Permit Drawing Design Process in BC
Our 8-step workflow for permit drawings in BC, from feasibility and as-builts to AHJ revisions.
Our Design Process
From feasibility review to AHJ revisions, this is how we develop and coordinate permit-ready drawings for your project.
Date Published: April 10, 2026
This page outlines our full workflow so you know what to expect at each stage, when key coordination happens, and how documents move from concept to permit submission.
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1Feasibility Study
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2As-Built Documentation
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3Existing Plan Redraw & Client Review
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4Proposed Plans & Code Analysis
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53D Walkthrough & Renderings
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6Permit Drawing Package
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7Professional Coordination & Submission
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8AHJ Revisions
1. Feasibility Study
We prepare an initial analysis to check your project against applicable Building Code and Zoning Bylaw requirements.
- Review the project scope, intended use, and general feasibility constraints.
- Identify major code and zoning limitations early.
- Flag potential approval risks before detailed drafting begins.
Fee note: This stage is provided free of charge.
2. As-Built Documentation and Measurement
We document and measure the property and existing building conditions to produce reliable as-built drawings.
- Site and building measurements are collected.
- Existing conditions are drafted into working as-built plans.
- Base documentation is established for all future design work.
Fee note: A deposit is required before this stage starts.
3. Existing Plan Redraw and Client Review
We redraw the existing floor and site plans from client-provided material, then align direction with you before proposal development.
- Client-provided drawings are reviewed and redrafted.
- Existing conditions are cross-checked against measured/as-built information.
- We confer with the client on project direction and disclose any discrepancies identified.
4. Proposed Plans and Code Analysis
Once existing conditions are confirmed, we proceed with proposed plans and code compliance review.
- Preliminary proposed plans are developed and refined.
- Code analysis is completed to confirm proposal compliance.
- Plan coordination is carried forward toward permit-level documentation.
5. 3D Walkthrough and Renderings
We create visual tools so you can understand the design intent before final permit drawings are issued.
- 3D walkthrough models are prepared.
- Renderings are generated for client visualization and decision support.
6. Building Permit Drawings
We prepare the technical drawing set for permit submission and/or professional consultation.
- Permit-ready plans are detailed and assembled.
- Drawing packages are structured for AHJ review.
- Consultant-facing materials are prepared as required (for example, Structural Engineer coordination).
7. Professional Coordination and Submission Support
We delegate drawings to required registered professionals and coordinate all documents into one submission pathway.
- Plans are sent to project consultants for their official documents.
- Consultant timelines and fees are managed by those consultants and are outside our control.
- Our drawings are coordinated with consultant deliverables once returned.
- We assist with application forms.
- Owner or contractor submits application drawings and schedules to the AHJ.
Fee note: Final payment is required for issued permit drawings.
8. AHJ Revisions and Resubmission
After AHJ review, we revise documents based on deficiency comments and coordinate updates with other professionals where needed.
- AHJ comments are reviewed and translated into actionable drawing updates.
- Related consultant documents are coordinated for consistency.
- Revised packages are prepared for resubmission and approval.
Revision note: All revisions within the same original scope are included in our initial fee.
Design Process Overview
A quick summary of each stage in our permit drawing process.
| Step | Key Activities | Primary Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 1. Feasibility Study | Analyze project requirements for Building Code and Zoning Bylaw compliance. | Initial feasibility guidance (free) |
| 2. 2. As-Built Documentation | Measure and document the property and building to produce as-built drawings. | As-built drawing package (deposit required to start) |
| 3. 3. Existing Plan Redraw & Client Review | Redraw existing floor/site plans and review proposal direction with the client. | Verified existing-condition plans and discrepancy review |
| 4. 4. Proposed Plans & Code Analysis | Develop proposed plans and complete code checks for compliance. | Code-aligned proposed design set |
| 5. 5. 3D Walkthrough & Renderings | Create 3D walkthrough and renderings for client visualization. | Visual design package |
| 6. 6. Permit Drawing Package | Prepare complete building permit drawings for submission or consultant review. | Permit drawing set |
| 7. 7. Professional Coordination & Submission | Coordinate required registered professionals, integrate consultant documents, assist with forms, and support AHJ submission. | Coordinated submission package (final payment required at permit drawing issuance) |
| 8. 8. AHJ Revisions | Revise drawings based on AHJ deficiencies and coordinate updates with consultants. | Resubmission-ready revised package (same-scope revisions included) |
Scope and Professional Practice Notes
In this quote, it is important to clarify that while we provide Architectural Drawings, we are not a Registered Architectural Firm. The inclusion of Architectural Drawings in our services is intended to meet your project needs comprehensively.
For custom homes and home renovations, a Registered Architect is typically not required. If the AHJ mandates a Registered Architect for your project, this requirement is outside the scope of this quote. In that case, the client is responsible for engaging a Registered Architect separately.
Canadian Blueprint Inc. services are provided in accordance with the ASTTBC Act and Regulations, and the Codes of Ethics. Canadian Blueprint Inc. currently carries Liability Insurance with a limit of $250,000 per claim.
Want to See What Drawings We Include?
Want to see what drawings we include? Click here to review our code-compliant drawing scope.
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