Cover Sheet
Project title, address, permit application number, code edition referenced, revision block, and a table of contents that directs reviewers to plan sheets and attachments.
Well-prepared approval drawings clarify scope, demonstrate code compliance, and create a definitive basis for permit issuance and contractor pricing. They reduce delays during plan review and protect stakeholders by documenting approved materials, dimensions, and professional certifications.
Typical participants include licensed architects or engineers, the project owner, the general contractor, and the local building official reviewing the submission.
Each signer’s role affects legal responsibility; ensure only appropriately licensed individuals stamp and sign documents required by jurisdictional rules.
Project title, address, permit application number, code edition referenced, revision block, and a table of contents that directs reviewers to plan sheets and attachments.
Showing property lines, setbacks, easements, finished floor elevations, grading notes, stormwater points of discharge, parking layout, and relationship to adjacent structures.
Plan views with dimensions, room uses, egress paths, door and window schedules, and notes calling out code-related features such as fire separations and ADA access.
Exterior elevations with heights, materials, and section cuts that show construction assemblies, floor-to-floor heights, and roof relationships.
Framing plans, foundation details, and mechanical, electrical, plumbing schematics with loading, service sizes, and coordination notes for reviewer assessment.
Material specifications, finish schedules, code references, and any engineering calculations or product approvals supporting the drawing details.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer roles | Architect | Engineer | Owner | Contractor |
| Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or stronger MFA |
| File types | PDF/A for archival, layered PDFs for redline |
| Retention | Auto-archive signed sets to project repository |
Choose a platform that supports secure PDF signatures, audit trails, and integrates with project systems such as Procore or NetSuite.
Confirm the chosen platform provides tamper-evident signed PDFs, detailed audit logs, and an export mechanism that preserves seals and revision history.
Often 10–30 business days depending on local workload
Municipalities typically allow 14–30 days to resubmit corrections
Occurring after all reviews and fee payment, variable by agency
Many permits expire if work not commenced within 6–12 months
Request inspections per local process, often 48–72 hours notice
Complete design coordination and internal QA before submission.
Licensed professionals sign and seal required sheets.
File documents with the authority having jurisdiction.
Respond to reviewer comments and resubmit revised sheets.
Tim Martin describes processing drawings online for approvals
Dan Rotelli cites SOC 2 as a selection factor
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year limit | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |