building permit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “building permit” mean?
An official document issued by a local government or planning authority that grants legal permission to construct, alter, or demolish a structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official document issued by a local government or planning authority that grants legal permission to construct, alter, or demolish a structure.
The official authorization process required to ensure that construction plans comply with zoning laws, building codes, safety regulations, and land-use policies before work can commence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both varieties. Minor differences may exist in associated terms: UK might use 'planning permission' for the broader concept of land-use approval, after which a 'building regulations approval' (a more technical/safety permit) is needed. In the US, 'building permit' is the primary, all-encompassing term.
Connotations
In both, it connotes bureaucracy, regulation, and necessary compliance. The US term may be more strongly associated with inspections during construction.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to more prevalent public discourse on private construction and zoning. In UK English, 'planning permission' is a more frequent umbrella term.
Grammar
How to Use “building permit” in a Sentence
[Subject] + apply for + [building permit][Authority] + grant/issue/deny + [building permit] + to + [applicant][Construction] + require + [building permit]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “building permit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They are waiting to be permitted to build.
- The council permitted the development.
American English
- The city hasn't permitted the construction yet.
- To build here, you need to get permitted.
adverb
British English
- Not typically derived. No common adverbial form.
- The build was permit-approved.
American English
- Not typically derived. No common adverbial form.
- They built the deck permit-free (informal, implying illegally).
adjective
British English
- The permit-holding contractor began work.
- The permitted development rights were used.
American English
- The permitted use of the land is residential.
- We hired a fully permitted and insured builder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The project is delayed until we secure the building permit from the city council.
Academic
The study examines the correlation between building permit issuance rates and local economic growth indicators.
Everyday
We can't start the extension until we get the building permit.
Technical
The application must include stamped architectural drawings, soil reports, and fee payments to be considered for a building permit.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “building permit”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “building permit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “building permit”
- *make a building permit (use 'get', 'obtain', 'apply for')
- *building permission (generally incorrect in US English; standard UK phrase is 'planning permission', not 'building permission')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In UK English, 'planning permission' refers to approval for the use and appearance of the land/building. A separate 'building regulations approval' (similar to a technical building permit) covers safety and construction standards. In US English, 'building permit' typically covers both aspects.
It varies greatly by jurisdiction and project complexity, ranging from a few weeks for simple residential projects to many months for large commercial developments.
Consequences can include fines, orders to stop work, being forced to demolish the unauthorized construction, and difficulties in selling the property later.
Yes, most permits have an expiration date (e.g., 6 months to 2 years from issuance) if construction does not start or is abandoned for a period. Extensions can often be applied for.
An official document issued by a local government or planning authority that grants legal permission to construct, alter, or demolish a structure.
Building permit is usually formal / technical in register.
Building permit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪl.dɪŋ ˌpɜː.mɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪl.dɪŋ ˌpɝː.mɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[It's] all signed, sealed, and delivered (for approved permits)”
- “a permit in hand”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PERMIT (a ticket) to enter a BUILDING site. No ticket (permit), no entry to build.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING PERMIT is a KEY to unlocking construction; a GATEKEEPER controlling what gets built.
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is a 'building permit' MOST likely required?