PreApplication meetings can result in much greater efficiency for all parties involved: Design Professionals as well as the Builidng Department.
At it’s best, PreApplication Meeting bring to light issues and concerns early, and help avoid a ‘gotcha’ syndrome where issues come to light only after huge investments in time and money as plans are developed in detail.
Some locales provide this as a service at no additional cost. Some charge special fees. Some jurisdictions do not choose to invest the ‘up front’ time, which is to the detriment of all parties when things get sticky late in the game.
Comments: what works, what doesn’t
What is important to success of a pre-app meeting?
What is a reasonable cost for pre-app meetings?