Mass timber has revitalized the construction industry’s appetite for sustainable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing structures in both residential and commercial applications. Its benefits when compared to materials like steel and dimensional lumber are winning over architects, builders, and homeowners alike, with new projects beginning every day.
However, as mass timber construction’s popularity has grown, its permitting process has continually changed due to evolving codes, jurisdictional differences in regulations, and emerging industry standards. Let’s explore the steps to consider when obtaining permits before a shovel ever touches the dirt.
First, Build Your Team
Assembling a project team experienced in building with mass timber is crucial, not only for high-quality design and construction but also for effective communication with permitting authorities. Team members already familiar with applicable codes and regulations of the site’s jurisdiction offer a key advantage at this stage — especially if they already have professional relationships with local officials, which may make the permit process smoother.
Research & Design
Zoning laws, building codes, fire safety regulations, and other standards can vary between counties, municipalities, and townships. By researching and understanding the ones that affect your project, you can alter designs as necessary to help clear these initial hurdles.
The International Building Code (IBC) is critical in determining whether your project complies with safety and performance requirements. In 2024, the IBC increased allowances regarding fire safety and building height for mass timber construction — however, not all municipalities have adopted this version, and some may still be operating under older codes.
Generally, mass timber buildings must meet specific requirements pertaining to:
- Fire Resistance: Mass timber’s charring behavior provides inherent fire resistance, but additional measures, like encasement or sprinklers, may be required.
- Structural Performance: Plans must demonstrate that the structure meets load-bearing requirements, including its strength against wind, seismic forces, and snow loads.
- Acoustics: Proper detailing is necessary to meet soundproofing standards, particularly in multifamily or commercial buildings.
- Energy Efficiency: Mass timber projects often aim for high sustainability standards, such as LEED or Passive House certification, which may impact design and material selection.
Providing detailed documentation that addresses these factors can help expedite the review process.
Engage with Local Authorities
To help mitigate permit problems, work with officials early on. They can clarify code interpretations specific to mass timber. You can address concerns about things like fire resistance and structural integrity to build their confidence in your project.
After you submit the permit application, the review stage can take weeks or even months. Building a rapport with permitting officials may streamline the approval process and move your application through more quickly.
Submit the Application
When the design is finalized, you’ll submit the permit application to the relevant local authority, typically a building department or planning commission. The documents will be scrutinized for adherence to codes, zoning laws, environmental regulations, and other criteria.
Permitting authorities require detailed documentation to evaluate the safety and compliance of your project. Completing it thoroughly shows due diligence and reduces the likelihood of requests for more information. A complete submission package typically includes:
- Architectural and structural drawings
- Engineering calculations and reports
- Fire safety analyses
- Material specifications, including third-party certifications for mass timber components like cross-laminated timber (CLT) or glue-laminated timber (glulam)
- Construction management plans addressing moisture control, material handling, and assembly processes
If issues arise, the officials may ask you to revise your plans. Once their review is complete and they are satisfied, permits will be issued, including those for building, electrical, plumbing, and so on — and with those in hand, construction may officially begin.
Trust the Process
The permitting process for mass timber projects requires a fine attention to detail, deep research, and a thorough understanding of local codes. A skilled team with the relevant experience and knowledge is important, as they will need to communicate with permitting authorities if revisions to the building plans are required.
As more jurisdictions gain experience with mass timber and adopt updated codes, the permit process will likely become more streamlined and universal. In turn, we predict even broader adoption of mass timber as a smart, sustainable building material.
Before starting your timber build, contact Mid-Atlantic Timberframes to speak with an expert and learn more about the permitting process. We’ve worked on hundreds of timber structures across the US and have a deep knowledge of regional and local regulations and requirements.