So, you’ve chosen a Dwelly design and you’re ready to build your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Exciting! But then comes the paperwork. Between gathering documents, filling out forms, and submitting everything to your local building department, the permit process can feel a bit… overwhelming.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. In fact, you can absolutely hire someone to submit your permit for you — and in many cases, it’s a smart move.
Who Can Help with ADU Permit Submissions?
Depending on your situation and municipality, there are several types of professionals who can guide you through the process or take it off your plate entirely:
1. Permit Expeditor
Permit expeditors specialize in navigating local permitting processes — and they’re worth their weight in gold if you’re short on time or patience. They:
- Gather necessary materials like drawings, energy code documentation, and application forms
- Submit the permit on your behalf
- Follow up with building departments and handle revisions
- Stay on top of timelines and municipal quirks
They’re especially helpful if your property is located in a city or town with a notoriously complex or slow-moving permit process.
2. Your Architect or Designer
If you’re working with an architect or builder beyond your Dwelly plan, ask if permit submission is part of their scope. Many full-service firms handle this routinely. At Dwelly, we can connect you with trusted professionals if you need additional help preparing or submitting materials.
3. Your Contractor
In many towns, your general contractor will submit the permit as part of their services. This is common practice for residential projects, and many municipalities require the permit be pulled by a licensed contractor or the homeowner. If you’re working with a design-build team or builder early on, they may already be planning to take this on.
4. Virtual Assistant or Administrative Support
Already have your materials ready and just need someone to fill out forms, upload files, or drop off a packet at City Hall? You can hire an Administrative Assistant to do the legwork — though note that you, as the homeowner, may still need to sign or authorize the final submission.
But Wait — Can Anyone Do This for Me?
That depends on your town or city.
Some municipalities require the permit to be signed or submitted by:
- The property owner
- A licensed contractor
- A Registered Design Professional (for structural changes or complex projects)
Others will allow you to authorize a third party to act on your behalf. This might require a written letter of authorization or a notarized signature. Be sure to check with your local building department before assigning the task.
Situations That May Require More Involvement
While hiring help is great, some parts of the process may still require your participation, especially if:
- You’re applying for a variance or special permit
- You’re within a historic district or special overlay zone
- You’re attending a zoning board hearing (in which case, your architect, land use attorney, or a representative will often join or speak for you)
Pro Tip: The Earlier You Get Help, the Smoother It Goes
It’s one thing to scramble for a permit expeditor after hitting a roadblock. It’s another to bring them in early and avoid the roadblock entirely.
Hiring someone early in the process can help you:
- Catch missing items before submitting
- Flag potential zoning issues
- Plan for timelines more accurately (some towns take weeks or months to review permits)
Need a Hand?
Dwelly can connect you with trusted permit consultants, expeditors and others who understand the ADU process and local requirements. If you’re building in select cities in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, we’re happy to recommend professionals who can take the lead on your behalf — or empower you with step-by-step instructions if you’d rather DIY it.
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