Permit approval is one of the biggest questions customers have before ordering a metal building. Many buyers want to move forward with their project but hesitate because they’re unsure what happens if the local building department does not approve their plans. The thought of placing a deposit before receiving permit approval can create unnecessary stress.
This guide explains what a permit denial actually means, what options you have after a denial, and how your deposit is protected through the Direct Metal Structures permit denial clause.
Key Highlights
- A permit denial doesn’t automatically void your entire deposit.
- DMS provides engineered plans needed for permit submissions, but customers handle the local permit application process.
- A qualifying refund requires a documented full property permit denial from the local building authority.
- Cancelling an order before receiving an official permit denial may result in forfeiture of the deposit.
- Many permit issues can be resolved through adjustments to building placement, design, or documentation.
- Buyers may have options including a partial refund, project credit, or redesigned building plan.
- Taking a few steps before ordering can greatly reduce the risk of permit complications.
Planning before you order? Review your design, site, and permit questions with DMS before moving forward. Design Your Building or call 888-277-7950.
Does a Permit Denial Mean You Lose Your Deposit?
A permit denial does not automatically mean that you lose your full deposit. Direct Metal Structures understands that permit requirements can vary by county, and unexpected issues can occasionally occur during the approval process. That is why DMS includes a permit denial clause designed to provide protection when a qualifying permit denial occurs.
In most cases, deposits are non-refundable because work begins immediately after an order is placed. However, to qualify for a refund under the permit denial clause, the following conditions must be met:
You Must Exhaust the Permit Process
The denial must be a documented “full property permit denial” issued directly by your local building department. This means the county or permitting authority has reviewed the application and determined that the property cannot accommodate the structure based on applicable requirements.
No Cancellation Prior to Denial
If you cancel your order before receiving and documenting a qualifying permit denial from the county, the permit denial clause does not apply. Customers must complete the permit process and provide the required documentation before requesting consideration under the clause.
Obtaining Engineered Plans
Direct Metal Structures does not submit or pull permits on behalf of customers. However, DMS provides the required engineered plans and documentation needed to support your permit application and help move the approval process forward.
Why Metal Building Permits Get Denied
Metal building permits are often denied because of property-specific requirements rather than problems with the structure itself. Counties review factors such as placement, zoning, engineering documents, and property restrictions before approving a project.
Understanding the most common issues can help buyers prepare before submitting their application.
Setback and Zoning Violations
One of the most common reasons for permit delays or denials involves setback requirements. Local zoning rules may require a building to be a certain distance from property lines, roads, easements, or existing structures. Before ordering, it’s important to confirm where your building can legally be placed on your property.
Missing or Incomplete Engineering Documents
Many counties require stamped engineering documents before approving a metal structure. Missing information, incomplete plans, or incorrect documentation can prevent approval until the required materials are submitted.
Site Plan Errors or Incomplete Submissions
A permit application is only as strong as the information included with it. Incorrect measurements, missing property details, or incomplete site plans can slow down the approval process. Reviewing submission requirements with your local building department beforehand can help prevent avoidable issues.
HOA and Deed Restriction Conflicts
Some properties have additional rules beyond county requirements. Homeowners associations, deed restrictions, or neighborhood covenants may limit the size, appearance, or location of additional structures.
What to Do Right After Getting a Permit Denial
Receiving a permit denial letter can be frustrating but having a clear process on what to do next makes the following steps much easier. Instead of immediately making changes or cancelling the project, review the denial carefully and understand what the building department is requesting.
Follow these steps to determine the best path forward:
Step 1 - Read the Denial Letter Before You Do Anything Else
The denial letter should explain why the permit was not approved. Review the listed reasons carefully and determine whether the issue relates to building placement, documentation, zoning, or another requirement.
Step 2 - Contact DMS Before Taking Any Other Action
Before making changes to your order, contact Direct Metal Structures. The DMS team can help you understand your available options and determine whether adjustments to your project may resolve the issue.
Making changes without discussing them first may limit available solutions.
Step 3 - Know Your Three Paths Forward
After reviewing the denial, there are generally three possible directions:
- Adjust the project to meet county requirements.
- Modify the building design or location.
- Review refund or credit options under the permit denial clause.
The right solution depends on your property, permit requirements, and the reason for denial.
Before cancelling your order, talk through your options. DMS may be able to help you review a redesigned layout, adjusted location, or next-step documentation path. Call 888-277-7950 before making changes.
