Respond to plan-review comments by reading all of them, grouping them by discipline, revising the drawings, answering each item in a written response letter that points to the revised sheet and detail, and resubmitting one complete package. Complete, specific answers prevent extra review rounds.
Almost every permit set receives comments, even from experienced designers. The comments are not a rejection; they list what the reviewer needs to confirm compliance. The difference between a two-week and a two-month delay is how you respond.
What do plan reviewers comment on?
- Zoning and site: setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, drainage and landscaping.
- Building and life safety: egress, fire-resistance ratings, occupancy, accessibility and guards.
- Structural: loads, foundation, framing, connections, lateral systems and missing calculations or seals.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing: equipment sizing, venting, grounding, panel schedules and fixture counts.
- Energy compliance: insulation values, glazing, forms and compliance reports.
- Fire: access, hydrants, sprinklers and alarm requirements.
How do I respond to plan-review comments step by step?
- Read the whole letter first. Count the comments, note the response deadline and who issued each one.
- Group by discipline and sheet. A single revised sheet may answer several comments.
- Ask about unclear items. Call or message the reviewer before guessing; the answer should be in writing.
- Revise the drawings. Change the correct sheets, update schedules and keep the revision cloud and date consistent.
- Check for knock-on conflicts. A moved beam or relocated door can affect structural, architectural and MEP sheets.
- Write a response letter. Number every comment, repeat it, state the action taken and cite the sheet and detail number, for example "See S-201 detail 4."
- Get required seals or calculations updated by the licensed professional, where applicable.
- Resubmit in one package. Follow the department's portal or counter rules, pay any resubmittal fee and keep proof of submission.
What makes a response letter effective?
An effective letter is numbered the same as the comments, brief and specific. It never says only "revised" or "see plans". It names the sheet, detail and what changed. If you disagree with a comment, cite the code section and the sheet showing compliance, and ask for clarification; do not ignore it. Keep a clean log so you can answer the next round quickly.
How can I prevent comments before submitting?
- Use the local submittal checklist as your drawing checklist.
- Review the set for sheet-to-sheet coordination: dimensions, schedules, grid lines and details.
- Include the calculations, energy forms and seals that the jurisdiction expects.
- Match sheet index, title block and revision data on every sheet.
- Have a second person run a final QC pass.
How do comments affect schedule and cost?
Each review cycle adds days or weeks and may add review fees and drafting hours. If your estimate includes design or permitting time, carry allowances for at least one resubmittal. Contractors can include procurement of long-lead items only after permit risk is understood. Our permit drawing and drafting teams revise drawings and prepare response letters quickly so your project keeps moving.
When should you involve a licensed professional?
When a comment touches structural capacity, life safety or any item that requires a professional seal, the licensed engineer or architect responsible must review and sign the response. Drafting teams can prepare revisions, but they do not replace the professional's judgment or seal. See our FAQ for how we coordinate sealed work.
Related Bid Sharp pages
- Permit drawing services
- Structural drawings
- CAD drafting services
- How to get a building permit
- Public bid estimating
- Construction bidding glossary
- Estimating and bidding FAQ
Need help with this on a live project?
Send the solicitation or plans on the contact page with your due date. We reply with scope, a firm price and turnaround before any work starts. Bid Sharp prepares the estimate and documents; the contractor reviews, signs and submits the bid in its own name.
Last reviewed October 2026. Procurement rules, thresholds, wage rates and permit procedures differ by agency and change over time; always confirm with the official solicitation or the agency named in it.
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Frequently asked questions
What are plan-review comments?
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Written notes from the building department that identify code, zoning, structural, fire, energy or accessibility items in your drawings that must be corrected or clarified before a permit can be issued.
How long do I have to respond?
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The comment letter or portal states a response period, and permit applications can expire if you do not respond in time. Check the deadline in your notice.
Should I argue a comment I think is wrong?
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Respond politely with the code section, the sheet reference and your reasoning, and ask for clarification. Many reviewers accept a well-documented explanation; the building official decides.
Written by the Bid Sharp Estimating Team
Bid Sharp provides construction estimating, quantity takeoff, structural and permit drawings, shop drawings and scheduling for contractors across the United States. This article is general information, not legal or engineering advice.
