Find the right permit authority
For authorized employees and contractors coordinating field work
Fictional example: Northbank Utilities uses this sample routing map to show how work category and specialist interfaces can affect who should be asked about a permit.
Use the examples to identify the authority to contact and the governing process to verify. This page is a routing aid only: it does not authorize work, confirm that a permit is required, or replace an approved procedure.
Compare the work scope
Illustrative Northbank examples only; local approved sources determine the actual authority and process.
- Local asset route:
- Routine maintenance request within one Northbank-managed asset boundary
- Specialist interface route:
- Proposed work that interfaces with a specialist-controlled system
- Local asset route:
- Local asset permit issuer
- Specialist interface route:
- Designated specialist authority, coordinated with local operations
- Local asset route:
- Northbank Asset Work Control process
- Specialist interface route:
- Northbank Specialist Interface Control process
- Local asset route:
- The example stays within one asset's stated boundary
- Specialist interface route:
- A specialist interface changes who must confirm the governing process
Check the boundary before routing
Describe the proposed scope; do not infer authorization from a category match.
- Work stays within one asset If the request is clearly within one asset boundary and has no identified specialist interface, ask the local asset permit issuer which approved process applies.
- Work crosses an asset boundary If the scope touches more than one asset or operating area, ask local operations to identify the coordinating authority and confirm the governing process.
- A specialist interface is involved Name the known specialist system or team when contacting the designated specialist authority; ask how the interface affects the applicable process.
- Scope does not match an example Treat the example as insufficient for routing. Ask local operations or the relevant specialist authority to identify the right owner and approved process.
Questions about routing
When uncertain, resolve the authority and process with the appropriate operational owner.
The work does not fit either example. Which route should I use?
Do not force the request into a category. Give local operations the location, asset, and proposed scope, including any known specialist involvement, and ask them to identify the responsible authority and governing approved process.
Both a local issuer and a specialist authority seem relevant. Who decides?
Ask local operations to coordinate with the relevant specialist authority and confirm which authority owns the routing decision. Do not assume one route replaces the other.
The actual scope has changed since the request was described. Can I keep using the original route?
No. A change in scope may change the applicable authority or process. Recheck the routing with local operations or the relevant specialist authority before relying on the earlier classification.
Does this page or a matching example mean the work is approved?
No. This page only helps identify whom to ask and which process to verify. Authorized local sources determine the governing procedure and any approvals required.
Make the handoff useful
When contacting the local asset permit issuer, local operations, or a specialist authority, provide:
- The work location and asset or interface involved.
- A concise description of the requested scope and any known boundary crossings.
- Known specialist systems, teams, or dependencies.
- The process reference you believe may apply, if one is available in an authorized local source.
Ask the receiving authority to confirm the responsible issuer and governing approved process. Follow the authorized local sources for the actual requirements; this routing page does not establish them.