Top 10 Reasons Building Plans Get Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)
Based on our analysis of thousands of plan reviews, we reveal the most common reasons building plans get rejected—and exactly how to fix them before submission.
Every rejected plan set costs you time and money. A single round of corrections can delay your project by 2-4 weeks and add $500-$2,000 in resubmission fees—not to mention the frustration of addressing comments that could have been avoided.
The good news? Most plan rejections are entirely preventable. In our analysis of thousands of plan reviews, we found that the same issues appear repeatedly—often accounting for over 80% of all correction comments.
This guide breaks down the top 10 reasons plans get rejected, explains why each issue matters, and shows you exactly how to avoid them.
#1: Missing or Incomplete Title Block Information
Found in 67% of rejected plans
The title block is the first thing plan reviewers check—and incomplete information here signals that the rest of the plans may be equally sloppy. Building departments require specific information for record-keeping, permit tracking, and legal compliance.
Common Issues
- - Missing project address or APN (Assessor's Parcel Number)
- - No architect/engineer stamp or license number
- - Outdated or missing code edition references
- - Missing owner information or contact details
- - No sheet index or incomplete sheet numbering
How to Fix It
- Include complete project address, APN, and legal description
- Add current code editions (e.g., "2022 CRC, 2022 CEC, 2022 CMC")
- Ensure all professional stamps are current and signed
- Include complete sheet index with revision dates
#2: Egress Window Dimensions Missing or Non-Compliant
Code Reference: CRC R310
Emergency egress windows are a life-safety requirement that allows occupants to escape and firefighters to enter during emergencies. This is one of the most frequently cited violations because many designers either forget to include dimensions or fail to meet the minimum requirements.
Code Requirements (CRC R310.2)
Common Issues
- - Window schedule shows "Egress" column left blank
- - No egress callouts in floor plans or elevations
- - Clear opening dimensions not calculated (using rough opening instead)
- - Sill height not shown in section or elevation
How to Fix It
- Mark all bedroom windows with "EGRESS" on floor plans
- Complete the egress column in window schedule with clear opening dimensions
- Show sill height dimension (max 44" AFF) in building section
- Calculate net clear area: Height × Width ÷ 144 = sq ft
#3: Stair Dimensions Incomplete or Non-Compliant
Code Reference: CRC R311.7
Stair design directly impacts safety—improper dimensions are a leading cause of falls in residential buildings. Plan reviewers meticulously check stair geometry because these dimensions are difficult and expensive to change once framed.
Code Requirements (CRC R311.7)
Common Issues
- - No stair section or detail showing riser/tread dimensions
- - Total rise/run not calculated (making verification impossible)
- - Headroom dimension missing at stair soffit
- - Handrail height and graspability not specified
- - Landing dimensions omitted at direction changes
How to Fix It
- Include stair section detail at 1/2" = 1'-0" scale minimum
- Show calculation: Total Rise ÷ Max Riser (7.75") = Number of Risers
- Dimension headroom from nosing line to ceiling/soffit above
- Detail handrail at 34"-38" height with graspable profile
#4: Braced Wall Lines Not Identified
Code Reference: CRC R602.10
Braced wall lines provide lateral resistance against wind and seismic forces—they're what keeps your building from racking or collapsing in an earthquake. This is a critical structural element that many designers overlook, especially on "simple" residential projects.
What Must Be Shown
- - Braced wall line locations (typically along exterior walls and major interior walls)
- - Bracing method for each segment (WSP, GB, PBS, etc.)
- - Panel lengths and heights
- - Connection details at top and bottom plates
- - Hold-down locations and specifications
Common Issues
- - Floor plans show walls but no braced wall line identification
- - Bracing method not specified (just "shear wall" noted)
- - Required bracing percentages not calculated
- - No hold-down schedule or anchor bolt spacing
How to Fix It
- Label braced wall lines as BWL-1, BWL-2, etc. on floor plans
- Specify bracing method per R602.10.4 (e.g., "Method WSP")
- Include braced wall schedule with lengths, methods, and hardware
- Detail hold-down connections with Simpson (or equiv.) catalog numbers
#5: Energy Compliance Forms Incomplete or Missing
Code Reference: Title 24 / IECC
Energy code compliance is mandatory in all states, though requirements vary. In California, Title 24 requires extensive documentation through CF-1R (Certificate of Compliance) forms. Missing or incomplete energy forms are an automatic rejection in most jurisdictions.
Required Documentation (California)
- - CF-1R Certificate of Compliance (registered with HERS provider)
- - Envelope documentation (wall, ceiling, floor assemblies with R-values)
- - Fenestration schedule (U-factor, SHGC for all windows/doors)
- - HVAC equipment specifications (SEER, HSPF, AFUE ratings)
- - Water heating specifications
- - Lighting and electrical calculations (if applicable)
Common Issues
- - CF-1R not registered or registration number not on plans
- - Insulation R-values shown on plans don't match CF-1R
- - Window U-factors/SHGC not listed in schedule
- - Building sections don't show insulation assemblies
- - HVAC equipment efficiency not specified
How to Fix It
- Register CF-1R and include registration number on cover sheet
- Match all R-values, U-factors, and SHGC between plans and CF-1R
- Show insulation in building sections with R-value callouts
- Include complete HVAC schedule with efficiency ratings
#6: Structural Calculations Not Provided or Inadequate
Code Reference: CRC R301, CBC Chapter 16
While prescriptive design is allowed for simple residential structures, many projects require engineering calculations. Even when calcs are provided, they often don't address all required load combinations or match the drawings.
