plan check 101

Once your plans are finalized and signed by your architect and engineer, it’s time to submit them to the City or County for plan check - the official review that ensures your home meets all current safety, zoning, and building code standards.

Here’s what you need to know:

This guide was built in partnership with the AIA. 


It was fact-checked by licensed professionals and building experts. 


Consult a builder or architect for specifics to your situation.

what it means

“Plan check” is how your local building department confirms your rebuild is safe and legal.

They’ll review your drawings for structure, energy efficiency, fire resilience, and any local rules - like hillside, flood zone, or Chapter 7A fire requirements.

what you’ll need

Before you hit submit, make sure you have:

  •  Final stamped architectural plans (PDF)

  • Structural and Title 24 (energy) calculations

  • Soils report (if required)

  • Wildfire compliance documentation (if you’re in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone)

  • Your application form + plan check fees (usually paid online or by check)

what you’ll need

After you submit:

  1. Your plans go to multiple departments for review (Building & Safety, Fire, Public Works, etc.).

  2. You’ll get a “correction letter” listing any required edits.

  3. Your architect or designer makes the fixes and resubmits.

  4. Once cleared, you’ll receive your building permit — the green light to start construction.

Pro Tip

Ask your architect or project manager to track your plan check through the County’s online portal so you can see which departments have signed off.

If it stalls

Don’t panic.

It’s normal for this step to take 4-8 weeks depending on complexity. But don’t be afraid to ask your architect or whomever is interfacing with the agencies to ping those entities to make sure things are moving along.

“Ask your architect or PM about using ArchiStar–it’s a free software being used by the County and City of LA to do an initial plan check review to catch quick mistakes before going through the formal plan check process. This can help to expedite your plan check!” 

- Jessica Orlando, Vice President, AIA

You’re almost there - once your plans pass plan check, you can pull your permit and start building. Yay!