Building Permits & Process
How the building permit and plan-review process works for architects and building designers — required documents, typical fees, review timelines, and submittal checklists by jurisdiction.
Building Permits & Process
Every project passes through a building department before construction can begin, and the permitting path — what to submit, how it is reviewed, and how long it takes — shapes the schedule as much as the design itself. The guides below explain the end-to-end process, the anatomy of a complete submittal set, and the timeline drivers that decide whether a project clears review in one cycle or five.
Permitting is governed by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Fees, forms, and review timelines vary widely by city and building type, so treat everything here as typical and illustrative — the AHJ's published fee schedule and submittal requirements are always the authoritative source for a specific project.
Pages
- The Building Permit Process, Explained (2026)
How the building permit process works from application to certificate of occupancy — plan review, corrections, permit issuance, inspections, and CO — for architects and building designers.
- Commercial Building Permit Submittal Checklist (2026)
A commercial building permit submittal checklist — drawings by discipline, structural calcs, energy compliance, and forms — to assemble a complete set and avoid intake rejection.
- Building Permits in Los Angeles, CA (LADBS Overview, 2026)
How building permits work in Los Angeles, CA — an illustrative overview of the LADBS plan-check and permit process and typical steps, with links to the official department for authoritative rules.
- How Long Does Building Plan Review Take? (2026)
How long building plan review takes — typical timelines by project type, what drives delays, and expedited, self-certification, and over-the-counter review options.