{"id":2021,"date":"2025-06-04T19:32:05","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T19:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/do-you-need-plans-or-not"},"modified":"2025-10-16T16:05:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T16:05:06","slug":"do-you-need-plans-or-not","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2021","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need Plans or Not?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"page\" data-elementor-id=\"2021\" class=\"elementor elementor-2021\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-53f54737 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"53f54737\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a922fbb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2a922fbb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"h.o5694sim9dyh\" class=\"c10\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">How to know whether your project needs formal drawings, or if a written scope of work is enough to get started<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"h.7e0v8vaor83a\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Introduction<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c6\">One of the most common questions at the start of any construction project is: <span class=\"c8\">Do I need architectural plans for this?<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0The answer depends on what you\u2019re building, where it\u2019s located, and how your local building department (called the Authority Having Jurisdiction, or AHJ) defines what needs review and approval.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.dg11ldwnahoo\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Projects That Typically Require Plans<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">If your project includes one or more of the following, you\u2019ll likely need formal drawings:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_6b1v6lzb3sxj-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">New construction<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0\u2013 Homes, ADUs, garages, outbuildings\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Additions or expansions<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0\u2013 Any increase in square footage or change to the building footprint\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Structural changes<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0\u2013 Removing or modifying load-bearing walls, foundation changes, new framing\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Major renovations<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0\u2013 Especially kitchen and bath remodels involving layout changes or system updates\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Tenant improvements (TIs)<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0\u2013 Interior buildouts for commercial or office spaces that affect life safety or code compliance\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Plumbing, electrical, or HVAC upgrades<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0\u2013 Especially when new lines, panels, or systems are installed\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Hillside, coastal, or wildfire zones<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0\u2013 These often trigger additional plan and safety requirements\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Permit-required work<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0\u2013 If the AHJ needs to review it, plans are typically part of the submittal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.xxdw2ae3bc8g\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Projects That May Not Require Plans<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">Some smaller or cosmetic projects can be done without formal drawings, though they may still require a permit:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_2aqgiy9dp3uq-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c14 c11\">Paint, flooring, or fixture replacements\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11 c14\">Cabinet or appliance swaps (same location)\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Basic roof or siding replacements<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0(if no structural changes)\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c14 c11\">Non-structural bathroom or kitchen refreshes\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Small fences, decks, or patio additions<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0(check local thresholds)\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c14 c11\">Landscape improvements not tied to drainage or grading\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c11\">Like-for-like repairs or maintenance<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0(e.g., window or door replacement)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">Even for these, it\u2019s best to confirm locally, some cities have low thresholds for requiring documentation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.1lycjhaa5aox\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">Why Some Small Projects Still Need Plans<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c6\">Plans aren\u2019t just about complexity, they\u2019re about <span class=\"c11\">code compliance and liability<\/span><span class=\"c0\">. You may need formal plans if:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_52ew6ns4vpmn-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">The work triggers code requirements (accessibility, fire, seismic)<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">The site is in an overlay zone (historic, environmental, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">The city or county has a low permit threshold\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Your lender or insurance company asks for documentation<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Your contractor needs plans to clarify scope or coordinate trades<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.mjrxhbjra7xb\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">How Plan Requirements Vary by Jurisdiction<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">Your AHJ, usually the city or county building department, sets the rules. Requirements can vary widely:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_o0aka9vds3au-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Some cities require permits and plans for nearly all work, even interior remodels<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Others allow over-the-counter permits for simple work without full plans<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Historic districts, flood zones, and hillsides often require extra documentation<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\">Project owner-submitted work may be allowed in some areas, but others require licensed professionals for plan submittals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">The best way to confirm is to visit your AHJ\u2019s website, check for project-specific permit checklists, or ask your design professional or contractor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c8\">Refer back to <\/span><span class=\"c3\">Different Types of Jurisdictions<\/span><span class=\"c9 c8\">\u00a0on how to do this.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.llvwll61j2s5\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">If Plans Are Required<\/span><\/h3>\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2285\" style=\"border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color:#f3f5f8; box-shadow: 0px 0px 10px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);\" src=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/plans-are-required-1024x385.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"550\" height=\"207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/plans-are-required-1024x385.png 1024w, https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/plans-are-required-300x113.png 300w, https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/plans-are-required.png 1483w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">If your project crosses the threshold into needing plans:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_4pbe7yq7x3v8-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Work with a licensed professional:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_4pbe7yq7x3v8-1 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c6 c15 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Architect for layout, design, or additions<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c6 c15 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Structural engineer for framing or foundation changes<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c6 c15 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Draftsperson for interiors or simple layouts\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_4pbe7yq7x3v8-0\">\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Submit drawings to the city or county for plan review\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Expect the process to take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on scope and jurisdiction\n<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Use those plans throughout construction for inspections, coordination, and documentation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.13t7yuiu5pa3\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">If Plans Are Not Required<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c6\">You can still move forward, but documentation is still important. Instead of plans, you\u2019ll need a <span class=\"c11\">Scope of Work (SOW)<\/span><span class=\"c0\">\u00a0that clearly describes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_2s8u6r4498-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">What work will be done<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">What materials will be used<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">What layout changes (if any) are planned<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Any sketches or reference images to help clarify expectations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">A solid SOW helps your contractor price the job accurately, order materials correctly, and avoid miscommunication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">Some contractors will create their own layout sketches or field drawings even if formal plans aren\u2019t required. Others may request basic drawings from a designer or draftsman to keep everyone aligned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c13\"><span class=\"c8\">Refer to the next section, <\/span><span class=\"c3\">Developing a Scope of Work (SOW)<\/span><span class=\"c8 c9\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.ft34u1dy6joc\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">When Plans Are Required by Contractors or Lenders<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">Even if the building department doesn\u2019t require plans, your contractor or financing team might.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c1 lst-kix_kt95l4xz83mg-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Contractors may require drawings to bid the project, coordinate with subcontractors, or document the scope<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c0\">Lenders may require plans to approve construction loans or release funding in stages<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c2 li-bullet-0\">Insurance companies may request plans for liability or property value purposes<span class=\"c0\">\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">Having basic drawings can also make pricing, scheduling, and permitting smoother, even if not technically required.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.smvf3ooncitt\" class=\"c7\"><span class=\"c5\">What\u2019s Next: Developing Scope of Work (SOW)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c6\"><span class=\"c0\">If your project doesn\u2019t need stamped architectural plans, the next best tool is a clear, complete Scope of Work. It\u2019s how you document what\u2019s being built, so your team can price it, plan it, and build it accurately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c13\"><span class=\"c8\">Continue to <\/span><span class=\"c3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2019\">Developing a Scope of Work<\/a><\/span><span class=\"c9 c8\">\u00a0to learn how to create and use a detailed project description, with or without plans.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.w9ju0nfia3k4\" class=\"c7 c12\"><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c4\"><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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?\u00a0The answer depends on what you\u2019re building, where it\u2019s located, and how your [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":2032,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2021","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Do You Need Plans or Not? 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