Residential Drafting
Some projects need a compact permit package. Others require a broader set of drawings with site planning, design development, technical detailing, and consultant coordination. We do not apply a generic checklist to every file.
Instead, we evaluate the project and assemble the exact drawing set required to move the permit approval forward.
Drawing Set Components
- Site Plans: Placement, zoning context, and site-related permit information.
- Floor Plans: Internal layout, circulation, and space organization.
- Exterior Elevations: Front/rear/side faces, height expression, and exterior character.
- Roof Plans: Roof form and upper-level coordination where required.
- Cross Sections: Vertical building relationships and key construction interfaces.
- Construction Details: Code-facing and build-facing technical details.
- Supporting Layouts: Key plans, accessibility alignment, and egress coordination.
Technical Permit Drawings
This is the technical package used for municipal review. Depending on the project, we develop the specific sheets that plan reviewers focus on when checking for BC Building Code compliance:
- Site Plans: Anchors the submission by showing project placement, setbacks, and site relationships for zoning alignment.
- Cross Sections: Clarifies vertical floor-to-floor relationships, roof/foundation transitions, and key structural interfaces.
- Construction & Code Details: Converts design intent into permit-ready technical information, detailing envelope continuity and fire separation strategy.
- Envelope & Performance Notes: Includes RSI-related content to support Step Code and energy compliance review.
| Drawing Type | What It Shows | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Site Plans | Property boundaries, setbacks, existing and proposed buildings, parking, grading | All permits |
| Floor Plans | Room dimensions, door/window sizes, stairs, structural elements, fire separations | All permits |
| Elevations | Exterior appearance, materials, finishes, height measurements | All permits |
| Building Sections | Vertical dimensions, floor-to-floor heights, roof pitch, foundation depth | New builds, additions |
| Construction Details | Foundation connections, window installations, roof-wall transitions, deck attachments | Complex work |
| Energy Compliance | Insulation values, air barrier details, HVAC locations, step code performance | New builds, major reno |
Step 1: Feasibility and Planning Inputs
Before drawing production ramps up, we define scope using the core planning constraints that usually drive permit requirements. This often includes site-planning direction, zoning constraints, building code-facing planning constraints, and early identification of items that trigger added documentation.
Step 2: Existing Conditions
Accurate existing information keeps the proposed and technical drawings reliable. Depending on project needs, this can include consultation and project briefing, existing-condition floor plans, existing elevations where required, and measured verification support.
Step 3: Site and Preliminary Analysis
Where required by project type or municipality, preliminary analysis may be added to support design and submission strategy. Examples can include site-response analysis, view and circulation checks, and easement or restriction awareness.
Step 4: Proposed Design Drawings
This is the part of the package most clients are usually asking about. We build the design set around the drawings that matter most for the specific scope — floor plans, exterior elevations, roof plans, reflected ceiling plans, and supporting layouts.
Step 5: Visualization Options
Visualization is optional but often useful for design review and client decision-making. Options may include colored floor plans, colored elevations, 3D model views, and photorealistic renderings.
Step 6: Technical Permit Drawings
This is the technical package used for permit review, where site plans, sections, and details become critical. Depending on project needs, this may include site plans, cross sections, building envelope information, construction details, energy/code details, and fire-separation details.
Step 7: Coordination and Revisions
Permit approval also depends on coordination and response through review cycles. Support may include consultant coordination, application support, AHJ comment responses, and consultant-driven revisions.
Important Scope Notes
- The final set depends entirely on the project type, municipality, existing conditions, and permit-review expectations.
- Specialized drawings (e.g., landscaping, security layouts) are only included when triggered by municipal requirements.
- Consultant fees, municipal fees, and permit submission obligations remain outside this summary unless specifically agreed upon.
Canadian Blueprint Inc.
BC Building Design & Permit Drawings
Published April 10, 2026
