What are building permit corrections?
Building permit corrections are comments issued during a permit application or plan-review process. A reviewer may identify missing information, request revised construction drawings, or ask for clarification about how a proposed project meets applicable requirements.
Receiving corrections does not always mean your project is permanently rejected. Often, the next step is to address the comments and submit updated documents for another review. The exact process depends on your municipality and project.
How to fix permit corrections: 6 steps
Use this workflow to keep your response organized and reduce the chance of overlooking a reviewer comment.
Read the entire correction notice
Start by reading every comment from the building department. Identify the permit number, reviewing departments, requested changes, response deadlines, and any referenced documents. Do not assume every comment means the same thing.
Organize the comments by category
Group comments into areas such as zoning, architectural plans, structural design, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, or missing application documents. This helps you determine who may need to respond.
Identify the actual requirement
For each comment, write down what information the reviewer is requesting. Compare the comment with the submitted drawings and the requirements identified by your local building department. Ask the reviewer for clarification if a request is unclear.
Coordinate the necessary revisions
Send technical comments to the appropriate designer, architect, engineer, licensed contractor, or other responsible professional. Corrections may require revised drawings, calculations, specifications, forms, or supporting documentation.
Prepare an organized response
Create a response list matching each reviewer comment to the changes made. When appropriate, identify the revised drawing sheet or document where the correction can be found. Follow your jurisdiction's required response format.
Review and resubmit the package
Check that every comment has been addressed, the latest drawing versions are included, and any required professional approvals or signatures are present. Submit through the process specified by the building department.
Example: Understanding a reviewer comment
Example Reviewer Comment
"Provide a revised site plan identifying the proposed addition and setback dimensions."
What this likely means
The reviewer wants a plan showing where the addition will sit on the property and its distances from relevant property lines.
Potential next step
Ask the person preparing your site plan to review the comment, confirm the required dimensions, and update the drawing as necessary.
What to check before resubmitting
Verify that the revised plan identifies the proposed work and contains the information requested by the jurisdiction.
Illustrative example only. It is not a determination of compliance for any particular property.
Common reasons building permits receive corrections
Missing information
Required dimensions, construction details, forms, calculations, or supporting documents may be absent.
Zoning or site-plan issues
The reviewer may need clarification about setbacks, building height, lot coverage, or proposed site changes.
Building-code questions
Submitted plans may need additional information showing how the proposed work meets applicable requirements.
Coordination problems
Architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical drawings may contain inconsistent information.
Have a correction notice right now?
Upload your notice to FixMyPermit for an AI-assisted breakdown of reviewer comments, suggested action steps, and a resubmission checklist.
✓ Preview the first two corrections free
✓ Plain-English explanations
✓ Organized suggested next steps
✓ Complete report available for $79
AI-generated guidance may contain errors and does not replace advice from a licensed professional or your building department.
Frequently asked questions
Does a permit correction notice mean my project is denied?
Not necessarily. A correction notice often means the reviewer needs changes or more information before approval can proceed. Check the specific status and instructions issued by your building department.
Can I fix building permit corrections myself?
Some administrative issues may be straightforward, but technical corrections can require a licensed architect, engineer, contractor, or other qualified professional. Requirements depend on the project and jurisdiction.
How long does a permit resubmission take?
Processing times vary by municipality, project complexity, staffing, and whether additional reviews are needed. Your local building department is the best source for its current processing timeline.
What if I do not understand the reviewer's comments?
Ask the building department for clarification, or consult the professional responsible for the relevant plans. You can also use an organizational tool such as FixMyPermit to create an initial plain-English breakdown, which should be independently checked.