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Plans & Permits 101: Webinar Wednesday Series

Resources

FAQs & Contact Information

Read more answers to questions about the plans and permits process and find the contact information for the City of Akron and Summit County Building Standards.

What We’ll Cover

Know the Process Before it Slows you Down

Whether you’re opening a storefront, expanding a kitchen, or renovating a space, most projects touch the planning and permitting process long before opening day. This session breaks the process into plain language.

The Planning Process

Learn when to bring in an architect or engineer, how to choose the right general contractor, and what it takes to get your plans approved the first time.

The permit process, step by step

Which permits apply to common small business projects, who issues them, what they cost, and realistic timelines from application to approval.

Common pitfalls & delays

The mistakes that cost owners the most — signing a lease before checking zoning, unpermitted prior work, and skipping the pre-application conversation.

Who to call & where to start

How to work with your city and county building and planning departments, questions to ask up front, and how WRCF can support you along the way.

Who Should Attend

Built for Owners and Leaders

No construction or real estate background needed. If any of these sound like you, this webinar will save you time and money.

Small business owners planning a storefront, expansion, or renovation
Entrepreneurs evaluating a lease or property purchase
Nonprofit leaders considering a facility or capital project
Home-based businesses moving into a commercial space
Community partners who advise small businesses across Northeast Ohio
Anyone who’s heard “you’ll need a permit for that” and wasn’t sure what came next