How to Prepare a Permit Submission Package
An incomplete submittal gets rejected at intake before a plan checker ever opens the drawings. This guide covers what every permit package needs, organized by category.
Incomplete rejection vs. plan check correction
An incomplete rejection at intake (missing documents, missing forms, missing sheets) restarts the queue. You go back to day one. A plan check correction after a complete submittal is accepted is different: you are assigned a case number and a plan checker who reviews your specific project. Always verify that your package is complete before submitting.
Step-by-step process
Confirm the permit type and submittal requirements before starting
Different permit types have different submittal requirements. A residential addition requires different documentation than a commercial tenant improvement or a new multifamily building. Contact the building department (or check their online portal) to confirm the current checklist, the accepted file format, the required number of sets, and whether over-the-counter review is available for your project type. Requirements change frequently.
Assemble the complete drawing set
A permit drawing set typically includes: site plan, floor plans, roof plan, building elevations, building sections, wall sections, door and window schedules, accessibility compliance sheet, structural drawings, MEP drawings (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and energy compliance documentation (Title 24, IECC, or equivalent). Each sheet must include the project address, permit application number (if pre-assigned), designer information, license numbers, and wet stamp where required.
Prepare all required forms and applications
Beyond the drawings, most permit submittals require: permit application form, owner authorization letter (if the applicant is not the owner), soils report (for new ground-up construction), geotechnical study (in seismic zones), Title 24 energy compliance forms (California), green building checklist (in CALGreen jurisdictions), and accessibility compliance form (Chapter 11 or CBC Chapter 11B). Missing a single required form is one of the most common reasons for an incomplete rejection.
Review the drawings against the jurisdiction's plan check checklist
Most building departments publish a plan check correction checklist or a pre-submittal checklist. Download the current version and review your drawings against each item before submitting. Catching corrections before the plan checker finds them reduces resubmittal cycles. Pay special attention to: egress, exit width, accessibility path of travel, fire separation, smoke barriers, and structural connection details.
Package for electronic submission
Most jurisdictions now use electronic plan review through portals like ProjectDox, ePlan, or Accela. File naming conventions matter: some portals require specific naming formats (for example, A1.0-Site-Plan.pdf, S1.0-Foundation-Plan.pdf). PDFs must meet size requirements, be orientation-consistent, and in some jurisdictions must be searchable (not scanned images). Layer-specific PDF exports from CAD or BIM often need a final flatten and conversion step before upload.
Submittal checklist
Drawings
- Site plan with setbacks and legal description
- Floor plans (all levels)
- Roof plan
- Exterior elevations (all four sides)
- Building and wall sections
- Structural drawings with details
- MEP drawings
- Door, window, and hardware schedules
Forms and Applications
- Permit application form
- Owner authorization / agent letter
- Statement of special inspections (if required)
- Soils report (new construction)
- Geotechnical report (seismic zones)
Compliance Documents
- Energy compliance (Title 24 / IECC)
- Accessibility compliance form
- Green building checklist (CALGreen)
- CalOSHA hazardous materials (if applicable)
Professional Credentials
- Architect's or engineer's license numbers on each sheet
- Wet stamp or digital seal on structural drawings
- E&O insurance certificate (some jurisdictions)
Time required
Manual process
4 to 8 hours
Checking jurisdictional requirements, assembling forms, naming files, and preparing the cover letter
With TrussNote
Under 1 hour
Get a jurisdiction-specific checklist, required forms list, and file naming guide for your project type in minutes
Get a jurisdiction-specific submittal checklist
Enter your project type and jurisdiction and TrussNote generates a complete, current submittal checklist with required forms, file naming conventions, and portal requirements.