The Short Answer
Plan check is the building department's formal review of a project's construction documents — including the stamped engineering drawings and calculations — to confirm the design complies with applicable codes before a permit is issued. A plan reviewer examines the structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil scope against the code, checks that the documents are complete and internally consistent, and issues written comments identifying anything that needs correction or clarification. The engineer of record responds to those comments, and the cycle repeats until the reviewer is satisfied and the permit can be approved.
What Reviewers Are Checking
Code Compliance
The reviewer confirms that the design meets the governing building code and any locally adopted amendments — structural loads and load combinations, life safety, energy compliance, accessibility, and system sizing. Calculations are checked to verify the design assumptions and results support what's shown on the drawings.
Completeness and Consistency
Reviewers look for a coordinated set: drawings that agree with each other, details that match the plans, and calculations that support the members shown. Missing details, conflicting notes, and gaps in the load path are common comment sources.
Proper Sealing
The reviewer confirms the appropriate PE stamps are present for each discipline and that the engineer is licensed in the project's state. Documents lacking a valid seal will not be approved.
How the Process Unfolds
After submittal, the project waits in the review queue — timelines vary widely by jurisdiction and season. The reviewer then issues a comment letter (sometimes called correction items or plan check comments). The design team addresses every comment, revises the documents, and resubmits with a written response. The reviewer re-checks the revisions. Most projects go through one to three review cycles before approval, depending on complexity and the completeness of the original submittal.
How to Get Through Plan Check Efficiently
The best way to minimize review cycles is to submit a complete, coordinated, code-compliant package the first time. We design to the governing code, coordinate our disciplines internally, and produce documents that anticipate common reviewer questions. When comments do come back, a clear, point-by-point response resolves them faster than piecemeal revisions.
When It Applies
Plan check applies to essentially any project that requires a building permit with engineered scope. Whenever stamped drawings are part of the submittal, they will go through plan check. Larger or more complex projects, and stricter jurisdictions, generally involve more thorough review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plan check take?
It varies significantly by jurisdiction, project size, and workload. Some cities offer expedited or over-the-counter review for small projects; large projects can take weeks per cycle. We help clients plan realistic timelines.
Who responds to plan check comments?
The engineer of record responds to engineering comments for their discipline. We prepare written responses and revised documents for the comments that fall within our scope.
Does passing plan check guarantee construction will be trouble-free?
Plan check confirms code compliance of the documents. Field inspections during construction verify the work is built as designed.