When must an Atwell Suites franchisee submit a copy of the general building permit to IHG?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before starting construction of the Hotel (including any restaurants, bars or other components thereof), Licensee must (at Licensee's sole expense):
Submit to IHG evidence of insurance as required under this License.
Submit to IHG evidence that Licensee is entitled to possession of the premises on which the Hotel will be located, which documents shall be subject to IHG's approval.
Obtain any and all approvals, permits or licenses required for construction to begin.
Submit a copy of the general building permit to IHG when acquired.
Submit to IHG the proposed construction schedule.
The schedule should include critical path milestones and trade subdivisions in standard industry format.
Submit "Preliminary Plans" to IHG, for IHG's review and approval, before starting construction and in no event later than the Preliminary Plans Due Date set forth in Attachment "A" or such other date as IHG may agree with Licensee in writing. "Preliminary Plans" means site plans, building floor plans (all floor levels), enlarged guest room plans for all room types and exterior elevations with a color rendering as prepared by a qualified, licensed architect with knowledge of commercial building design and construction, including spatial relationships, and general quality of building systems, elements, products and materials, as is necessary to describe adequately the design of the Hotel.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 99–486)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Atwell Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must submit a copy of the general building permit to IHG when it is acquired. This requirement applies only to new development hotels. This is one of several steps Atwell Suites franchisees must take before construction begins.
Prior to starting construction, franchisees must also submit evidence of required insurance and documentation proving their entitlement to possess the hotel premises, both of which are subject to IHG's approval. Additionally, franchisees need to obtain all necessary approvals, permits, and licenses required for construction to commence and provide the proposed construction schedule, including critical path milestones and trade subdivisions in a standard industry format.
Furthermore, franchisees are obligated to submit "Preliminary Plans" to IHG for review and approval before starting construction. These plans, prepared by a qualified, licensed architect, should include site plans, building floor plans for all levels, enlarged guest room plans for all room types, and exterior elevations with color renderings. These requirements ensure that Atwell Suites maintains consistent brand standards and quality control from the outset of a new hotel development.