Once drawings are finalized, the plans are submitted to the appropriate city building department for review. The plan check process timeline can vary depending on complexity and is often determined by the number of departments requiring review/clearances and city availability. Plan check fees can vary and are normally based on a percentage of estimated construction costs. The review period is entirely dependent on each building department’s schedule and generally takes 10-14 weeks to complete, although as the architect, we have very little control over this process timeline. Review by the building department can include review and sign offs by the fire department, ADA division, green building division, public works, grading, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, planning, as well as other county agencies such as the CRA.
