Life-safety comments
| Comment | What it means / how to fix | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Show smoke alarm locations | Required in each sleeping room, outside sleeping areas and on every level (IRC R314). Add to the floor or electrical plan with interconnection noted. | Drafting |
| Show CO alarm locations | Required outside sleeping areas when there are fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage (IRC R315). | Drafting |
| Clarify emergency escape openings | Each sleeping room needs an opening of at least 5.7 sq ft net clear (5.0 at grade), 24″ min height, 20″ min width, max 44″ sill (IRC R310). Update window schedule. | Drafting |
| Garage/dwelling separation | Show gypsum board on the garage side and a solid or 20-minute rated door (IRC R302.5–R302.6). | Drafting |
| Safety glazing locations | Mark tempered glass near doors, tubs/showers, stairs and low large panes (IRC R308). | Drafting |
More on egress in our bedroom egress guide.
Stairs, guards & handrails
| Comment | What it means / how to fix | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension stair rise, run and headroom | IRC R311.7 commonly: 7¾″ max riser, 10″ min tread, 6′-8″ min headroom, 36″ min width. Add a stair section with dimensions. | Drafting |
| Show handrail height and continuity | Typically 34″–38″ above tread nosings, graspable, continuous for the flight. | Drafting |
| Show guard height and openings | Guards where the drop exceeds 30″; 36″ min height; openings that a 4″ sphere can’t pass (IRC R312). | Drafting |
| Winder / landing dimensions | Show landing depth and winder tread dimensions per code. | Drafting |
Structural comments
| Comment | What it means / how to fix | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Provide beam/header sizes | Every beam and header over an opening must be sized on the plans. Prescriptive IRC tables can cover simple cases. | Drafting or engineer |
| Provide calculations for beam / long span | Spans or loads beyond prescriptive tables need engineered calculations. | Engineer |
| Show point loads and load path | Show posts, footings and how loads reach the foundation. | Drafting + engineer |
| Provide foundation details | Footing size, depth (below frost line), reinforcement, anchor bolts, hold-downs. | Drafting or engineer |
| Braced wall / lateral design | Show braced wall lines and panels (IRC R602.10), or engineered lateral design where required. | Drafting or engineer |
| Provide truss calculations | Manufacturer-engineered truss drawings are often a deferred submittal. | Truss supplier |
Details in when a permit correction needs a structural engineer.
Energy & envelope
| Comment | What it means / how to fix | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Show insulation R-values | List ceiling, wall, floor/slab and foundation insulation for your climate zone on a wall section or energy notes. | Drafting |
| Provide window U-factor / SHGC | Add to window schedule or energy notes per your climate zone. | Drafting |
| Provide energy compliance report | REScheck, a performance model or state-specific forms, depending on jurisdiction. | Energy consultant / per local rules |
| Air barrier and blower-door notes | Add air sealing and testing notes where required. | Drafting |
40+ checks including code red flags, in 3 business days — from $99.
See plan reviewSite plan & zoning
| Comment | What it means / how to fix | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension setbacks to property lines | Show distances from the house to each property line (see setback requirements). | Drafting |
| Show lot coverage / impervious area | Tabulate building footprint and paved areas vs. lot area. | Drafting |
| Show drainage and grading | Arrows showing slope away from the foundation; sometimes an engineered grading plan. | Drafting or civil |
| Show easements and utilities | Locate easements, utility connections, septic or well. | Drafting / surveyor |
| Provide survey | Boundary or topographic survey stamped by a surveyor. | Surveyor |
See setback requirements.
Documentation & admin
| Comment | What it means / how to fix | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Provide wall section / typical details | A section from footing to roof showing assemblies, insulation and connections. | Drafting |
| Show attic access | Typically at least 22″ × 30″ where required (IRC R807). | Drafting |
| Door and window schedule | Sizes, types, egress, tempered glazing, U-factor. See window & door schedules. | Drafting |
| Owner signature / authorization | Sign the application or provide owner authorization for the applicant. | Owner |
| Provide stamped sheets | Some jurisdictions require engineer or architect seals on certain sheets. | Licensed professional |
Schedules explained in window and door schedules. Code sections shown are from the IRC and may be amended locally — your jurisdiction has the final word.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common residential plan check comments?
Missing smoke and CO alarm locations, unclear egress windows, undimensioned stairs and guards, beams without sizes or calculations, missing foundation and wall section details, energy code information, and setbacks not dimensioned on the site plan.
Which plan check comments need an engineer?
Comments asking for structural calculations, engineered foundations or retaining walls, lateral design beyond prescriptive rules, truss calculations, soils reports and, in many places, energy compliance calculations.
Are these requirements the same everywhere?
No. Most U.S. jurisdictions adopt a version of the IRC with local amendments, so exact requirements vary. Your building department has the final word.
Can you fix these comments on my plans?
Yes. Our Permit Correction Service fixes every drafting comment in your correction letter for $499 flat and lists engineering items separately.
How can I avoid these comments before I submit?
Check your plans against a permit checklist or get a professional plan review before submitting.