Plan Review

The process by which a building department examines submitted construction documents to verify compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, fire codes, and other applicable standards before issuing a building permit.

What is Plan Review?

Plan review (also called plan check) is the technical evaluation performed by a building department to verify that proposed construction documents comply with all applicable building codes, zoning regulations, fire codes, accessibility standards, energy codes, and other local requirements. It is the central step between submitting a permit application and receiving a building permit.

Review Disciplines

Plans are typically reviewed by multiple disciplines in parallel or sequence: building/structural reviewers check structural integrity and general building code compliance; fire reviewers verify fire protection and life safety systems; zoning reviewers confirm land use compliance; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing reviewers check their respective systems; and accessibility reviewers verify ADA and state accessibility compliance. Each discipline may issue independent comments.

Review Cycles

The initial plan review produces a set of correction comments (also called plan check comments or redlines) identifying items that need to be revised. The applicant revises the plans and resubmits for a second review cycle. This back-and-forth may continue through multiple cycles until all comments are resolved. The number of review cycles is a major variable in overall permitting timelines.

Strategies for Faster Review

Submitting complete, well-organized plans with clear code compliance documentation can significantly reduce review time. Some jurisdictions offer expedited review for additional fees. Third-party plan review services may also be available. Working with a permit expediter who understands the local department's expectations can help avoid common pitfalls that trigger correction comments.