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Plan Check Rejections: Top Reasons and How We Help You Avoid Them

March 12, 2025•2 min read

Submitting plans to the city is a big milestone — but getting a plan check rejection can instantly stall your project, delay permits, and add unexpected costs. The good news? Most rejections are avoidable with the right prep and team behind you.

Here are the top reasons city plan checkers reject plans — and how SBKN helps you get approved faster.

🚫 1. Missing or Incomplete Engineering Plans

City reviewers want to see clear, detailed structural and civil drawings. Vague plans or missing load calculations are a fast track to rejection.
✅ SBKN Solution: We deliver full, stamped sets with all the necessary structural, electrical, and civil details — tailored for your city.

🚫 2. Code Violations (Title 24, NEC, etc.)

California’s building codes change often. If your plans don’t reflect the most recent codes, expect pushback.
✅ SBKN Solution: Our engineers stay current with local and state codes so your plans pass the first time.

🚫 3. Incorrect Site Information

Incorrect lot lines, setbacks, or grading issues can trigger rejections.
✅ SBKN Solution: We verify site details and work with surveyors when needed to ensure accuracy.

🚫 4. Poor Coordination Between Trades

When architectural, structural, and MEP plans don’t align, reviewers notice.
✅ SBKN Solution: Since we offer multi-discipline engineering under one roof, our plans are fully coordinated to avoid conflicts.

🚫 5. Lack of Response During Corrections

Many plans are returned for minor edits, but if those aren’t addressed quickly, the project stalls.
✅ SBKN Solution: We respond to plan check comments fast — and handle revisions with speed and precision.

✅ How SBKN Keeps Your Project Moving

Our goal is to get you approved faster with the least friction possible. That means:

Submitting complete, coordinated, and compliant plan sets
Handling communication with city reviewers
Making corrections quickly and professionally
Leveraging our experience with multiple California municipalities

Whether you’re submitting for a residential remodel, ADU, or commercial build-out — we’ll help you avoid the red tape and keep your timeline intact.

💬 Ready to Submit Plans? Let’s Make Sure They Pass.

Contact SBKN for a free consultation and let’s make sure your plans are approval-ready.

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What Our Clients Say About SBKN

George Owens

“Working with SBKN was a game-changer. Their team handled all the structural and permit requirements for our home addition flawlessly. What impressed us most was their responsiveness and attention to detail. Every question we had was answered quickly, and their coordination with the city helped us avoid delays. We felt confident every step of the way and couldn’t have asked for a smoother experience. I highly recommend SBKN to anyone looking for engineering support that’s professional, knowledgeable, and actually cares about the success of your project."

Kim Wexler

“We’ve worked with other firms before, but none compare to SBKN. They managed our commercial tenant improvement project with professionalism from start to finish. Their engineers delivered accurate, stamped drawings quickly, handled revisions without delay, and even worked directly with the city to push permits through faster than expected. Their clear communication and accountability helped us stay on track and under budget. We’ll definitely continue using SBKN for all our future builds and refer them to anyone in the industry.”

James Cart

“As a general contractor, I need reliable partners — and SBKN has been exactly that. They’ve helped us on multiple projects, from ADUs to full-scale remodels. Their structural and civil plans are always spot-on, and their ability to respond quickly to plan check comments saves us time and money. They understand the field, the permit process, and what it takes to get projects approved fast. I trust them completely and appreciate having a team that makes my job easier instead of harder.”