1. Hire well and stay in control. Check references and ask about turnaround times before you hire a contractor, engineer, designer, etc. Seasoned professionals who have worked in Pierce County generally know what is expected of them. Once the permit application process has begun, stay in touch. If your professional is getting applications returned three or more times, something is wrong.

2. Manage your permit application. You can track our progress in processing your permit application at our Online Permit Information Center. Click on 'I Accept' at the Pierce County Welcome Page. Click on the Applications/Permits in the green bar across the top of page. Choose Application Department Status or Application Review History. Enter your permit application number. Pay close attention to the different sections of PALS that are reviewing your application. If you see any falling behind schedule, e-mail the reviewer by clicking on the 'reviewer's name.'

3. Pay a little extra. Planning and Land Services offers third party review of your permit application and staff overtime for many services. Sometimes, paying a little more can save a lot of time.

4. Start smart. Go to www.piercecountywa.org/pals. It's chock full of information about Planning and Land Services. You can also pay us a visit. We have an information-only lobby line to help you through the permit application process. In addition, you can call our permit information phone line at (253) 798-3739. Remember to have your parcel number ready. Commercial customers can set up a pre-development meeting. We also have computer terminals in our lobby for customer use.

5. Apps of steel. Make your application as strong and complete as possible. Do your homework and anticipate questions. The better the application, the faster it gets processed.