Plan Review Services
Thorough, timely review of construction documents for code compliance — helping municipalities, contractors, and property owners move projects forward with confidence.
Expert Plan Review from a Certified Building Official
Plan review is the first line of defense in building code compliance. A thorough review of construction documents before a permit is issued prevents costly corrections in the field, protects public safety, and reduces liability for the municipality and the property owner alike.
Robert Gutowski brings over 30 years of construction and code enforcement experience to every plan review. As an ICC Certified Building Official, he reviews documents against the applicable Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes and local amendments — providing clear, actionable correction notices when deficiencies are found.
We provide plan review services directly to municipalities that contract with us, and to contractors and property owners who need an independent review before or during the permitting process.
Robert Gutowski, C.B.O.
Plans Reviewer
ICC Certified Building Official
Submit Plans
Submit plans as PDF by email. Large files may be shared via a file-sharing link. We confirm receipt and provide an estimated turnaround time.
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What We Review
Residential New Construction
Single-family and two-family dwellings reviewed against the International Residential Code as adopted by Georgia, including structural, energy, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Commercial New Construction
Commercial and mixed-use buildings reviewed against the International Building Code, including occupancy classification, means of egress, fire protection, accessibility, and structural systems.
Additions & Alterations
Residential and commercial additions, renovations, and change-of-occupancy projects reviewed for compliance with applicable codes and the requirements of the International Existing Building Code.
Accessory Structures
Detached garages, carports, storage buildings, pole barns, and other accessory structures reviewed for structural adequacy, setback compliance, and applicable code requirements.
Mechanical, Plumbing & Electrical
Trade-specific plan review for HVAC systems, plumbing installations, and electrical systems — including load calculations, equipment sizing, and code compliance.
Floodplain Development
Review of construction documents for projects in Special Flood Hazard Areas for compliance with NFIP requirements, local floodplain ordinances, and elevation certificate requirements.
Energy Code Compliance
Review of insulation, fenestration, mechanical systems, and building envelope details for compliance with the Georgia Energy Code (IECC), including REScheck and COMcheck documentation.
Decks, Pools & Site Structures
Attached and freestanding decks, swimming pools, retaining walls, and site structures reviewed for structural adequacy, barrier requirements, and applicable code compliance.
The Plan Review Process
Document Submission
Submit construction documents, site plans, and supporting calculations by email or in person. We confirm receipt and provide an estimated turnaround time.
Completeness Check
We verify that the submitted documents include all required information before beginning the technical review, reducing back-and-forth during the review cycle.
Technical Review
Documents are reviewed against applicable codes and local amendments. Each discipline is checked systematically — structural, fire/life safety, energy, accessibility, and trade systems.
Correction Notice or Approval
If deficiencies are found, a written correction notice is issued identifying each item by code section. If the documents comply, a plan approval letter is issued.
Resubmittal Review
Corrected documents are reviewed to verify that all noted deficiencies have been addressed. Additional corrections are noted if new issues are identified during the resubmittal.
Turnaround Times
We are committed to timely reviews that keep projects moving. Standard turnaround times are as follows — complex projects may require additional time.
* Expedited review is subject to availability. Contact us to confirm before submitting.
What to Submit
Complete submissions receive faster reviews. The following documents are typically required — specific requirements vary by project type.
Plan Review for Municipalities
Many municipalities and counties contract with North Georgia Municipal Services Group to handle plan review for their building department. We serve as your plan review office — processing submissions, issuing correction notices, and approving documents — on a schedule and fee structure that works for your jurisdiction.
Benefits of Contracted Plan Review
- No full-time plan reviewer salary or benefits overhead
- ICC Certified Building Official performing all reviews
- Consistent, documented review process for every project
- Written correction notices with specific code citations
- Coordination with your permit office and inspection staff
- Scalable — handles seasonal volume fluctuations
Building Inspection & Plan Review Retainer Options
Retainer hours may be used for any combination of services including permitting, plan review, inspections, consultation, or Building Official services. Hours do not carry over month to month.
| Retainer | Hours | Best For | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 — As Needed | 10 hrs/month | Smallest communities with very low permit volume | $1,100/month |
| Tier 2 — Part-time | 20 hrs/month | Small communities with low permit volume | $2,100/month |
| Tier 2 — Part-time | 40 hrs/month | Active growing towns/cities; full-service includes zoning & site EC | $4,000/month |
| Tier 3 — Full Service | 80 hrs/month | Growing cities and small counties; high permit volume or active development | $7,800/month |
| Tier 3 — Full Service | 80 Plus hrs/month | Cities and counties with high permit volume or active development | Call for details |
Building Inspection Overage & Add-On Rates
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Certified Building Official | $105/hour |
| Unsafe Structure Report Preparation | $250 per report |
| After-Hours Inspection or Emergency | $125/hour (2-hour minimum) |
| Standard Residential / Commercial Inspection | $90–$125/hour |
| Certificate of Occupancy | $100 |
| Permit Fee Review | $750 |
| Annual Ordinance Review | $3,000–$5,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to submit plans or discuss a contract?
Contact us to submit construction documents for review or to discuss contracted plan review services for your municipality.