Getting a permit rejection notice is one of the most frustrating things that can happen mid-project. But in most cases, it’s fixable — and faster than you think. This guide walks through the most common reasons permits get rejected and exactly what to do to correct each one.

The Most Common Permit Rejection Reasons

After reviewing thousands of permit corrections over 15+ years, these are the issues that appear most often:

• Missing or inaccurate setback measurements on the site plan
• Structures not drawn to scale
• Property boundaries missing or incorrectly shown
• North arrow absent from site plan
• Missing parcel identification number
• Proposed structures not clearly distinguished from existing
• Utility easements not shown
• Scale not indicated on drawing
• Lot coverage calculations missing or wrong
• Inconsistencies between the site plan and other submitted drawings

What to Do When Your Permit Gets Rejected

When you receive a correction notice, here’s the process to follow:

• Read the correction notice carefully — note every specific item flagged
• Contact the reviewer if anything is unclear (most building departments have a help line)
• Address every item in the correction notice — partial fixes cause additional delays
• Resubmit with a cover letter noting each correction made
• Track your resubmission and follow up if you don’t hear back within the stated timeframe

How Long Does a Resubmission Take?

After fixing and resubmitting your drawings, most cities process the correction within the original review window. For simple residential permits, that’s often 5–10 business days. Larger or more complex projects may wait longer in the queue.

How to Avoid Rejection in the First Place

The most effective way to avoid rejection is to submit complete, professional drawings from day one. Our 98% first-time approval rate comes from researching your city’s specific requirements before drawing begins — so problems are caught before they reach the reviewer.

• Use professional drafting services that know your city’s requirements
• Request your city’s permit application checklist before submitting
• Have someone who hasn’t seen the plans review them for completeness
• Submit during slower periods when possible (early-week submissions often get faster review)

Practical Permit Review Checklist

Before you submit your application, review the drawing as if you were the city plan reviewer. The plan should clearly show what already exists, what is being added, where the work will happen, and how the project fits within the property limits. For why was my building permit rejected, the most important details are usually the property boundaries, accurate dimensions, setbacks, north arrow, project address, parcel information, and clear labels for existing and proposed work. These details help the reviewer understand the scope quickly and reduce avoidable correction comments.

• Confirm that the project address and owner information are correct.
• Check that proposed work is labeled separately from existing structures.
• Make sure setback distances are easy to read.
• Use consistent measurements across the site plan, floor plan, and any supporting drawings.
• Attach the plan in the format requested by your local building department.

How to Prepare Your Project Details

A better starting package usually creates a better final drawing. Gather your property address, a short description of the work, photos of the project area, rough measurements, and any instructions from the permit office. If you already have an old survey, plot plan, contractor sketch, or HOA document, include it during the order process. Even when those files are not perfect, they give the drafting team useful context and help prevent missing information.

For homeowners, the goal is not to create a complicated architectural package. The goal is to give the building department a clear, scaled, and easy-to-review drawing. That is why Why Was My Building Permit Rejected? Common Reasons should focus on accuracy, simple labels, and the specific details your jurisdiction asks for. A clean plan is often easier for the reviewer to approve than a crowded drawing with unnecessary notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many permit delays happen because small details are missing. Common issues include using screenshots instead of scaled drawings, leaving out setbacks, showing old structures that no longer exist, forgetting easements, or submitting a plan that does not match the permit application. Another common mistake is using a generic plan when the city requires project-specific information. A permit-ready drawing should match your address, your project, and your local review requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions