Deferred Submittals
A certificate of occupancy (CO) will not be issued until all aspects of the job, including deferred items, have been reviewed, permitted, and inspected.
A "deferred submittal" covers portions of a project that are not submitted with the initial permit application. For example, in a restaurant, the item most often deferred is the walk-in cooler. The walk-in cooler could be included on the initial plans submitted for review, but if all of the details are not yet known, the applicant may elect to submit the walk-in cooler or outdoor patio details at a later date. Any deferred items submitted after the commercial construction permit is issued will be reviewed and permitted separately.
Make sure your contractor submits plans for any deferred items with enough time to allow for plan review in order to avoid delays in opening your restaurant.
Modified Drawings
If, after a building permit is issued, changes are made in the field that differ from the approved plans, new drawings will need to be logged in for review. These are known as "modified drawings" and, if approved, they will receive a new permit. Any contractors with changes per the modified plans must also obtain a new permit and schedule new inspections for their respective trades.
Submit all modified drawings through e-permits using the same instructions as for the original building submittal. Make sure to include the following:
- A letter explaining what was modified, why, and with references to the appropriate plan sheets
- Electronically signed, and stamped, modified plans with all changes clouded or marked, and including code references
- Electronically signed, and stamped, documents that are pertinent to the changes, such as structural calculations and specifications
- Contact information for the contractor, owner, and architect or engineer of record
- An updated Affordable Housing Fee Application
- A revised statement of valuation form if the changes result in an increased project valuation. Hourly plan review fees will be assessed with a minimum charge of two hours.
Inspections
Before issuing a CO, inspectors will require that all facets of the job are complete, including work from modified plans and deferred submittal items, and that all inspections on all permits have been approved. You may also need final approval letters from any third-party engineers and special inspectors.
- TIP: Make sure the equipment/appliances installed match what is listed on the approved plans. If you change equipment (e.g., buying used restaurant appliances), your plans will need to be re-reviewed. To ensure the restaurant opens on time, submit modified drawings as early as possible and do not wait until an inspector is checking the equipment install.
Schedule inspections