Permit-Ready Drawing Sets, State by State: How Remote Drafters Meet AHJ Requirements
- Karen Knowles
- 5d
- 4 min read
Permits aren’t just “more paperwork.” They’re a pass/fail system that hinges on local rules, product approvals, and coordination between design, engineering, and submittals. This guide breaks down a universal permit-ready checklist, then spotlights Texas, Florida, and California specifics, showing exactly how Lynx Professional Services partners with local architects to clear AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) reviews the first time.
What “Permit-Ready Drawing Sets” Really Means
Being permit-ready means full alignment with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) submittal list, clear scope definition, consistent sheet naming, and cross-referenced plans and details. It includes code notes that match the project type, occupancy, and climate zone, along with attached calculations and manufacturer documentation where required. A clean redline history and version control system ensure accuracy.
Permit-ready does not mean a “template set.” It’s a standards-driven, localized package tailored to specific AHJ requirements and project scope, delivered in the format reviewers expect.
Universal Permit-Ready Checklist (Residential & Light Commercial)
Core sheets and documents typically include:
Title/General: Cover sheet, code summary, sheet index, project data, occupancy, and construction type.
Site/Civil: Site plan with setbacks, easements, grading and drainage notes, and utility connections.
Architectural: Floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, roof plan, elevations, building sections, wall sections, typical details, and schedules.
Structural: Foundation and framing plans, sections, connection details, and structural notes.
MEP (as required): HVAC layouts and loads, plumbing risers and fixtures, electrical one-lines and schedules, and lighting counts.
Energy/Green: Climate zone-based energy compliance documentation and envelope specifications.
Fire/Life Safety (as required): Egress plans, occupant loads, fire-stopping details, smoke alarm and sprinkler notes.
Attachments: Truss calculations, product approvals, engineer letters, soil reports, wind or seismic documents, and specification cut sheets.
State Focus: Texas
Texas AHJs vary city by city. Dallas, Austin, and Houston each have unique requirements but most emphasize site utilities, drainage notes, foundation detailing, and the latest energy code adoption.
Site plan showing utility taps and drainage or grading notes
Foundation plan referencing soil report if required
Wind exposure category for coastal counties
Energy compliance documentation per IECC adoption
Mechanical load calculations (Manual J, S, or D) when requested
Additional notes for WUI, floodplain, elevation certificates, or tree preservation if applicable
State Focus: Florida
Florida is known for its strict wind design requirements and HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) standards in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Product approvals and detailed fastening notes are essential.
Wind design criteria (Risk Category, Vult, exposure, importance factors) on the cover sheet
Product Approvals or NOAs for exterior openings, roofing systems, shutters, and garage doors
Zone-specific fastening schedules and uplift notes
HVHZ notes for applicable counties
Moisture control and corrosion protection details near coastal areas
Florida energy code compliance forms
State Focus: California
California jurisdictions focus heavily on energy documentation, CALGreen requirements, and wildfire resilient design in WUI zones.
Title 24 energy compliance forms for residential or non-residential projects
CALGreen mandatory measures checklist on drawings or in general notes
Wildfire/WUI compliance details, such as defensible space and ember-resistant materials
Seismic design criteria and details per current building code cycle
Local fire department notes addressing access, hydrants, and signage
Stormwater BMP notes where required
Hand-Off Workflow: How We Work With Your Team
AHJ Intake: Confirm submittal list and required forms.
Scope Lock: Define sheets, disciplines, and attachments; confirm the engineer of record if applicable.
Drafting and Detailing: Create the set in Revit or AutoCAD using your title block and standards.
Internal QA Pass: Cross-sheet checks, label validation, schedules, and detail call-outs.
Engineer/Consultant Sync: Coordinate with structural and MEP consultants for calculations and stamps.
Pre-Submittal Review: Perform a checklist-based review for submittal completeness.
AHJ Comment Turnaround: Deliver fast revisions with tracked changes and a response log.
QA & Version Control: Passing First Review
Centralized model and file naming system with revision logs
Clash checks across disciplines
Verified energy and green compliance forms
Product approval lists pinned to sheets and included in submittal packages
Reviewer comment matrix with dated responses
Downloadable One-Page Checklists
Texas: 1 Page Mini Checklist
Cover: project data, code summary, wind or seismic criteria, IECC notes
Site: setbacks, utilities, drainage, grading
Architectural: plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and specification notes
Structural: foundation, framing, and connection details
MEP: HVAC loads, risers, and one-lines if requested
Attachments: soil reports, truss calcs, and energy documentation
Submit: AHJ forms, fee schedule, and proper digital file naming
Florida: 1 Page Mini Checklist
Cover: wind design criteria, exposure, and HVHZ flag
Architectural/Structural: opening protection, uplift, and fastener schedules
Product Approvals and NOAs: windows, doors, shutters, roofing systems
Energy: Florida compliance forms
Moisture and corrosion protection details
Submit: AHJ forms and digital plan room formatting
California: 1 Page Mini Checklist
Cover: seismic design criteria and Title 24 reference
CALGreen mandatory measures list
WUI compliance items where applicable
MEP and lighting counts per Title 24
Fire access, hydrants, and signage notes
Submit: local fire notes and required forms per jurisdiction
Frequently Asked Questions About Permit-Ready Drawings and AHJ Requirements
What makes a drawing set “permit-ready”?
A complete, code-aware package aligned to the AHJ’s submittal list, with the correct sheets, notes, and attachments so reviewers can approve without asking for basic clarifications.
How do you adapt to different AHJs?
We start by confirming the specific submittal checklist, then tailor sheets, notes, and attachments. We also align with your engineer and provide any product approvals or calcs required.
Do you provide engineer stamps?
We do not stamp drawings. We work with your licensed professionals or help coordinate with one you choose so the right calcs and seals are included.
What reduces the chance of review comments?
Clear code summaries, accurate energy/green forms, validated product approvals, and a consistent response log for any reviewer questions.
Can you turn AHJ comments quickly?
Yes. We track comments, issue revisions with a response matrix, and return updated sheets promptly.
How do you ensure consistency across multiple state submissions?
We maintain standardized templates, QA checklists, and version control protocols that adapt to each state’s code cycle and AHJ format. This ensures every submission whether in Texas, Florida, or California, meets local requirements while staying consistent in quality and presentation.
Ready to submit?
Share your AHJ checklist and current plan set, we’ll do a fast permit-readiness pass and outline any missing documents.
