Permit drawing guides

Plain-language guides to the drawings building departments usually ask for on common home projects, what plan reviewers look for, and how to prepare the drawings yourself. No drafting experience needed.

This guide is general information, not legal, code or engineering advice. Permit rules differ between states, counties and cities and change over time. Always confirm requirements with your local building department.

About stamps and engineering. Some jurisdictions, and some kinds of projects (structural changes, ADUs, larger additions, and anything that needs engineering), require drawings stamped by a licensed architect or engineer. TraceBIM produces the drawings, but it does not replace a required stamp or engineering calculations. If your building department asks for either, bring a licensed professional in. Clear drawings you have already prepared usually make that step faster.

Ready to draw your plans?
TraceBIM's Studio plan is free during early access. No credit card needed, and every new workspace comes with starter AI credit.

Start free