When Engineering Calcs Are Required
- - Structures exceeding prescriptive limits (spans, heights, loads)
- - Custom beam/header sizing
- - Point loads on foundations (posts, columns)
- - Lateral analysis for irregular buildings
- - Retaining walls over 4 feet
- - Seismic Design Category D, E, or F
Common Issues
- - Calculations reference different member sizes than shown on plans
- - Load assumptions don't match actual conditions
- - Missing lateral analysis
- - Foundation design doesn't account for soil conditions
- - Calculations not signed/stamped by licensed engineer
How to Fix It
- Verify all member sizes in calcs match structural drawings
- Include complete load path from roof to foundation
- Reference geotechnical report for soil bearing capacity
- Ensure engineer's stamp is current and matches jurisdiction
#7: Fire-Rated Assemblies Not Properly Detailed
Code Reference: CRC R302, CBC Chapter 7
Fire separation requirements protect occupants and adjacent properties. Whether it's a garage-to-dwelling separation, property line setback, or multi-family demising wall, the assembly must be correctly specified and detailed.
Common Fire Separation Requirements
Common Issues
- - Fire-rated walls shown but assembly not specified
- - No UL or GA assembly number referenced
- - Penetrations through rated assemblies not detailed
- - Garage door to dwelling not labeled as 20-minute rated
- - Attic draft stops not shown
How to Fix It
- Reference specific assembly (e.g., "UL U305" or "GA WP 3510")
- Detail wall section with all layers and fastening
- Show fire-rated penetration details (firestop, intumescent)
- Note door ratings on door schedule (e.g., "20 MIN RATED")
#8: Electrical Panel Location Not Code-Compliant
Code Reference: CEC 110.26, 240.24
Electrical panels require specific clearances and locations for safety and accessibility. Placing a panel in a bathroom, over stairs, or in a location without proper working space is a common rejection trigger.
Working Space Requirements (CEC 110.26)
Common Issues
- - Panel located in bathroom (prohibited)
- - Panel in clothes closet without proper clearances
- - Working space obstructed by water heater or HVAC equipment
- - Panel over stairs or in inaccessible location
- - No clearance dimensions shown on electrical plan
How to Fix It
- Locate panel in garage, utility room, or dedicated electrical room
- Show 36" × 30" clear working space on floor plan
- Dimension panel mounting height (center at ~5'-0" typical)
- Verify no storage, equipment, or obstructions in clearance zone
#9: Plumbing Fixture Counts Not Matching Occupancy
Code Reference: CPC Table 422.1
Commercial projects and some residential projects require minimum fixture counts based on occupancy type and occupant load. Even residential ADUs may trigger additional requirements based on bedroom count.
Residential Fixture Minimums
- - Each dwelling unit: minimum 1 water closet, 1 lavatory, 1 bathtub/shower
- - Kitchen sink required for each dwelling unit
- - Laundry facilities: washer connection required (or common laundry)
- - ADUs: May require independent fixtures depending on jurisdiction
Common Issues
- - Fixture schedule count doesn't match floor plan
- - ADU shown without required fixtures
- - Commercial tenant improvement without occupant load calculation
- - Gas piping diagram missing when gas appliances are shown
How to Fix It
- Include plumbing fixture schedule matching floor plan
- Calculate occupant load and verify fixture count per CPC 422.1
- Show gas piping isometric with pipe sizes and BTU loads
- Include water heater sizing calculations if required
#10: Missing Accessibility Features or Dimensions
Code Reference: CBC Chapter 11A/11B, ADA
Accessibility requirements apply to most commercial projects, public accommodations, and multi-family housing. Even single-family homes may require accessible routes and features in certain jurisdictions or when public funds are involved.
Key Accessibility Requirements
Common Issues
- - No accessible route from parking to building entrance
- - Accessible restroom dimensions not shown
- - Door maneuvering clearances missing
- - Grab bar locations not detailed
- - Signage and wayfinding not addressed
How to Fix It
- Show accessible route with dimensions on site and floor plans
- Detail accessible restroom with fixture clearances and grab bars
- Include door maneuvering clearance diagrams at accessible doors
- Note accessible signage locations and specifications
The Real Cost of Plan Rejections
Each of these issues might seem minor in isolation, but together they create a cascade of delays and costs. Our case study found that traditional plan reviews catch only about 11% of code violations—meaning these issues often make it through initial review only to cause problems during construction.
Impact of Each Resubmission Cycle
The most successful design firms have moved to a pre-submission QA process that catches these issues before they reach the building department. Whether through detailed internal checklists, peer review, or AI-powered automated checking, the goal is the same: submit once, get approved.
How AI Catches These Issues Before You Submit
Traditional manual review simply can't check every code requirement consistently. That's why AI-powered plan review tools like PlanCheckSolver are becoming essential for design teams who want to eliminate resubmission cycles.
Manual Pre-Check
- - 4-8 hours per plan set
- - Varies by reviewer experience
- - Easy to miss items under pressure
- - No automatic code updates
- - Paper-based documentation
AI-Powered Pre-Check
- - 10 minutes per plan set
- - 97% catch rate, every time
- - Checks all 10 rejection reasons automatically
- - Always current with latest codes
- - Detailed digital reports with code references
In our testing, PlanCheckSolver identified 814 code compliance issues across 10 plan sets—compared to just 93 found by traditional reviewers. That's 8.7x more issues caught in a fraction of the time.
Your Pre-Submission Checklist
Before submitting your next plan set, verify these items are complete:
Stop Resubmitting. Start Approving.
PlanCheckSolver automatically reviews your plans against building codes and catches rejection-causing issues before you submit. Upload your plans and get a comprehensive compliance report in minutes.
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