---
title: "Plan Review: Definition & Why It Matters for Contractors — PermitVector"
source: https://permitvector.com/glossary/plan-review
description: "The AHJ"
---

# Plan Review: Definition & Why It Matters for Contractors

> The AHJ

1.  [Home](/) /
2.  [Permit Glossary](/glossary) /
3.  Plan Review

Permit Glossary

# Plan Review

Also known as: plan check, permit review, drawing review

The AHJ's examination of submitted construction drawings to verify compliance with building codes before a permit is issued.

Plan review (also called plan check) is the process by which a building department's staff examiners review construction documents — drawings, specifications, energy calculations, and supporting materials — to confirm they comply with applicable codes before issuing a permit. Review cycles can range from same-day over-the-counter approval to several weeks for complex commercial projects. Most Texas municipalities offer expedited review for an additional fee. Failed reviews result in correction notices requiring resubmittal, which extends the permit timeline.

## Why it matters for contractors

The length of a plan review cycle directly affects when a permit issues and when subcontractors will be needed — knowing typical review times per AHJ helps contractors forecast lead windows more accurately.

## Related terms

[Building Permit](/glossary/building-permit) [Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)](/glossary/authority-having-jurisdiction-ahj) [Permit Expediter](/glossary/permit-expediter) [Permit Status](/glossary/permit-status)

[← All permit & construction terms](/glossary)

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_Source: https://permitvector.com/glossary/plan-review · PermitVector — daily Texas building-permit intelligence._