Common plan check corrections and how to fix them

Most correction letters repeat the same handful of comments. Here are the ones reviewers write most often for common residential permits, and what usually fixes each one.

Updated October 23, 2026 · General information, not legal or engineering advice. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Site plans

• "Show all property lines with dimensions."Draw every property line with its length, taken from the deed, recorded map or survey, and label the street.
• "Provide north arrow and scale."Add a north arrow and draw the plan to a standard scale, like 1" = 20', with the scale noted on the sheet.
• "Show setbacks to all property lines."Dimension the shortest distance from each new structure to each property line, and show the required setback lines.
• "Show existing and proposed structures."Label everything (E) existing or (N) new, including sheds, patio covers, pools and equipment.
• "Show easements."Add recorded easements from the title report or recorded map. Structures often can't be built in them.
• "Provide fire separation distance."Exterior walls close to a property line may need fire-resistant construction. Under the IRC, walls less than 5 feet from the property line generally need a 1-hour rating (Table R302.1(1)).

Additions, remodels and ADUs

• "Provide smoke and carbon monoxide alarms."When you add on or remodel, the model codes require smoke alarms (IRC R314) and CO alarms (IRC R315) in the existing dwelling too. Show their locations on the floor plan.
• "Show emergency escape and rescue openings."Each sleeping room needs an egress window or door (IRC R310). Note the net clear opening, its width and height, and the sill height on the plans or window schedule.
• "Provide energy compliance documentation."Attach the energy forms your state requires (Title 24 in California, IECC compliance elsewhere) and copy the required measures onto the plans.
• "Provide structural details or calculations."Show foundation, framing, beam and header sizes, and shear walls. Where the work goes beyond prescriptive code, an engineer's calculations are usually needed.
• "Clarify the scope of work."Write a clear scope on the title sheet: the square footage added, rooms affected, and the trades involved.

Solar PV and batteries

• "Show rapid shutdown compliance."Identify the rapid shutdown equipment, where the initiator is, and the required label (NEC 690.12).
• "Show roof access pathways and ridge setbacks."Fire codes require clear pathways on the roof, typically 36 inches wide, and a setback from the ridge that depends on how much of the roof the array covers (IRC R324.6). Dimension them on the roof plan.
• "Provide attachment details and spacing."Show the racking attachment detail, flashing, and spacing per the manufacturer's span tables for your wind and snow loads.
• "Show the point of interconnection meets the busbar rule."Show the main panel's busbar and main breaker ratings and how the backfeed breaker meets the 120% rule (NEC 705.12), or show a supply-side connection.
• "Provide a complete single-line diagram."Include module and inverter models, conductor sizes, conduit, overcurrent protection, disconnects, grounding and the labels.

Solar pool heating

• "Provide collector specifications and certification."Attach the collector specification sheet and its SRCC OG-100 certification, along with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
• "Show the attachment and roof penetration detail."Show how collectors are mounted, the hardware and spacing, and how penetrations are flashed and sealed.
• "Show the piping layout."Show the supply and return route from the pool equipment to the roof, plus the check valve, isolation valves and vacuum relief valve.
• "Show the collector layout on the roof plan."Draw the array to scale with its dimensions and the distances to roof edges and ridges, including any pathways your jurisdiction requires.

Pools and spas

• "Show the pool barrier or drowning-prevention features."Show the fence, gates, door alarms or covers and their heights and latches (ISPSC Section 305). California requires at least two of seven listed drowning prevention safety features for new pools at homes (Health and Safety Code 115922).
• "Show equipotential bonding."Note the bonding grid for the shell, deck, metal parts and equipment (NEC 680.26).
• "Show suction entrapment protection."Specify listed drain covers and the suction outlet arrangement (ISPSC Section 310).
• "Show setbacks for the pool and equipment."Dimension the pool and the equipment pad to property lines and structures, and show any zoning limits on equipment location.
• "Provide engineering for the pool shell."Most departments want engineered plans for the shell, especially near slopes, foundations or retaining walls.

Re-roofs

• "Verify the number of existing layers."Under the IRC, a new roof can't be laid over a roof that already has two or more layers (R908.3.1.1). State whether you're tearing off or re-covering.
• "Specify the roofing product and underlayment."Attach the product's specification sheet and listing, and show the underlayment and fastening.
• "Confirm the roof slope is allowed for this product."For example, asphalt shingles generally need a slope of at least 2:12 (IRC R905.2.2).
• "Show cool roof compliance."In some California climate zones, a re-roof must meet the Title 24 cool roof requirements. Attach the product's CRRC rating.
• "Show attic ventilation."Show the existing and new vents and that the net free area meets the code (IRC R806).

HVAC and water heaters

• "Provide equipment specifications."Attach the specification sheet or AHRI certificate showing model, capacity and efficiency.
• "Provide load calculations."New systems usually need equipment sized from a Manual J load calculation (IRC M1401.3).
• "Show HERS verification or duct testing."In California, replacing equipment or altering ducts often triggers duct leakage testing and HERS verification under Title 24.
• "Show seismic strapping and relief valve discharge."Water heaters in California need seismic straps in the upper and lower thirds of the tank, and the temperature and pressure relief line must discharge to an approved location.
• "Show clearances, access and condensate disposal."Note the working clearances and access to the equipment, and where condensate drains.

Electrical service and panel upgrades

• "Provide a load calculation."Show the dwelling load calculation that supports the new service size (NEC Article 220).
• "Show working clearances."Panels need clear working space in front: generally 30 inches wide, 36 inches deep and 6½ feet high (NEC 110.26).
• "Show the grounding electrode system."Note the electrodes, conductor sizes and bonding to water and gas piping (NEC 250).
• "Show surge protection."Newer editions of the NEC require surge protection for dwelling services (NEC 230.67).
• "Provide utility approval or meter location."Many departments want the serving utility's approval of the new meter location before they sign off.

Frequently asked questions