Overview · What & why
A decision, before a calculation.
Approval and funding decisions converge around a credible project, but they rarely finish on the same day. Entitlements establish whether a use or plan is permissible; permits authorize specific work subject to local requirements. Financing commitments have their own conditions, expiration dates and documentation. A project is ready to commit when the team can show that these conditions can be satisfied together.
A concrete example
In Norfolk, Nebraska, Maya and Morgan meet city planners, building reviewers, the fire marshal and the public works team. Eli coordinates drainage and utility connections. State environmental reviewers assess stormwater coverage and any permits triggered by the equipment. Each reviewer protects a different public interest. The team records decisions and conditions, because land-use support, a building permit and permission to occupy are separate milestones.
What to remember
The next stage relies on approval and permit register, while related workstreams may continue in parallel.
Before using this in a project: Planning submission and agency comments; Funding terms and conditions precedent; Updated estimate and critical-path schedule