{"id":2029,"date":"2025-06-04T19:31:52","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T19:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/managing-permits-and-other-approvals"},"modified":"2025-10-16T16:04:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T16:04:41","slug":"managing-permits-and-other-approvals","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2029","title":{"rendered":"Managing Permits and Other Approvals"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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What to know once your plans are submitted\u2014and what still happens before construction begins<\/span><\/h2>\n

Introduction<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once your building permit application is submitted, you might think the design phase is done, but there are still a few steps between submission and the start of construction. During this period, your architect or design team will continue coordinating with the city, and in some cases, your contractor or expeditor will begin preparing for the next stages.<\/span><\/p>\n

While much of this happens in the background, it helps to know what\u2019s happening and what to expect before you begin collecting bids or starting work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan Check Comments: What They Are and How They Work<\/span><\/h3>\n

After submitting your permit package, your city or county will review the plans for compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other technical standards. The result is usually a list of plan check comments<\/span>, a set of requested clarifications or changes from the plan reviewer.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a normal and expected part of the process. Your architect or engineer will revise the plans as needed and resubmit them. Most comments are minor and don\u2019t impact the project significantly, though occasionally the city may request more substantial revisions.<\/span><\/p>\n

You typically don\u2019t need to be involved directly in responding to comments, but your architect may loop you in if changes affect design, budget, or timeline.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deferred Submittals: What Gets Reviewed Later<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not every part of your project needs to be submitted with the initial permit application. Some items, like truss engineering, HVAC layouts, or solar system plans, can often be submitted later as deferred submittals<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deferred submittals are reviewed and approved separately after the main building permit is issued. They\u2019re typically prepared by subcontractors or specialty engineers and are usually coordinated by your general contractor during pre-construction or early construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common deferred submittals may include:<\/span><\/p>\n