The Plan Review Section reviews construction plans for all commercial and residential buildings and structures to ensure consistency with the NC State Building Codes. This section coordinates with Emergency Services and Environmental Health on fire and health aspects of the codes.

All plans for review are to be submitted online utilizing the Civic Access public portal.

Instructions on how to use the Civic Access public portal: User Guide, How to Video.

Submittal Requirements

• Documents must be properly oriented and legible when uploaded making sure to use the correct File Category.
• Multi-page documents (ex: Construction Plans) must be submitted as a single file and in PDF file format.
• Remove all securities, print/flatten PDF to remove all PDF Comments, including removal of AutoCAD SHX Text.

Plot Plan Requirements

Plot Plans are required for all permitted improvements to Residential One- or Two-Family Dwellings, Townhomes and their accessories that involve:

• A change in footprint.
• New construction
• Additions 
• Accessory buildings (detached garages, storage buildings, etc.)
• Accessory structures (decks, retaining walls, swimming pools, detached carports, etc.) 
• Any other activity which adds a structure or other improvement to the property. 

A good resource for a plot plan is a survey issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. If you draw the plot plan yourself, be sure to sign and date it, and include contact information.

For more specific Plot Plan requirements, see What Permit Type to Use.

Commercial projects will require an approved Site Plan. Contact the Guilford County Planning & Development if your property is within unincorporated Guilford County or if within Town limits, contact the appropriate Town’s Planning Department for their requirements for Site Plan Approval.

Construction Plan Requirements

For more specific Construction Plan requirements, see What Permit Type to use.