Plan Check

An alternate term for plan review, commonly used in California and western states, referring to the building department's examination of construction documents for code compliance.

What is Plan Check?

Plan check is the term used in many jurisdictions — particularly in California and other western states — to describe the process of reviewing construction documents for compliance with building codes and other applicable regulations. It is functionally identical to what other jurisdictions call plan review or plans examination.

Plan Check Fees

Plan check fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the building permit fee, which itself is based on the project's estimated construction valuation. Fees vary by jurisdiction but commonly range from 65% to 100% of the base permit fee. Some jurisdictions charge additional fees for expedited plan check services or for reviews requiring specialized expertise.

Plan Check Timelines

Timelines for plan check vary widely by jurisdiction, project complexity, and current department workload. Simple residential projects may receive first comments within 2-4 weeks, while complex commercial projects can take 8-16 weeks or more for initial review. Subsequent review cycles for resubmittals are typically shorter. Understanding the local plan check timeline is essential for accurate project scheduling.