Construction Time Limit

Belvedere’s Construction Time Limit (CTL) provisions are designed to encourage the timely completion of construction projects and reduce adverse impacts on neighborhoods. CTLs place reasonable time constraints on the duration of all construction projects, balancing the needs of the project owner with those of their neighbors and the broader community.

In May 2024, the City Council updated the City’s CTL provisions. Building permits issued prior to June 13, 2024, are still subject to the previous Construction Time Limit Ordinances in effect at the time of permit issuance.

Length of Permit

The Planning Commission assigns a construction time limit based on project valuation, allowing building permit terms from six months to two years.

The initial building permit is issued to match the length of the CTL set by the Planning Commission. If a construction project is not complete as the expiration date of the initial permit approaches, a permit holder must apply for a permit extension.

Permit Extensions

The first extension is equal to one-third of the original permit length and requires payment of a reactivation charge equal to the original construction permit fee before work can continue beyond the initial permit expiration date. If a permit is not extended by the permit expiration date, the Building Official will notify the permit holder in writing and issue a Stop Work Order.

Beyond this extension, if more time is required, a second extension equal to one-third of the original permit length requires payment of a reactivation charge equal to three times the original construction permit fee before work can continue beyond this first permit extension.

If the project is still not complete within the time described above, the Building Official will issue a Stop Work Order and the permit holder is required to appear before the City Council to seek a further extension. The City Council may impose reactivation charges up to five times the original construction permit fee to reactivate the Permit and may also mandate a change in management or any other condition deemed appropriate to bring the project to a timely completion.

30-Day Grace Period

In addition to these extensions, at or near the end of a construction project, the permittee may seek one completion extension of up to thirty days, without payment of additional charges or penalties. This is a continuation of Belvedere’s current policy to allow projects a ‘grace’ period to finish up the project without requiring a full-length extension. The Building Official may grant this completion extension if the project is in good standing and can demonstrate imminent completion.

Construction Time Limit Resources

• Municipal Code 20.04.030
• Construction Time Limit Ordinance ((For Permits Issued Prior to June 13, 2024)
• Permit Extension Application