This week we sat down with Louie Greenebaum, Senior Project Manager, from our Chicago office and asked him a few questions regarding his permit expediting experience.
1. How long have you been a permit expediter and what is your area of expertise?
Permit expediting since 2017. In "the business" of permits and licenses since July 2009 as an Aldermanic staffer. I know sign permits, GOP permits, Aldermanic approvals, City Council approvals, business licensing, rectifying different types of violations, and the City Council process.
2.When working on a signage or business license Application what is the best approach with initial submittals? How does it differ from additions?
My preference is to prepare the client at the beginning of the process. Conversations on the front end to establish expectations on the timeline and possible future pitfalls in the process. Managing the document collection process on the front end will save time on the back end.
3. If you had to give one piece of advice on the signage application process, what would it be?Know the Chicago zoning code for business identification signs, Chapter 17-12
4. Today, what’s your biggest challenge and how are you solving it?
City employees working from home and we are only able to contact them via email. I experiment, as always, as all people are different. Some people I hit with emails multiple times a week, sometimes I carbon copy people that otherwise wouldn't be cc'd on a message. I always stay 110% polite as I know emails are shared and FOIA'able. I change up my email process for each individual I need approvals from.
5. When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing with your spare time?
Postcrossing, family time, our dog
