How to know whether your project needs formal drawings, or if a written scope of work is enough to get started
Introduction
One of the most common questions at the start of any construction project is: Do I need architectural plans for this? The answer depends on what you’re building, where it’s located, and how your local building department (called the Authority Having Jurisdiction, or AHJ) defines what needs review and approval.
Some projects require full drawings stamped by licensed professionals, especially when structural changes, system upgrades, or zoning limitations are involved. Others can move forward with a clear written Scope of Work (SOW) and minimal documentation. This page will help you understand the difference.
Projects That Typically Require Plans
If your project includes one or more of the following, you’ll likely need formal drawings:
- New construction – Homes, ADUs, garages, outbuildings
- Additions or expansions – Any increase in square footage or change to the building footprint
- Structural changes – Removing or modifying load-bearing walls, foundation changes, new framing
- Major renovations – Especially kitchen and bath remodels involving layout changes or system updates
- Tenant improvements (TIs) – Interior buildouts for commercial or office spaces that affect life safety or code compliance
- Plumbing, electrical, or HVAC upgrades – Especially when new lines, panels, or systems are installed
- Hillside, coastal, or wildfire zones – These often trigger additional plan and safety requirements
- Permit-required work – If the AHJ needs to review it, plans are typically part of the submittal
Projects That May Not Require Plans
Some smaller or cosmetic projects can be done without formal drawings, though they may still require a permit:
- Paint, flooring, or fixture replacements
- Cabinet or appliance swaps (same location)
- Basic roof or siding replacements (if no structural changes)
- Non-structural bathroom or kitchen refreshes
- Small fences, decks, or patio additions (check local thresholds)
- Landscape improvements not tied to drainage or grading
- Like-for-like repairs or maintenance (e.g., window or door replacement)
Even for these, it’s best to confirm locally, some cities have low thresholds for requiring documentation.
Why Some Small Projects Still Need Plans
Plans aren’t just about complexity, they’re about code compliance and liability. You may need formal plans if:
- The work triggers code requirements (accessibility, fire, seismic)
- The site is in an overlay zone (historic, environmental, etc.)
- The city or county has a low permit threshold
- Your lender or insurance company asks for documentation
- Your contractor needs plans to clarify scope or coordinate trades
How Plan Requirements Vary by Jurisdiction
Your AHJ, usually the city or county building department, sets the rules. Requirements can vary widely:
- Some cities require permits and plans for nearly all work, even interior remodels
- Others allow over-the-counter permits for simple work without full plans
- Historic districts, flood zones, and hillsides often require extra documentation
- Project owner-submitted work may be allowed in some areas, but others require licensed professionals for plan submittals
The best way to confirm is to visit your AHJ’s website, check for project-specific permit checklists, or ask your design professional or contractor.
Refer back to Different Types of Jurisdictions on how to do this.
If Plans Are Required
If your project crosses the threshold into needing plans:
- Work with a licensed professional:
- Architect for layout, design, or additions
- Structural engineer for framing or foundation changes
- Draftsperson for interiors or simple layouts
- Submit drawings to the city or county for plan review
- Expect the process to take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on scope and jurisdiction
- Use those plans throughout construction for inspections, coordination, and documentation
If Plans Are Not Required
You can still move forward, but documentation is still important. Instead of plans, you’ll need a Scope of Work (SOW) that clearly describes:
- What work will be done
- What materials will be used
- What layout changes (if any) are planned
- Any sketches or reference images to help clarify expectations
A solid SOW helps your contractor price the job accurately, order materials correctly, and avoid miscommunication.
Some contractors will create their own layout sketches or field drawings even if formal plans aren’t required. Others may request basic drawings from a designer or draftsman to keep everyone aligned.
Refer to the next section, Developing a Scope of Work (SOW).
When Plans Are Required by Contractors or Lenders
Even if the building department doesn’t require plans, your contractor or financing team might.
- Contractors may require drawings to bid the project, coordinate with subcontractors, or document the scope
- Lenders may require plans to approve construction loans or release funding in stages
- Insurance companies may request plans for liability or property value purposes
Having basic drawings can also make pricing, scheduling, and permitting smoother, even if not technically required.
What’s Next: Developing Scope of Work (SOW)
If your project doesn’t need stamped architectural plans, the next best tool is a clear, complete Scope of Work. It’s how you document what’s being built, so your team can price it, plan it, and build it accurately.
Continue to Developing a Scope of Work to learn how to create and use a detailed project description, with or without plans.