How DMS Handles Permit Denials and Your Deposit
The DMS permit denial clause outlines what documentation is needed and what options may be available after a qualifying denial:
What Triggers the Permit Denial Clause
The permit denial clause is triggered by a written permit denial letter issued by the county or local building authority. A verbal denial, delayed application, incomplete submission, or a decision by the customer not to apply for a permit does not trigger the clause on its own. A written denial document is required to review the situation under the terms of the agreement.
Keeping official documentation from your permitting authority is an important part of the process.
Fees Earned at Time of Order - What This Means for Your Deposit
When a deposit is placed, a portion of that fee covers services that begin immediately. This may include design work, engineering review, processing, and order administration. These services are performed at the time of purchase and are considered non-refundable regardless of the final permit outcome.
The remaining portion of the deposit is the amount that may apply toward refund or credit options under the permit denial clause. For complete details regarding your specific agreement, contact Direct Metal Structures at 888-277-7950 or review your DMS purchase agreement.
Refund, Credit, or Redesign - Your Three Outcomes
After a qualifying permit denial, buyers typically have three possible paths:
Partial Refund of the Refundable Deposit Portion
If the property cannot accommodate any version of the ordered building, the refundable portion of the deposit may be considered for return according to the agreement terms.
Credit Toward a Redesigned or Relocated Order
If the project can be adjusted, the deposit may be applied toward a modified building plan, different placement, or updated design.
Modified Order That Meets County Requirements
In many cases, a building can move forward with changes that satisfy local requirements. Adjusting dimensions, location, or design details may allow the permit process to continue.
These options are best discussed with DMS before ordering so buyers understand the available solutions before any permit concerns arise.
How to Lower Your Permit Risk Before You Order
While permit requirements vary by location, taking a few proactive steps can make the process smoother. A little preparation before placing your order can help identify potential concerns and give you a clearer understanding of what your property requires.
Contact your county building department before ordering
Ask what documentation is required for a metal structure of your intended size and use.
Confirm your setback requirements before selecting a building location
Required distances from property lines, roads, and neighboring structures vary depending on county rules and zoning classifications.
Ask whether engineer-certified plans are required
DMS offers engineer-certified building options that include stamped documentation commonly required for permit submissions.
Review your deed and HOA bylaws before ordering
Restrictions may affect the type, size, or appearance of structures allowed on your property.
Confirm that your property survey information is current
If your property was recently purchased or newly developed, verify that the county has the necessary site information on file.
Call DMS at 888-277-7950 before ordering if you have permit questions
The DMS team can help you understand what is typically required and guide you through the ordering process.
For extra planning help, review this metal building project checklist before finalizing your site, layout, and documentation.
Why Choose Direct Metal Structures for Your Metal Building Project
Direct Metal Structures is your trusted source for metal buildings, metal carports, metal garages, and custom steel structures. Our designs are customizable for any residential, commercial, and agricultural application, and every structure is engineered with your local building code requirements in mind.
When you work with DMS, you receive:
- Professionally engineered metal building options
- Permit-supporting documentation when required
- Customizable sizes, layouts, and designs
- Included Delivery and Installation
- Structures built for durability and long-term performance
- Support throughout the ordering process
Whether you already know what you need or are still exploring options, DMS makes it easier to design a building that fits your property. Call us today at 888-277-7950 or use our 3D Designer to begin creating your metal building on your own.
Need payment flexibility while planning your building? Review DMS metal building financing options or explore Rent-To-Own metal buildings before you finalize your order.
Conclusion
A permit denial does not have to mean the end of your metal building project. In many situations, permit issues can be resolved through updated documentation, a modified design, or a different building location.
Direct Metal Structures created the permit denial clause to provide customers with a clearer understanding of their options. By preparing ahead of time, reviewing local requirements, and staying connected with the DMS team, you can move forward with your metal building project with none of the anxiety.
Your Questions, Answered
1.
What happens to my deposit if my metal building permit is denied?
Answer: A permit denial does not automatically result in losing your entire deposit. If the denial meets the requirements outlined in the DMS permit denial clause, available options may include a refund of the refundable portion, a project credit, or a redesigned order.
2.
Do I need a permit for a metal building on my property?
Answer: Yes, in most cases. Permit requirements depend on your location, building size, intended use, and local regulations.
3.
Can DMS provide engineer-certified plans to support my permit application?
Answer: Yes. DMS offers engineer-certified building options that include documentation commonly required for permit submissions.
4.
What is the most common reason a metal building permit gets denied?
Answer: Common reasons include setback issues, zoning restrictions, incomplete documentation, site plan errors, and conflicts with HOA or deed restrictions.
