When is a permit considered valid?

A permit is considered valid when the fee has been paid. The payment of the permit fee is a critical step in the permitting process, as it typically activates the permit and allows the regulatory authority to begin processing the application. Until the fee is settled, the application remains in limbo, and the necessary reviews or approvals cannot proceed.

While submitting an application is important for initiating the permitting process, it does not make the permit valid on its own. Approval of the site plan is also necessary, but like the application, it occurs after the fee payment. The final inspections are related to the completion of work under the permit rather than its initial validation. Thus, without the payment, the permit cannot be officially recognized as valid, which ultimately allows a contractor to proceed legally with construction activities as specified.