This is one of the most common questions I get.
When should I actually start the approvals process?
Usually people ask because they are unsure what to do. They are still thinking things through. They don’t want to spend money too early. They are worried about jumping into something they are not ready to deal with yet.
That hesitation is normal.
Approvals sound complicated. They feel heavy. And many people assume approvals come after design.
That assumption is where most projects get into trouble.
Approvals are not a last step
A lot of people think approvals happen once the design is finished.
In reality, approvals shape the design from the very beginning.
Zoning, permitted uses, setbacks, conservation authority requirements, fire access, accessibility, and servicing all affect what can actually be built. If these things are not looked at early, design work often has to be revised or redone.
That is where delays and extra costs show up.
If you are still feeling overwhelmed by the approvals process itself, I walk through why you do not have to navigate it alone in Week 1 of this series. That post focuses on what approvals really involve and why having the right guide matters early.
What starting approvals early actually means
Starting early does not mean final drawings and concrete decisions.
It does not mean hiring a full consultant team.
It does not mean committing to construction.
Early approvals work usually looks like this:
- reviewing zoning and permitted uses
- identifying site constraints
- understanding which approvals apply to your project
- confirming whether a minor variance or rezoning may be needed
This stage is about understanding what is possible. Not producing paperwork.
A pattern I see all the time
Someone comes to me with a solid idea. They have thought it through. They are excited. They are ready to move forward.
Then they say, “We just want to check zoning quickly before we go too far.”
That zoning check often brings up things they were not expecting. Maybe the use is not permitted. Maybe conservation authority approval is required. Maybe access or servicing is an issue.
Nothing is wrong. The idea is not bad.
But now the timeline changes.
When these conversations happen early, they feel manageable. When they happen later, they feel stressful.
So when should you start the approvals process
You should start once your idea feels real enough that you want to know if it is actually viable.
That might be when you are thinking about buying a property. It might be when you want to change the use of an existing building. It might be when you feel stuck and are not sure what the next step is.
You do not need all the answers.
You need clarity.
Why starting early saves time and money
Starting approvals early helps you avoid designing something that cannot be approved.
It helps you understand which consultants you actually need and when.
It helps you set realistic timelines and budgets.
Most importantly, it helps you make decisions based on information instead of assumptions.
The role of the right professional at this stage
At the early stage, you do not need someone to push you faster.
You need someone who understands zoning, building code, and approvals well enough to explain what matters now and what can wait.
You need someone who can translate regulations into clear options so you can make informed decisions.
That early guidance is what keeps projects moving forward instead of getting stuck.
What I hear after early approvals conversations
After an early review, people often say the same thing.
I feel better. I know what I am dealing with now.
That is the goal.
Approvals are not there to stop good projects. They exist to guide how projects move forward.
When they are addressed early, they become part of the process instead of an obstacle.
If you are unsure about your next step
If you are wondering whether it is too early to start the approvals process, it usually means it is the right time to talk.
A short conversation can clarify what needs attention now, what can wait, and what your options are.
Clarity changes everything.
Book a 20 min discovery call with me to get clarity on your project.
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