Permitting, Reviews, and Revisions: How the Process Works
Permitting and plan review are a normal part of any construction project. This page explains what to expect during reviews, how revisions are handled, and what is included as part of standard engineering services versus additional work.
Our goal is to keep projects moving efficiently while avoiding surprises around scope, schedule, or cost.
The Permitting and Review Process
Once engineering documents are submitted for permit, they are reviewed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), such as a building department or permitting office. Review comments typically fall into one of three categories:
Each category is handled differently.
Clarifications and Code Confirmations (Included)
Clarification requests are common and expected. These typically include:
Requests to clarify notes, details, or dimensions
Requests to reference code sections or design criteria
Requests to explain how something is installed or performs
These items do not change the approved design and are included as part of standard production engineering.
Corrections (Included)
Corrections address errors or internal inconsistencies in the engineering documents, such as:
Calculation errors
Coordination issues within the engineering scope
Missing or incorrect details caused by engineering oversight
Corrections required due to engineering error are included and do not trigger a change order.
Revisions and Design Changes (May Require Additional Services)
Revisions occur when review comments or project decisions require changes to the approved design or baseline documents. Examples include:
Architectural changes made during or after permit review
Scope changes requested by the owner, architect, or builder
Modifications that affect layout, geometry, loads, or structural systems
These changes typically require re-analysis, redesign, or additional coordination and may require a formal revision or change order.
Resubmittals and Review Cycles
Most projects go through one or more review cycles. A typical resubmittal includes:
Responses to reviewer comments
Clarifications or corrections
Revised drawings or calculations, if required
Standard review cycles that involve clarification or correction are included. Resubmittals driven by design changes or expanded scope may require additional services.
Timing and Expectations
Review timelines are controlled by the permitting authority and vary by jurisdiction. Engineering turnaround times depend on:
The nature of the review comments
Whether revisions are required
The completeness and stability of the underlying design
Early coordination and clear baseline documents help minimize delays.
A Note on Alignment
Permitting works best when the project team is aligned before submission. Completing internal reviews and finalizing design decisions early helps reduce revisions, resubmittals, and added costs later in the process.
If you're unsure whether a reviewer comment requires clarification, correction, or a design change, we're always happy to help clarify next steps before work begins.