Plans examiner

A plans examiner reads the submitted drawings and calculations and checks them against the adopted code. They are the author of the comments you get back, and on most projects they are the person whose questions determine how long the permit takes.

How the work is divided

Large departments have examiners specialised by discipline: structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy, and accessibility, plus separate zoning and fire reviewers. A submittal is routed to each relevant one, and each can approve or comment independently. Small departments may have one person doing all of it.

What they can and cannot do

They apply the code as adopted and amended locally. They cannot waive a requirement; only the building official can accept an alternative. An examiner who says a design will not work is usually telling you what they are required to enforce rather than exercising a preference.

Working with them productively

• Answer every comment in writing, individually
• Point to the specific sheet and detail where the change was made
• Ask for the code citation when one is missing, and ask before redesigning
• Where you disagree, make the code case in writing rather than arguing by phone
• Keep the drawings internally consistent, since inconsistency generates comments that have nothing to do with the design