What You Need to Know – and How SK2 Helps You Get It Done Right

Getting a permit within the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) system can seem daunting—whether your project involves a kiosk, concession, or interior buildout at one of their airports, terminals, or public facilities. With multiple agencies, departments, and detailed review procedures, understanding the process early can save weeks or even months in your schedule.

The SK2 team has years of experience guiding clients through this process. Having completed several tenant improvements inside Port Authority-managed properties, we’ve learned that success depends on preparation, communication, and experience. Our goal is simple: to make a complex system understandable and manageable for our clients.

1. The Port Authority Permit Process: An Overview

The Port Authority’s permitting requirements vary depending on the type of activity or project but generally follow the same structure:

• Submit an Application: You’ll need to file the appropriate application form for your specific permit type. Many can be submitted online through the Port Authority’s permit portals or directly to the relevant department.

• Provide Supporting Documents: Depending on your permit type, you’ll need to include a completed application form and other required supplemental forms.

• Undergo Review: Once submitted, your application and supporting documents will be reviewed by Port Authority staff.

2. Specific Permit Types and What They Mean

Construction and Interior Buildouts For any project involving construction or renovation, the Port Authority requires a formal submission to ensure safety and code alignment. Typical submittals include:

• Architectural Drawings: Detailed plans, elevations, sections, and details.

• MEP Drawings: Comprehensive Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing designs.

• Fire Protection: Specialized plans for fire suppression and life safety systems.

• Equipment & Layouts: Full equipment schedules and spatial configurations.

• Specifications: Detailed cut sheets for all finishes and materials.

• Compliance: Documentation for ADA accessibility, energy standards, and sustainability.

• Code Alignment: All documents must strictly adhere to both local building codes and the PANYNJ Tenant Construction Review Manual.

Incomplete or uncoordinated drawings are a leading cause of project delays. To mitigate this risk, SK2 utilizes an in-house coordination process that ensures all disciplines—architectural, structural, and MEP—are perfectly aligned before the first submission. We manage these submittals end-to-end, acting as your direct liaison with tenant coordinator reviewers to keep your project compliant with all Port Authority standards.

3. Key Port Authority Requirements to Keep in Mind

Here are some of the most important technical and procedural requirements that often surprise new tenants or first-time applicants:

• Fire Protection and Life Safety: The Port Authority follows NFPA codes but may have stricter local standards for kitchens, hood systems, sprinklers, and alarm integration. Fire system drawings must be reviewed and approved before installation.

• HVAC and Ventilation Systems: If your project includes a new kitchen exhaust or fresh air intake, the system design must coordinate with existing building systems. Space constraints and air balancing are common challenges, and SK2 helps solve them early through careful coordination.

• Grease Waste & Plumbing Coordination: For restaurants and concessions, grease waste management is a frequent review item. Plans must show proper routing to existing building systems, often requiring additional on-site verification or Port Authority plumbing review.

• ADA / Accessibility Compliance: Every space must comply with ADA standards—including counter heights, restrooms, and egress clearances—regardless of existing conditions. We proactively integrate accessibility into the earliest layout phase.

• Construction Administration and Closeout: After permit approval, all inspections, as-built drawings, and final sign-offs must be submitted before occupancy. SK2 assists clients throughout this stage, ensuring documentation aligns with Port Authority requirements to avoid turnover delays.

4. Restaurant & Concession Projects: A Category of Their Own

Designing restaurants and concessions within Port Authority facilities demands special care. In addition to architectural and engineering coordination, these projects typically involve:

• Fire suppression (ANSUL) system design and testing

• Equipment submittal coordination

• Material durability and cleanability compliance

• Integration with facility operations (power, ventilation, waste, and deliveries)

Our team understands these intricacies because we’ve been there—working hand-in-hand with facility managers and engineers to keep projects compliant and visually appealing. We know that in these high-traffic environments, design must balance performance, maintenance, and user comfort.

5. Plan Ahead, Stay Flexible

One of the most important things to remember: Permitting through the Port Authority takes longer than standard municipal approvals—not because the system is inefficient, but because safety, security, and coordination standards are higher. SK2 helps clients build realistic timelines, anticipating each review stage and aligning schedules with construction readiness. We communicate regularly with Port Authority reviewers to minimize back-and-forth delays.

6. Communication Is the Real Key

We’ve learned that successful projects depend on one thing above all: communication. From kickoff to closeout, SK2 keeps clients informed at every stage—what’s approved, what’s pending, and what’s next. We know clients don’t want surprises. That’s why we make it our job to track progress, follow up with reviewers, and translate technical feedback into clear, actionable steps.

7. Why Clients Choose SK2

Permitting within Port Authority facilities isn’t just about submitting drawings—it’s about knowing the system, understanding the people, and anticipating what reviewers expect. Our clients choose SK2 because we:

• Have direct experience with multiple Port Authority projects.

• Understand both design excellence and compliance requirements.

• Offer hands-on guidance and personalized communication.

• Deliver complete, coordinated documentation packages.

• Manage approvals efficiently while protecting design intent.

We take care of the process so you can focus on what matters: your business, your brand, and your customer experience.

8. How SK2 Makes the Process Easier

Navigating these requirements alone can be overwhelming. At SK2, we’ve worked through every phase of the Port Authority permitting process—from initial design and code analysis to construction audits and closeout documentation. We:

• Coordinate all drawings and submittals to meet PANYNJ standards.

• Communicate directly with reviewers to expedite approvals.

• Anticipate and resolve common review issues before they cause delays.

• Manage contractor insurance and compliance documentation.

• Guide clients through Permit to Occupy/Use (PTO) issuance and final audits.

We’ve built restaurants, concessions, and interior spaces that operate in some of the busiest transportation hubs in the country, all while meeting the most rigorous safety, accessibility, and performance standards.

9. Our Approach: Partnership, Not Paperwork

Permitting should not be a barrier to creativity or progress. We believe that with the right process—and the right team—you can bring your vision to life efficiently and confidently. When you work with SK2, you get more than drawings; you get a dedicated partner who understands:

• What each Port Authority reviewer expects.

• How to structure your submittals for faster approval.

• How to keep your business goals front and center through every step.

Whether you’re opening a restaurant at Newark Airport, remodeling a concession at JFK, or fitting out a medical suite at LaGuardia, we’ll help you navigate the system and deliver results that meet your schedule and budget.

10. In Summary

Getting a permit in Port Authority properties can be demanding, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right team guiding the process—one that understands both design and compliance—you can move from concept to construction confidently and efficiently.

At SK2, we believe in partnership, not paperwork. We work with you, for you, and alongside Port Authority reviewers to ensure your project is approved, built, and opened without unnecessary delays.