Structural Engineering Review

The plan review discipline that evaluates the structural design of a building to verify it can safely resist gravity loads, wind forces, seismic forces, and other applied loads in compliance with the building code.

What is Structural Engineering Review?

Structural engineering review is the plan review process in which structural engineers employed by or contracted with the building department evaluate the structural design of a building to confirm it complies with applicable structural codes. Reviewers verify that the building's foundation, framing, connections, and load paths are designed to safely resist all required loads — including gravity (dead and live loads), wind, seismic, snow, and any special loads.

What Reviewers Evaluate

Structural reviewers examine foundation design (footings, piles, mat slabs), structural framing (beams, columns, walls, slabs), lateral force-resisting systems (moment frames, braced frames, shear walls), load calculations and load paths, connection details, and geotechnical compliance. They verify that the design engineer has properly applied the applicable code provisions and that the structural drawings provide sufficient detail for construction.

Structural Review Timelines

Structural review is often the longest discipline in the plan review process, particularly for complex commercial buildings. Initial review may take 4-12 weeks, and structural correction comments tend to be technically detailed, requiring careful revision by the design engineer. Multiple review cycles are common for complex projects.

Structural Peer Review

Some jurisdictions require independent structural peer review for certain project types — typically tall buildings, hospitals, and structures using innovative or unusual structural systems. Peer review adds an additional layer of structural verification but also adds cost and time to the permit process.