The permit plan review process ensures that buildings in Olathe are safe, code compliant, and ready for construction. Our plans examining team reviews digital versions of blueprints and construction documents while working directly with contractors, homeowners, and design professionals. Before the construction process begins, this team verifies that structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and related work meets adopted codes. Documents and plans are reviewed for code-compliance before inspections and permit issuance.

Plan review is required before a permit is issued and before construction begins. Key stages of document examination can include: structural and architectural details; site plan review; accessibility compliance; fire wall and fire barrier assemblies; storm shelters; other code-related items as each individual unique project requires. By completing timely reviews, our team protects public safety, supports quality construction while providing a quick time-to-market for builders, developers, and homeowners.

Submittal requirements will be listed during the online permit application process. Each project, whether commercial or residential, will have unique submittal requirements.

Plan Review Turnaround Times

Plan reviews are divided as residential or commercial. Plan review supports the construction process by verifying information before construction is completed to ensure the inspection sequence is successful. Typical plan review turnaround times are:

• Commercial = 15 business days.
• Residential = 5 business days.
• Express = 1 business day. For smaller residential projects that can turn around quickly, or even while you wait. Ask a representative if you qualify for express reviews at no additional cost.

Energy Compliance Plans

Prescriptive Path: All energy compliance information shall be included on the construction documents for review and inspection by City inspectors.

ERI/HERS or ASHRAE Path: For residential construction, a pre-HERS report is required or a complete compliance plan for commercial projects is required via COMcheck building energy code compliance software or equal).

Statement of Special Inspections & Letter of Intent

Where a statement of special inspections is supplied as part of the construction documents, it is required to be submitted at the initial permit application. A Letter of Intent (LOI) on a City-supplied form must be completed by an independent agency matching the work required on the statement of special inspections. All special inspector agencies must be approved by the building official before work may commence.

Deferred Construction Drawing Submittals

Items that are required to be reviewed by the plans examining team but may be deferred and submitted as an addendum revision after the permit is issued, can include:

• Joist plan and layout
• Floor and/or roof truss packet and layout
• Type I hood assemblies and fire suppression plans
• Fire suppression and/or fire alarm plans
• Retaining walls

Additional Resources

Letter of Intent - fillable City form

Call 913-971-6200 or email the building codes team for additional information