Correction Notice

A written notice from a building department identifying code violations or plan discrepancies found during inspection that must be corrected before the work can pass inspection.

What is a Correction Notice?

A correction notice is a written communication from a building department to a permit holder identifying specific items that do not comply with approved plans, applicable building codes, or conditions of approval. Correction notices can be issued during plan review (as plan check comments) or during field inspections (as inspection corrections). The permit holder must address all corrections before the work can be approved.

During Plan Review

Plan review correction notices (often called plan check comments or redlines) list specific items in the submitted construction documents that need to be revised to demonstrate code compliance. Comments may reference specific code sections and describe the required changes. The applicant revises the plans and resubmits for another review cycle. Minimizing correction comments through thorough initial submissions saves significant time.

During Inspections

Field inspection corrections identify work that has been constructed but does not conform to the approved plans or code requirements. The contractor must correct the deficient work and request a re-inspection. Common field corrections include improper framing connections, missing fire-stopping, electrical wiring violations, and plumbing deficiencies.

Impact on Timelines

Each correction cycle adds time to the permit or inspection process. For plan review, each resubmittal may add 2-6 weeks. For field inspections, corrections require scheduling follow-up inspections, which may be delayed by inspector availability. Tracking and promptly resolving corrections is essential to maintaining project schedules.