SERVICES that bring clarity to California Pre-CONSTRUCTION

You don’t have to FIGURE out California’s permitting maze alone, you just need a TEAM that knows what needs to happen, in what order, and why.

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Your Full Pre-Construction Partner

We help you move from “I want to build” to “We’re ready to submit” with fewer surprises and a clear, strategic path.

Gold Coast Permitting SUPPORTS homeowners, architects, designers, developers, and builders across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties; three of the most complicated permitting environments in the state.

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Every project needs clarity. Not every project needs full-time management. Gold Coast Permitting offers two core ways to get the right level of support.

TWO Ways to Work Together

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Pre-Construction Packets

Clear roadmaps for teams who want to move with confidence.

A Pre-Construction Packet (sometimes called a permit packet) is a modular, project-specific document designed to bring immediate clarity and confidence to any property or project.

In its most streamlined form, a packet includes:

→ A breakdown of the permitting process for that specific project

→ A step-by-step checklist of what needs to happen, in what order

→ Key city or county contacts

→ Common pitfalls and time-savers for that jurisdiction

→ A ballpark estimate of what it will cost to pull the permit

In more robust versions, a packet can also include:

→ Concept plans or preliminary drawings

→ Development options with pros/cons

→ Official recommendations based on zoning and site conditions

→ Timelines and cost comparisons between different approaches

Pre-Construction Packets are ideal for:

→ Real estate agents and their clients evaluating properties with unpermitted work

→ Buyers who want to understand what’s realistically possible before closing

→ Developers and property owners comparing multiple development scenarios on a parcel

→ Capable homeowners or teams who want a clear roadmap and are comfortable executing steps themselves

Request a Packet →
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Full Pre-Construction Management

White-glove management for clients who want a professional team handling everything.

For projects where time, experience, and peace of mind are top priorities. In these engagements, Gold Coast Permitting acts as the central hub for the entire pre-construction phase.

As your team, you can expect us to help you:

→ Coordinate drafting, architecture, and engineering

→ Manage city and county permitting processes

→ Align consultants, agencies, and timelines

→ Oversee milestones so the project moves steadily toward approval

While any project might qualify, full-service management is best suited for clients who:

→ Want professionals to handle the details so they don’t have to

→ Value a cohesive team more than “doing it themselves”

→ Are willing to trust the process and let the experts do their jobs

Pre-Construction Management is ideal for:

→ Busy homeowners who don’t have time to manage a complex process

→ Out-of-town owners needing a local pre-construction quarterback

→ Developers and investors with firm timelines and multiple stakeholders

→ High-end or higher-risk projects where missteps are costly

Request a Proposal →

How the PROCESS Works

Whether you’re working from a Permit Packet or in a full-service engagement, we can help you bring structure, clarity, and intention to every step of the pre-construction process. Every project follows the same strategic sequence. The difference lies in how far we take it with you.

Project Intake & Site Review

Every project begins with a conversation and an initial feasibility check.

After an introductory call, we review the property, gather key information, and assess site conditions. When applicable, a site walk is scheduled to understand constraints, opportunities, and jurisdictional requirements.

At this stage, clients receive a high-level outline of the likely process, requirements, and realistic expectations for timeline and scope.

mobilization, Planning & early design Review

Next, we move the project from concept into a coordinated plan ready for agency review.

During this phase, we handle:

Preliminary drafting and layout planning, identification of required consultants and reports, early coordination across planning, zoning, and code requirements, and preparation of all materials needed for submittals.

This upfront coordination aligns the entire project and eliminates the inefficiencies that typically cause months of delays later.

Permit Mobilization and Building Review

With early planning complete, the project is prepared for formal submission.

All critical groundwork has been completed… plans are aligned with jurisdictional requirements, necessary documentation has been identified, and the project is positioned to move smoothly through agency review.

For full-service clients, we continue through the Building Department review process as needed. We submit planning-approved plans alongside completed engineering sets, track agency feedback, and coordinate all corrections with speed and precision.

Approvals &  Construction handoff

Once all corrections are resolved and agencies are satisfied, the permit is ready to issue.

For clients already working with licensed contractors, this is typically the handoff point. For full-service clients, Gold Coast Permitting can assist with inspection scheduling and final details to ensure a clean transition into construction.

The result is a project that reaches construction without unnecessary surprises, confusion, or lost time.

FAQs & What to EXPECT

  • It depends on the scope and jurisdiction, but for most medium-sized projects, 4–6 months is a realistic expectation. Smaller projects may move in as little as 2 months, while very large or complex projects can take longer, especially when outside consultants or out-of-town teams are involved.

    Gold Coast Permitting can’t control agency speed, but it can control how prepared your project is when it reaches a reviewer’s desk.

  • Yes. Gold Coast Permitting works with:

    • Homeowners and buyers

    • Real estate agents and their clients

    • Developers and investors

    • Architects, designers, and builders

    During a complimentary consultation, the team helps determine what’s most valuable for each client, time, money, or experience, and recommends either a Pre-Construction Packet or Full Pre-Construction Management accordingly.

  • Gold Coast Permitting is not a fit for projects where:

    • Clients are unwilling to follow municipal rules

    • There’s an expectation of “miracle” results on impossible timelines

    • Clients want to override the professional team at every step

    The best results come when clients understand they’ve hired a specialized team and are willing to let that team do its work.

  • Pre-Construction Packets:

    • Start around $1,000 for streamlined packets

    • Approximately $2,500 for robust packets

    • Approximately $3,500 for robust packets that include plans

    Full-Service Pre-Construction Management:

    • Flat rates based on the type of permit and scope

    • Drafting is billed on a time-and-materials retainer

    • Engineering and other subs are billed at cost + 10%

    All pricing is discussed transparently after an initial call so clients know what to expect before moving forward.

  • Absolutely. Gold Coast Permitting frequently plugs into existing teams, especially architects who want additional drafting support and permit management so they can focus on design.

    The only caveat: if outside consultants are not part of GCP’s regular network, the team can’t guarantee the same level of timeline control. However, they will still coordinate as efficiently as possible.

  • Usually just three things:

    • Project address

    • Scope of work (what you want to build or change)

    • Any existing plans or reports, if available

    From there, the team compiles the rest.

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Ready to get your PROJECT moving?

Whether you’re evaluating a property, planning a renovation, or preparing a larger development, Gold Coast Permitting can help you move forward with clarity, realistic expectations, and a plan that respects your time and budget.

Gold Coast Permitting was built to solve a real problem, not just maximize billable hours. Even if you’re not ready for a full engagement, you’re welcome to reach out with questions. A few minutes of guidance upfront can often prevent months of frustration later.