Permit ZIP

Permit ZIP We are committed to simplifying the permit process for commercial and multi-family electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.

Optimizing CRE MEP Design | Hosts of The Blueprint Tour Podcast (http://thebptour.com)

09/10/2026

Where does the sewer actually go?

That was one of the questions during this site survey.

We found the manhole. Then a cleanout. Then started looking at the possibilities: where the bathrooms and kitchen sit, what we could observe around the neighboring spaces, and how those field conditions line up with the available drawings and project information.

Can we see the piping underground? No.

But every clue helps us better understand what we're working with.

Sometimes MEP engineering starts at the desk with drawings. Other times, you need to get outside and see how the pieces line up in the field.

Another day in the field.

Survey day in Richmond, VA. Existing church building adding some classrooms. Let us know if you need help with MEP engin...
09/08/2026

Survey day in Richmond, VA. Existing church building adding some classrooms. Let us know if you need help with MEP engineering drawings!

09/03/2026

Here are some things and electrical engineer is looking for when they’re on a site visit. This is from a recent PermitZIP site visit in Virginia Beach.

A look inside the existing electrical service during a recent site survey in Richmond, Virginia.This setup has 3/0 coppe...
09/03/2026

A look inside the existing electrical service during a recent site survey in Richmond, Virginia.

This setup has 3/0 copper conductors feeding a 200A fused disconnect. On the load side, we found two sets of 3/0 copper conductors leaving the disconnect, one feeding the adjacent panel and another running to a separate disconnect.

Existing buildings often have electrical systems that have been added to or modified over time. Opening up the equipment and documenting what’s there gives us a much better picture of the existing setup.

Need MEP engineering for your next renovation or tenant improvement?
Let’s talk.

Sometimes the small things on a site visit tell you a lot.At a recent survey in Virginia Beach, we documented this exist...
09/01/2026

Sometimes the small things on a site visit tell you a lot.

At a recent survey in Virginia Beach, we documented this existing rooftop gas regulator and the piping serving the HVAC equipment.

When working with an existing building, details like regulator type, gas pressure, pipe size, and equipment demand all matter.

That’s why we get on the roof and verify what’s actually there.

Need MEP engineering for a renovation or existing building project?
PermitZIP can help you figure out what you’re working with.

Survey day! ⚡️💧⚙️ let us know if you need help with MEP engineering plans
08/28/2026

Survey day! ⚡️💧⚙️ let us know if you need help with MEP engineering plans

3 surveys in one day for some upcoming PermitZIP projects! Never know what you’re going to find hiding under breaker cov...
08/05/2026

3 surveys in one day for some upcoming PermitZIP projects! Never know what you’re going to find hiding under breaker covers

Recent survey for a church conversion project.One of the first things we looked at was the existing electrical service. ...
08/03/2026

Recent survey for a church conversion project.

One of the first things we looked at was the existing electrical service. The building is served by a Federal Pacific switchboard, which has a long history of reliability and safety concerns.

In cases like this, reusing the existing equipment usually isn't the best long-term solution. Replacing the switchboard helps improve safety, reliability, and reduces future maintenance concerns.

Planning a renovation or adaptive reuse project? Let's talk about how PermitZIP can support your MEP design.

Unpopular opinion: exposed ductwork isn’t that bad.Don’t burn the HVAC budget trying to hide ductwork and equipment if t...
07/21/2026

Unpopular opinion: exposed ductwork isn’t that bad.

Don’t burn the HVAC budget trying to hide ductwork and equipment if that money could be spent on features that actually protect the building: dehumidification, equipment staging, etc

A pretty ceiling is nice. A building that stays comfortable, dry, and mold-free is better.

Most people flip straight to the drawings. Not many spend time reading the specs.The plans show what gets installed. The...
06/26/2026

Most people flip straight to the drawings. Not many spend time reading the specs.

The plans show what gets installed. The specifications explain how it gets approved, coordinated, fabricated, and installed.

Submittals and shop drawings aren't just paperwork. They're there to catch conflicts before they turn into costly field changes.

A clean install isn't always the right install if the process was skipped.
The drawings and specs were written to work together.

Address

1212 Westover Hills Boulevard
Richmond, VA
23225

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(833) 896-9335

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