Self-Certified Architect

Self-certification architect programs in cities like North Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as Clark County’s Permit Now Program, empower certified licensed architects, like Sheldon Colen, to expedite the permitting process by allowing them to certify their projects’ compliance with applicable codes and regulations. This approach significantly reduces traditional plan review times, enabling construction to commence more swiftly. This is fantastic news for owners and contractors looking to start immediately and who want to yield a faster ROI for their development projects, big or small. Why would you want to hire a Self-Certified Architect, like Sheldon Colen, keep reading…

Self-Certification City of North Las Vegas: Plans in 4 days

Licensed architects are authorized to self-certify eligible projects, such as interior alterations, tenant build-outs, and new commercial constructions. This initiative accelerates the permitting process, allowing construction to begin concurrently with the city’s due diligence, thereby reducing project timelines and associated costs.

The Self-Certification Program allows registered professionals, like local Las Vegas Architect Sheldon Colen, to bypass the normal plan review process and get permits in four (4) working days. Professionals must meet minimum qualifications and attend a Self-Certification training class. They must be registered as an architect or structural engineer for at least three years in Nevada. Civil engineers can complete onsite civil commercial/ industrial improvement plans.

North Las Vegas Self Certification- Project Eligibility

Project scope of work must comply with the Self-Certification Program Eligibility Chart. Eligible building plan projects include new construction of commercial buildings with occupied floors less than 55 feet above Fire Department access, Residential model home complexes, Interior alterations, and tenant build-outs of business, mercantile, factory, some assembly, and storage. Fire Sprinkler plans are designed by a Fire Protection Engineer.

* https://www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/business/self-certification

 

Self-Certification City of Phoenix: Plans in 1-5 days

The self-certification program allows registered professionals, like local Scottsdale Architect Sheldon Colen, to bypass traditional plan reviews by certifying their projects’ adherence to building codes, standards, and ordinances. Depending on the project’s scope, permits can be issued within one to five business days. Successful completion of self-certification training from the Planning & Development Department is required. The training reinforces that the participant is fully responsible for all aspects of a self-certification project including the plan review and compliance with the Phoenix Building construction code. The professional must also be registered in Arizona for at least three years.

Phoenix Self-Certified Architect- Project Eligibility

Eligible projects include most buildings over 25,000 square feet and many new buildings and construction and alterations with exceptions for hazardous occupancies, high rise over seventy-five’ extra-large assembly occupancies, and FEMA floodplain hazard areas. The program also includes inventory, salvage, landscape and parking lot plans by landscape architects, and grading and drainage and parking lot plans by civil engineers.

To qualify, building plans must be submitted by a certified, licensed, and registered architect or professional structural engineer. Parking lot sites plans can also receive certification by an architect, landscape architect or civil engineer. A professional civil engineer can only submit civil grading and drainage plans. A landscape architect can only submit landscape plans. Audit guidelines are in place pending the project scope. While some projects are subject to a random audit, others are in a category of automatic audit.

*https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd/self-certification-program

Self-Certified Architect Clark County’s Permit Now Program: Plans in about a week

Self-Certified Architect – Permit Now: This voluntary alternative enables a single Registered Design Professional (RDP) involved in a project’s design to take responsibility for code compliance, attesting that the construction documents meet the Building Code of Clark County. Eligible projects encompass various construction types. By participating, architects can bypass the traditional plan review process, obtaining permits more rapidly and expediting project initiation, in about a weeks time.

The Permit Now programs delegate responsibility to trained and certified architects, like Sheldon Colen, streamlining the approval process and facilitating faster project delivery. As with the self-certification processes from Phoenix and North Las Vegas, professionals must be licensed for 3 years or more, certified and must accept responsibility for code compliance of all work disciplines appropriate to their licensure. Sheldon Colen is one of seven permit now certified professionals in Clark County. Very few architects seek this certification.

