Introduction

The previous “walk-in” plan review process was revised on 1/1/19 to address expedited plan review requests in conjunction with OBC 107.3 and OAC 4101:7-7-01. OBC Section 107.3 requires construction documents to be reviewed in the order received. The expedited plan review process was created to facilitate the prompt review of small scope projects. This process prevents the construction delay of small scope projects otherwise stuck in line with other previously submitted large projects. The initial review of small scope projects must be scheduled by appointment in order to facilitate first-time approvals.

As frequently requested by customers, an expedited plan review appointment can also be scheduled for plan resubmissions and/or revisions. In accordance with OAC 4101:7-7-01, all expedited plan review appointments will be subject to additional fees based on the applicable scopes of work.

Expedited plan review project qualifications

Projects qualified for expedited plan review

• A project and/or resubmission/revision of limited complexity allowing completion of the plan review process within two hours.
• A project and/or resubmission/revision of limited complexity that can be fully approved upon the initial plan review.
• Phased approvals of large scope projects of new construction for foundation approvals, building shell approvals etc. that plan review can be completed within two hours.
• Subsequent phased plan approval submissions after the initial foundation or shell approval; provided the plan review can be completed within two hours.

Projects NOT qualified for expedited plan review

• A project and/or resubmission/revision determined to be too large or complex and cannot be completed within two hours.
• A project and/or resubmission/revision of limited complexity requiring fire alarm and/or fire suppression, and the fire protection system shop drawings are not provided with the plan submission.
• A project having an “H” or “I” occupancy and determined to be too complex for the plan review process to be completed within two hours.
• Subsequent plan submission(s) after an initial phased approval that cannot be completed within two hours.
• Any resubmission in response to a correction letter or adjudication order that cannot be adequately reviewed within two hours.

Expedited plan review fees

Effective January 1, 2019, an expedited plan review fee of $275.00 per requested scope of work will be assessed for each plan review. The expedite fees are in addition to the regular building plan approval fees listed in the application form.

The scope of work is defined as follows: Building general trade (Structural; loadbearing or non-loadbearing), Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Medical Gas, Fire sprinkler system, Fire alarm system, Industrialized unit, and Re-roofing. 

Expedited (Walk-in) plan review procedures

Submit expedited plan review request in paper format

• When submitting a new project, complete the application form and make sure to check the box “Request for walk-in plan review appointment”. Fax (614) 644- 3145 in or e-mail (BDCCPlans@com.state.oh.us) in the “Application for building plan approval” (DIC 3016) along with available drawings if possible when submitting plans in paper format and coming in person to DIC office for expedited plan review appointment.
• When submitting a resubmission or revision in paper format, attach a submittal letter to your resubmission or revision indicating that you are requesting for an expedited plan review appointment.
• Once the request is received, the staff will review the application form or resubmission/ revision and determine if the project is qualified; if not, the customer will be notified of the result and the application and drawing files will be placed on “waiting for review shelves” to be reviewed in the order received.
• If the project is qualified for an expedited plan review, additional expedited plan review fees will be assessed for customers to make payment prior to scheduling for an expedited plan review appointment.
• The assigned plan examiner will call the customer on the phone at least one day before the appointment to discuss about the project.
• Three sets of construction drawings and application fees shall be submitted in person at the scheduled time of the expedited plan review appointment
• The person who shows up or is available by phone for the appointment must be the person who seals the plans or a person with a letter of authorization to modify the plans issued by the person who seals the plans.

Submit through online e-plan submission web portal

• When submitting a new project application form through DIC web portal (Select "Building Permit" as application type and select “Walk-in” as “Application subtype” on application screen and upload drawings.)
• When submitting a resubmission in response to a correction letter or adjudication order or a revision through DIC web portal, type in “request for expedited review” in the “More information” box in attachment tab.
• Once the online request is received, DIC staff will review the necessary information in the application for completeness and correctness. If not, DIC staff will notify the submitted to make necessary corrections and re-apply for the project online again with corrected information. The original application with the incorrect information will be deleted from the system.
• If all application information is correct, then DIC staff will review the plan online and determine if the project is qualified for an expedited plan review appointment;
• If the project is not qualified for an expedited plan review process, the customer will be notified of the result and the application and drawing files will be placed on “waiting for review shelves” to be reviewed in the order received.
• If the project is qualified for an expedited plan review, additional expedited plan review fees will be assessed for customers to make payment prior to scheduling for an expedited plan review appointment.
• The assigned plan examiner will review the e-plan and call the customer on the phone at least one day before the appointment to discuss about the project if necessary.
• The design professional must stay by the phone during the time of appointment. If there are violations found in the project, the plan examiner will call the designer to discuss and make corrections as necessary.
• Once the corrections are made, the designer must go online to upload the revised plans for final approval.

Special notes

• To prevent any delay in the application process, please be sure that all required information such as project name, building address, scope of work, submitter information, designer information, and property owner information, etc., are all accurate for the project. Any application with incorrect and or incomplete information will be denied and deleted from the system and the application will not be accepted and processed.
• Please also be aware that by requesting an expedited (“walk-in”) plan review appointment in your application does not guarantee for the plan review appointment. Only those projects that are qualified for the appointment as stated above will be scheduled for the expedited plan review appointments.
• Please also note that in order to facilitate the plan review of other larger projects, a maximum of 8 plan review appointments can be scheduled in a working day. Submit several projects for expedited plan reviews in one a day does not guarantee that all of them will be processed and reviewed at the same day.