What Is Plan Review in Construction?
Definition
Plan review is the process by which a building department, fire marshal, or other authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) examines construction documents to verify compliance with building codes, zoning ordinances, and other regulations before issuing a building permit. Plan review is a mandatory step before construction can legally begin.
Plan review is a multi-discipline process. The building department reviews architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans for compliance with the applicable building codes (IBC, IRC, NEC, IMC, IPC, etc.). The fire marshal reviews fire protection systems, egress design, and fire-rated construction. Zoning staff reviews compliance with setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and parking requirements.
The plan review process typically takes two to six weeks for commercial projects, depending on the jurisdiction and project complexity. Reviewers issue comments identifying code deficiencies, missing information, or required corrections. The design team addresses these comments and resubmits the plans. This cycle may repeat multiple times before the plans are approved and a permit is issued.
Plan review comments are organized by discipline and reference specific drawing sheets and code sections. Common comments address egress width, fire-rated assembly ratings, structural calculations, energy code compliance, accessibility requirements, and equipment clearance dimensions. Thorough plan review catches code issues before construction, preventing costly corrections in the field.
Why It Matters
Plan review is the legal gateway to construction. No building permit is issued without an approved plan review, and construction without a permit is illegal and exposes the owner and contractor to significant liability. A smooth plan review process prevents project delays, while unresolved code issues can hold up permits for weeks or months.
How HomeFloorPlan Helps
HomeFloorPlan helps design teams track and resolve plan review comments by allowing them to pin each comment on the relevant drawing location. The team can assign comments to the responsible discipline, track resolution status, and ensure all items are addressed before resubmission. This organized approach speeds up the approval cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plan review take for a construction project?
Plan review timelines vary by jurisdiction and project complexity. Residential projects may take one to three weeks. Commercial projects typically take three to eight weeks for the initial review. Resubmissions after comments add additional review cycles. Some jurisdictions offer expedited review for an additional fee.
What happens if a plan review comment is not addressed?
If a plan review comment is not adequately addressed, the building department will not approve the plans and no permit will be issued. The design team must revise the plans to address each comment and resubmit for another review cycle. Unresolved comments will continue to hold up the permit.