What is a plan review and what does it involve?
A plan review is the process where building department staff examine your submitted construction plans to verify they comply with applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and safety standards before a permit is issued.
Plan review is a critical step in the permit process where qualified reviewers examine your construction documents for code compliance.
What reviewers check:
- Structural integrity: Foundation design, framing, load paths, and connections
- Fire safety: Required fire ratings, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, egress
- Energy code compliance: Insulation values, window efficiency, HVAC sizing
- Zoning compliance: Setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, use restrictions
- Accessibility: ADA compliance for commercial or multi-family buildings
- Plumbing: Fixture counts, pipe sizing, venting, drainage
- Electrical: Service sizing, circuit layouts, grounding, GFCI/AFCI protection
- Mechanical: HVAC design, ventilation requirements, duct sizing
The review process:
1. Your plans are assigned to one or more reviewers depending on project complexity
2. Each reviewer examines the plans against the applicable code sections
3. If issues are found, you receive a correction sheet listing required changes
4. You revise and resubmit your plans addressing each correction
5. The reviewer checks the corrections and either approves or issues further corrections
6. Once all departments approve, the permit is ready for issuance
Tips for passing plan review:
- Include complete, detailed plans with dimensions, materials, and specifications
- Reference the specific code edition your jurisdiction enforces
- Include required energy calculations and structural calculations
- Clearly show existing conditions vs. new work on renovation plans
- Address site conditions like floodplain, slope, or soil type if applicable
Related Questions
How do I apply for a building permit?
Contact your local building department, submit an application with project plans and specifications, pay the required fees, and wait for plan review and approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
Simple permits (like re-roofing) may be approved in 1-5 business days. Complex projects (new construction, additions) typically take 2-8 weeks for plan review, sometimes longer.
What is a building inspection and when do I need one?
A building inspection is an on-site review by a code official to verify that construction work complies with approved plans and applicable codes. Inspections are required at specific milestones during construction.