Clark County Self Certification- Commercial Project Eligibility

Eligible project types may include New commercial buildings less than 25,000 sf. Commercial alterations (tenant improvements) have no area limitations. Projects requiring a grease interceptor, with prior stamped approval by the sanitation purveyor. (CCWRD) Projects requiring a Fire Protection Report, which results in a finding of “no substantial work” or “no effect.” Projects requiring a Tenant Improvement Fire Protection Report, which results in a finding of “no substantial work” or “no effect.” Exclusions include high-rise buildings and certain specialized structures.

Clark County Self-Certification- Multi-family and Residential Project Eligibility

Multi-family residential buildings constructed under the IRC. Non-sprinklered single family homes are less than 3,600 sf. Sprinklered single family homes that are less than 8,000 sf. Townhomes are excluded.

*https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/building___fire_prevention/plan_review/plan_review_timelines.php

Self-Certified Architect- SCA Design Your Go-To Firm

Self-certification programs in North Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Clark County’s Permit Now Program provide a significant advantage for developers, contractors, and property owners by accelerating the permitting process and reducing project timelines. By leveraging the expertise of certified professionals like Sheldon Colen, these programs enable faster approvals, ensuring projects break ground sooner while maintaining strict adherence to building codes and safety standards. Whether it’s commercial construction, tenant build-outs, or multi-family residential developments, self-certification streamlines approvals, leading to cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and quicker returns on investment. As a trusted Clark County, North Las Vegas and Scottsdale architect, Sheldon Colen’s expertise in self-certification and permit expediting makes SCA Design a premier choice for fast-tracking projects while maintaining exceptional design integrity and compliance.

About SCA Design – Premier Architecture & Design Firm

SCA Design is a leading full-service architecture and design firm specializing in innovative and functional spaces. Under the leadership of Sheldon Colen, a highly experienced Las Vegas architect, our Henderson, Nevada architect firm has been delivering exceptional designs since 1995. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, we proudly serve clients in Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, with limited residential design services in California, and a second office in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Comprehensive Architectural Services

At SCA Design, we offer a full range of architectural and design services, including:

• Commercial architecture – Office buildings, retail spaces, land development, urban infill
• Multi-Family architecture – Affordable housing, worker housing, apartment housing, community centers
• Residential architecture – Custom luxury homes and high-end residential projects, Casita Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
• Retail architecture – Ground-up, freestanding, gray shell and second generation
• Casino & Hospitality design – Casinos, entertainment venues, and sports facilities
• Restaurant design– Restaurant architecture, QSR, food court and coffee shop design
• Warehouse architecture – Industrial, Manufacturing, and Warehouse Office
• Interior Design – Thoughtful model home design, stunning interiors, space planning, blending aesthetics with functionality, inclusivity, tailored experiences, and technology.
• Tenant improvements & renovations – Enhancing and repurposing existing spaces, façade, adaptive reuse
• Master Planning & Entitlements – Concept design, programming, site evaluation, zoning variance, rezoning, special permitting and approvals, design review with AHJ
• Self-Certified Architect & Quick permit – CD Permit Set alternative to Building Department building plan review for code compliance*
• Construction Services- Project management, construction management, bid and permit support.

We specialize in design-build, design-assist, and ground-up architectural design. Our firm also integrates ADA accessibility, LEED-certified sustainability, and green energy solutions to meet modern green building standards.

Best Architect with Experience & Expertise You Can Trust

When you need only the best, with decades of experience, hire SCA Design. You get a team of professionals ready to serve. We have successfully completed a diverse range of projects, from history making custom homes, small tenant improvements to large-scale commercial master planned developments. Our team is the best at providing expert planning, drafting, construction blueprints, and solutions for Notice of Violations (NOV).

I need an Architect Near Me

Browse our architecture portfolio to explore our commercial, residential, retail, and hospitality projects nearby. With offices in Henderson, Nevada and Scottsdale, Arizona, we are ready to meet in person. We can meet on site. And of course, with today’s ever evolving technology, we can meet anywhere you consider near me, when we meet virtually. Wherever is most convenient for you.

Start Your Project with SCA Design

Looking for experienced licensed architects in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Idaho? Let us bring your vision to life! Read more about the process here. Schedule a free consultation with our expert architects today! Call SCA Design at 702-719-2020.