency
Transparency with permitting authorities about the scope and timeline of your project can prevent misunderstandings and delays. By sharing your complete project plan, including future phases, you help authorities anticipate their workload and resource requirements.
Actionable Tip:
Communicate your entire project scope upfront, encouraging the authorities to ask questions, even if some phases are months or years away. This helps authorities plan their resources and reduces the chances of unexpected delays.
4. Be Proactive and Prepared
Proactivity is crucial in managing permits. Reach out to permitting entities well in advance, understand their requirements, and prepare all necessary documentation meticulously. Being proactive also means following up on submitted permits regularly to ensure they are moving through the process as expected.
Actionable Tip:
Set up regular cadence meetings with permitting authorities and your internal teams. These meetings can be weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the project size, and are crucial for addressing roadblocks, answering questions, and keeping the process on track.
5. Plan for Contingencies
Despite your best efforts, delays can happen, so be sure to incorporate buffer periods into your project timelines based on historical data and specific entity requirements. All this can mitigate the impact of unforeseen delays. Understanding typical lead times for different types of permits and building those into your schedule is essential.
Actionable Tip:
Create a detailed project schedule that includes buffer periods for different permit types. For example, if a railroad permit typically takes six months, start the application process as early as possible and plan other activities around this timeline. Adjust these buffers as you gather more data and see how the actual timelines unfold.
Managing permit gridlock requires a combination of relationship building, effective use of technology, transparency, proactive communication, and meticulous planning. By following these steps, broadband service providers can navigate the complexities of the permitting process more efficiently, ensuring their projects stay on track and within budget. At CHR Solutions, we leverage our extensive experience across the US to help our clients manage these challenges and achieve successful project outcomes.
Ready to streamline your permitting process and avoid gridlock? Contact CHR Solutions today to learn how our expertise and advanced Permitting Dashboard can help you manage your broadband projects efficiently and effectively.