You got plan corrections,

Now what?

Almost every plan check comes back with corrections. It doesn’t necessarily mean you or your architect did anything wrong - it just means a reviewer spotted things that need clarification before they can sign off.

Here’s how to handle this normal (and expected) part of the process.

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

When the County reviews your plans, different departments - like Building & Safety, Fire, Planning, and Public Works - each look at their own piece of the puzzle, and each one sends a “correction letter” listing what needs to be fixed or added before approval. 

Some are simple (missing dimensions or notes). Others may require updated engineering or small design tweaks. Your architect’s job is to respond to these and resubmit in coordination with your engineering team.

what should be happening

Here’s what your team should be doing behind the scenes:

  • Reviewing every correction letter carefully

  • Coordinating with your engineer and energy consultant to fix technical items

  • Updating the plans and re-stamping if needed

  • Uploading or resubmitting to the County 

  • Tracking which departments have cleared their review

what you can do

Stay in communication. Ask your architect for a copy of the comments and a summary of the corrections they’re working on.

“You might consider adding one item on asking your architect about their current workload and how quickly they can turn around the back check set. It may fluctuate depending on how busy they are.”

  • Jessica Orlando, Vice President, AIA

  • Watch for patterns. If the County keeps flagging wildfire or energy issues, it may mean the team needs to loop in a specialist.

  • Don’t make big design changes now. That can reset your review and add weeks.

  • Ask for an updated timeline. Once corrections are submitted, plan check turnaround is usually faster (2–3 weeks instead of 4-6).

Pro Tip

Keep all correction letters in your “PERMITS” Google Drive folder - you’ll need them later for your inspection phase. 

what’s normal

1-2 rounds of corrections are typical.

  • More than 3 rounds may mean departments are waiting on missing information or unclear responses - totally fixable but worth checking on.

Some departments (like Fire or Public Works) clear faster than others. Don’t panic if your status looks “partially approved.”

how long it takes

Simple corrections: 1-2 weeks

  • Moderate: 3–5 weeks

  • Complex sites (hillside, additions, ADUs): 6-8 weeks

If you don’t hear anything for 30+ days:

Ask your architect to call the plan checker directly, request an update through the County portal, or call yourself.

Pro Tip

Ask your architect to forward you the “clearance status” report once all corrections are approved - this is your green light to pull your permit and start building.

The bottom line

Corrections are just part of the process, not a setback. Once these are cleared, you’re at the finish line for permits and ready to break ground.

Woot!