From permits to progress: how cities and developers can move faster together

Permitting delays are rarely about rules. They’re about assumptions.

Cities assume consultants understand local ordinances. Consultants assume cities interpret codes consistently. Developers assume timelines are predictable. All three are usually wrong.

What actually speeds up approvals?

• Early clarification, not late revisions

• One point of coordination instead of five parallel conversations

• Clear ownership of review comments

REF events consistently show that when cities explain how they review — not just what they require — developers design smarter from day one.

This isn’t about bypassing process. It’s about respecting it enough to engage properly.

When cities and private teams treat each other as partners instead of obstacles, progress becomes the default.