Permit Engineering & Plan Check Services
Get your project permitted faster with professional permit engineering services. Our licensed structural engineers prepare PE-stamped plans, respond to plan check corrections, and navigate building department requirements across every California jurisdiction.
What is Permit Engineering?
Permit engineering transforms your project from concept to approved construction documents. Building departments across California require PE-stamped structural plans and calculations before issuing construction permits. Our structural engineers prepare complete permit packages, respond to plan check corrections, and coordinate with building officials to get your project approved. We work with over 200 California jurisdictions and understand the specific requirements, review timelines, and processes that each department demands.
Why Choose Our Permit Engineering Services
PE-stamped plans accepted by all California building departments
Rapid plan check correction turnaround within 48-72 hours
Experience with 200+ California jurisdictions and their specific requirements
Expedited permit processing for time-sensitive projects
Single point of contact for all structural permit questions
Transparent flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs
Digital delivery for immediate permit submittal
What We Provide
Comprehensive permit engineering services with complete documentation
PE-Stamped Structural Plans
Complete structural construction documents including foundation plans, framing plans, connection details, and structural notes. All drawings stamped and signed by a California-licensed Professional Engineer.
Structural Calculations
Comprehensive engineering calculations documenting gravity loads, lateral force analysis, member design, and connection design. Formatted to meet building department review standards.
Plan Check Correction Response
Fast turnaround on building department correction letters. We review each comment, prepare revised drawings or supplemental calculations, and resubmit for approval.
Expedited Permit Services
Accelerated design and drawing production for projects with tight schedules. Same-week delivery available for straightforward residential projects.
Building Department Coordination
Direct communication with plan check engineers to resolve questions, clarify design intent, and expedite approval. We speak the same technical language as the reviewers.
Over-the-Counter Permit Support
Preparation of permit packages designed for same-day over-the-counter approval at jurisdictions that offer this option, including pre-check of all submittal requirements.
How It Works
Our streamlined process for permit engineering
Project Intake
Submit your architectural plans and project scope. We review the documents, identify the applicable jurisdiction, and confirm permit requirements within 24 hours.
Fee Proposal
Receive a flat-fee quote with clear scope, deliverables, and timeline. No work begins until you approve the proposal.
Structural Analysis
Engineering analysis of your project including gravity loads, seismic forces, wind loads, and load path evaluation per California Building Code.
Drawing Production
Creation of permit-ready structural drawings with all plans, details, schedules, and notes required by the building department.
Calculations Package
Preparation of organized structural calculations with table of contents, clearly referenced to drawings, ready for plan check review.
PE Stamp & Delivery
Professional Engineer review, stamp, and signature on all documents. Digital PDF delivery for immediate submittal to the building department.
Plan Check Response
Review building department correction letters, prepare revised drawings and supplemental calculations, and resubmit within 48-72 hours.
Permit Approval Support
Continued support through final approval including any additional rounds of corrections, building official meetings, or supplemental documentation.
Common Applications
We provide permit engineering for a wide range of projects
Cost Information
Transparent pricing for your project
Typical Range:
$1,500 - $5,000 for simple permits; $5,000 - $15,000+ for complex commercial or multi-story projects
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Project type (residential vs. commercial)
- Building size and square footage
- Number of stories
- Structural complexity and system type
- Jurisdiction-specific requirements
- Expedited timeline requirements
Permit engineering fees are based on project type and complexity. We offer flat-fee pricing for predictable costs.
Timeline
What to expect for your project
Design Phase
1-2 weeks for residential; 2-4 weeks for commercial
Permitting
Varies by jurisdiction: 1-2 weeks (over-the-counter) to 8-12 weeks (full plan check)
Total Timeline
2-6 weeks for residential; 4-16 weeks for commercial depending on jurisdiction
Timelines vary based on project complexity, jurisdiction requirements, and information availability. We provide detailed schedules during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about permit engineering
What do I need to provide for permit engineering?
We need architectural plans or sketches showing the proposed work, site address, and project scope description. For remodels, photos of existing conditions are helpful. For new construction, finalized architectural drawings and a geotechnical report are ideal. We guide you through exactly what is needed during our initial review.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
Permit timelines depend on the jurisdiction and project type. Simple residential projects at over-the-counter jurisdictions take 1-2 weeks. Standard plan check takes 2-6 weeks for residential and 4-12 weeks for commercial. We know the current processing times at every major California building department and set accurate expectations upfront.
What happens if the building department has corrections?
Plan check corrections are normal and expected. When the building department issues a correction letter, we review every comment, prepare revised drawings and supplemental calculations, and resubmit within 48-72 hours. Most projects require one round of corrections. Our experience with each jurisdiction helps us minimize corrections in the first place.
Do you handle permits for all California cities?
Yes, we prepare permit packages for every California jurisdiction including all cities and counties in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. We understand each department's specific requirements, submittal processes, and plan check preferences.
Can you expedite my permit?
We offer expedited engineering services with same-week delivery for straightforward projects. Some jurisdictions also offer expedited plan check for additional fees. We prepare your documents to take advantage of every available fast-track option and advise on the fastest path to permit approval for your specific project.
How much does permit engineering cost?
Simple residential permits (wall removal, patio cover, small remodel) range from $1,500-$3,500. Larger residential projects (additions, ADUs, new homes) range from $3,000-$5,000. Commercial permits range from $5,000-$15,000+ depending on size and complexity. All fees include one round of plan check corrections.
Do I need a structural engineer for my permit?
California requires PE-stamped structural plans for any project involving structural modifications, new construction, or building department discretion. This includes load-bearing wall removals, additions, new buildings, and most remodels that affect the structure. Even when not strictly required, PE-stamped plans speed up plan check and reduce corrections.
What is the difference between permit engineering and full structural engineering?
Permit engineering focuses on producing the minimum documentation required for permit approval. Full structural engineering includes additional services like design development, construction administration, and field inspection. For most residential projects, permit engineering provides everything needed. Complex projects benefit from full structural engineering services.