Symbium handles compliance checks and permit submission across a wide range of project types, taking into account the code and procedural requirements of your city or county based on your specific scope of work. Workflows and requirements may vary across jurisdictions.
This article explains the different workflow types and what to expect from each.
Check Your Project Workflow
Each project includes a tag describing the workflow for that project type -- either Instant Permit, Express Permit, or Approval Document. Jurisdictions decide which workflow to enable for each project type.
- Instant Permit. Symbium handles the permit submission directly with the city or county on your behalf.
- Express Permit. Symbium generates an instant approval. You are responsible for taking additional steps to obtain the actual permit. The permit submission itself happens outside of Symbium.
- Approval Document. Symbium delivers your application package directly to the jurisdiction. The jurisdiction will contact you with next step instructions to pay the permit fees and obtain the permit directly from them.
Instant Permit Workflow
If your project has an Instant Permit workflow, Symbium submits the permit application to the city or county on your behalf after conducting compliance checks. The next steps depend on how the city or county receives and processes Symbium applications.
Direct permit creation on the jurisdiction's permit portal
In most cases, Symbium creates a permit record directly in the city or county's permit portal and provides you with a link to your permit. You will see an Action Required screen with your permit number and a button to pay the city's permitting fees and get your permit issued.
Symbium does not track the status of your permit after it has been created. Once your permit record exists in the city or county's system, follow up directly through their permit portal for any status updates.
Symbium collects permitting fees on the city or county's behalf
In some jurisdictions, Symbium collects both its own service fees and the city's permit fees in a single payment. When this applies, your permit is issued directly as the final step.
Delayed issuance – action may be required
In some jurisdictions, Symbium creates your permit record immediately but continues to monitor your application status for a period after creation. Symbium tracks whether any outstanding fees or actions are needed and sends you reminders if so.
After the final reminder, you will need to manually confirm issuance. You will see an Issue Now button on your application.
Do not wait for the reminders. Taking action early keeps the process moving and avoids delays in your permit being issued.
City or county portal connectivity issues
Sometimes the city or county's permit portal may be temporarily unavailable when Symbium attempts to create your permit record. Depending on the extent of the issue, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours for the permit to be created and for you to receive your confirmation.
No action is needed from you. Symbium will notify you as soon as your permit record has been created. If you are waiting longer than expected, contact support with your jurisdiction and permit number.
Express Permit Workflow
If your project has an Express Permit workflow, Symbium sends the application package directly to the city or county and copies you on the email. The jurisdiction will follow up with next steps, typically including a link to pay permit fees and issue the permit after payment is received.
If you have questions about the status of your application or next steps, contact your jurisdiction directly.
Approval Document Workflow
If your project has an Approval Document workflow, Symbium conducts the relevant code and procedural requirement verifications, including compliance checks, contractor license verification, business license status, and jurisdiction-specific rules.
Symbium then generates an approval document confirming your project qualifies for accelerated permit issuance. Your next steps will be included with the document. Typically you will be required to access the jurisdiction's permit portal directly, apply for the permit, and upload your Symbium approval document.