What Are Permit Drawings? What a Building Permit Drawing Set Includes
Permit drawings are the set of plans a building department reviews to decide whether your project meets the building code, zoning rules and local amendments before it issues a building permit. A typical residential permit set includes a site plan, floor plans, exterior elevations, a building section, structural foundation and framing plans, and, when the scope calls for it, electrical, mechanical and plumbing (MEP) sheets. If any of those are missing or unclear, the plan checker sends comments back and the clock stops.
Permit drawings, permit sets and permit plans: same thing
You'll hear permit drawings called a permit set, permit plans, building permit drawings or construction drawings for a building permit. They all mean the same package: the sheets you upload or hand to the building department with your permit application. The set has to show the reviewer that the project complies with the adopted building code, the zoning code (setbacks, height, lot coverage) and any local amendments.
What a residential permit drawing set includes
The exact list depends on your city and the scope of work, but most residential permit plans for an addition, ADU, garage, deck or remodel include:
- Cover sheet with project address, scope of work, code editions and a sheet index
- Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing and proposed structures
- Floor plans with dimensions, room names, door and window sizes
- Exterior elevations showing heights, materials and roof pitch
- Building section through the structure showing wall, floor and roof assemblies
- Structural foundation plan, framing plans and details
- Electrical, mechanical and plumbing plans where the work touches those systems
- Energy code compliance notes or forms for conditioned space
Commercial permit drawings add more sheets
Commercial permit drawings, such as a tenant improvement or restaurant build-out, usually add a code analysis sheet (occupancy, construction type, occupant load), a life safety and egress plan, accessibility details, reflected ceiling plans and full MEP sheets. Many jurisdictions also require a licensed design professional to sign commercial sets.
Permit drawings vs. construction drawings
Permit drawings show what the plan reviewer needs to confirm code compliance. Full construction drawings go further, with finish schedules, millwork, specifications and coordination details that the builder needs but the city doesn't review. For most homeowner projects, a well-prepared permit set is detailed enough to build from; larger commercial work usually has both. Our guide to the four types of construction drawings breaks down how each type is used.
Why permit drawings get rejected
Plan checkers send drawings back for the same handful of reasons: missing sheets, dimensions that don't match between plan and elevation, structural members that aren't sized, setbacks that aren't shown, and code editions that don't match what the city has adopted. We cover these in detail in the top reasons permit drawings are rejected.
How to get permit drawings for your project
You can draw your own plans in some jurisdictions, hire an architect, or work with a permit drafting service. ArchPermits prepares permit-ready architectural, structural and MEP drawings for residential and commercial projects in all 50 states, checked against your city's adopted codes and delivered in 24 hours to 7 days. See our permit drawing services or read how much permit drawings cost.
Frequently asked questions
What are permit drawings?
Permit drawings are the plans a building department reviews before it issues a building permit. They show the site, floor plans, elevations, structure and, when required, MEP systems, in enough detail to prove the project meets code.
What is included in a permit set?
A typical residential permit set includes a cover sheet, site plan, floor plans, elevations, a building section, structural foundation and framing plans, and electrical, mechanical and plumbing plans when the work involves those systems.
Are permit drawings the same as construction drawings?
Not quite. Permit drawings show what the city needs to approve the work. Construction drawings can add specifications, finish schedules and coordination details for the builder. On small residential projects, the permit set is often what the contractor builds from.
How long does it take to prepare permit drawings?
Simple projects like decks or patio covers can take 24 to 72 hours. Additions, ADUs and garages usually take 3 to 7 days, depending on the scope and how quickly measurements and site information are available.
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