A Step-by-Step Guide to the Permitting Process
By Tim Davis | Residential Drafter Since the 1970s
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Permitting Process from a Working Draftsman
After drafting residential plans for decades — from hand-drawn board sets to full CAD submissions — I’ve submitted house plans through permit offices in multiple jurisdictions. While every state and county has its own rules, the approval process follows a consistent pattern. Understanding that pattern ahead of time can prevent costly delays.
Submitting plans isn’t complicated — but incomplete drawings, missing details, or misunderstanding local requirements can stall a project quickly. Here’s how the process works in practical terms.
Dimensional Floor Plan Drawing
1. Prepare a Complete Drawing Set
In my experience, the number one cause of permit delays is an incomplete plan set.
A proper residential submission typically includes:
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Floor plans with dimensions
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Exterior elevations
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Foundation plan
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Roof framing plan
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Building sections
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Construction details
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Door and window schedules
Over the years, I’ve found that even when homeowners believe they have “enough drawings,” building departments expect specific sheets organized in a professional layout. Title blocks, scale identification, and clear callouts matter.
Many counties now accept PDF uploads, but some still require printed sets. Before finalizing drawings, I always verify the submission format required by the jurisdiction.
2. Understand Seal Requirements
One of the most common questions I get is whether an architect or engineer must stamp the entire plan.
In many states, typical single-family residential homes do not require a full architectural seal. However, certain structural elements — such as engineered beams, unusual spans, retaining walls, or high-wind zones — may require an engineer’s stamp.
In practice, I’ve coordinated structural sheets separately when required, rather than sealing the entire drawing package. This approach keeps projects compliant without adding unnecessary expense.
Always verify your state’s residential exemption laws before submission.
3. Submit to the Local Building Department
Once drawings are complete, they are submitted to the appropriate building authority — city, county, or state level, depending on location.
The review process generally checks for:
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Building code compliance
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Structural adequacy
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Energy code compliance
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Zoning setbacks
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Egress and life-safety requirements
Most plan reviews generate redline corrections. That’s normal.
Over the years, I’ve revised and resubmitted many sets after review comments. Clear drafting makes these corrections quicker and smoother.
4. Receive Approval and Begin Construction
After corrections are addressed, the building department issues the permit. Inspectors then reference your approved drawings throughout construction.
This is why accuracy matters — inspectors rely on your plan set as the controlling document.
A well-prepared drawing package doesn’t just secure approval; it supports the builder through foundation, framing, and final inspection.
Exterior House Drawings Multi Scale
Final Thoughts from the Drafting Table
Submitting house plans legally isn’t complicated — but it does require careful preparation.
With decades of residential drafting experience, I’ve found that clarity, completeness, and familiarity with local rules are what move projects efficiently through the permit office.
If you’re preparing plans for submission, work with someone who understands not just how to draw — but how plans are reviewed and approved.
That knowledge makes all the difference.
Article Revised: 2-23-2006