Plan Review

One of most important functions of the building department is the plan review process. It is during this process where errors are found and are corrected easily. Fixing a problem on paper is far better than a building inspector discovering a problem after construction has occurred costing money, time, and frustration on the builder's end.

Plan Review Required

• New structures
• Additions
• Alterations
• Tenant Improvements
• Remodels
• Change of occupancy or use
• Swimming pool installations
• Decks greater than 200 square feet
  Note: A permit and plan review is required for any size deck if the deck is attached to the residence or serves as part of the existing system.
• Patio covers
• Sheds greater than 200 square feet
• Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems as determined by the building official

Description of Terminology

• Site Plan - showing grading and drainage details, setbacks, building footprint, water lines, sewer lines, easements, etc.
• Foundation Plan - reinforcement details, depth and width of footings, anchor bolts, etc.
• Floor Plan - Fully dimensioned with square footage summary, room uses labeled, window/door sizes and types. Fire separation between house and garage. Ceiling height, insulation, and stairs details. Plumbing fixtures, mechanical supply, and return locations.
• Floor Framing Plan - Floor joist size/type/spacing, species and grade, post locations, girder-to-post connections, cripple wall framing details, floor sheathing details.
• Wall Framing Plan - Stud sizes/type/spacing, header sizes over the opening, any mechanical fastener details, shear wall locations, and details, etc.
• Roof Framing Plan - Truss and/or rafter type/spacing, top plate connection details, bracing details, ceiling joist framing/attachment, beam types/sizes, material species/grades, mechanical hardware, post size/locations, ventilation, bearing walls identified, etc.
• Electrical Plan - Smoke/Carbon Monoxide locations/requirements, lights, switches, receptacles outlets, GFCI/AFCI outlet locations, electrical legend, subpanel/main panel location, energy code lighting details. Note: These details can be placed on the floor plan.
• Plumbing Plan - Location and identification of all plumbing fixtures, size of water service, and size of gas service. Note: These details can be placed on the floor plan.
• Mechanical/Fuel Gas Plan Commercial - Duct supply and return air type/size/location. Gas line details, sizing, BTUs of appliances. Type I and II hood details, shafts, makeup air, etc.
• Mechanical/Fuel Gas Plan Residential - Duct supply and return air type/size/location. Gas line details, sizing, and BTUs of high-demand gas appliances.
• Truss Calculations - Two wet stamped/signed calculations from the engineer of record.
• Construction Details - One set of plans showing all details of applicable wall, ceiling, and roof framing details. Window and door sizes, all dimensions of rooms, ceiling height, and roof height. Energy code compliance details. All applicable electrical, plumbing, and mechanical details; such as BTUs of new equipment, and size of new gas piping serving equipment.