For people who are not used to applying for building permits before in their lives, building permits can be a night mare. There is no way that a person new to applying building permits can manage to obtain permits for a building without the help of a person who has already obtain permits of another building. If this person with no knowledge about building permits sets out to get one on her own, then she is most probably going to loose a considerable amount of time before even reaching half way to obtain one.
There are no books that direct one to apply for building permits. Since all departments have a certain way to let users apply for permits, it becomes impossible for one person to be expert in applying permits everywhere. There are multiple forms associated with different projects. The complexity of the application caries with the kind of the project. Permits need to be applied for small things such as roofing, upgrades, plumbing and re-moderation. A few areas do not require permits to concrete the patio. But you will have to find out if your area department lets you do this on your own. Many departments have phone based enquiry systems that answer all the questions of people. Of you do have to get a permit, then you have to get to the office. There is no way that you can do this sitting in front of your computer using the internet. Our public departments have not obtained internet connections yet. When filling applications, you need to be specific about everything and not let anything half filled or empty. This will lead to your form being rejected. You will have to submit the form with all the other documents on time. The permit will take time to come depending on the complexity of the permit and also to a large extent the department.