DHS: Building Plan Review FAQs

Plan Review FAQs

317-232-6422 planreview@dhs.in.gov

Do I Need to File?

What buildings must have a design release issued by the state?
All Class 1 structures, which is defined as any part of the following:
- A building or structure that is intended to be or is occupied or is otherwise used in any part by:
  - the public
  - three or more tenants
  - one or more persons who act as the employees of another
- Site improvements which affect accessibility to buildings which are Class 1 structures
In general, supportive living facilities are considered Class 1 structures. For conditions that must be met for a supportive living facility to be considered a Class 2 structure, review the Classification of Supportive Living Facilities guidance.
Buildings used only for an agricultural purpose on the land where they are located and not used for retail trade are not Class 1 structures.
Vehicular bridges are not Class 1 structures.
For more guidance, view the Do You Need to File? section of the Building Plan Review Process page.
To determine if your project may be exempt from filing with the state, contact Building Plan Review staff at planreview@dhs.in.gov or 317-232-6422.
What information is required to file a Chapter 34?
- Complete Score Sheets (Table 3410.7).
- Provide a narrative and complete calculations explaining the scores taken (3410.6.1 – 3410.6.18).
- Complete set of plans showing compliance with the scores taken in item B.
Also see the amendments to Chapter 34 in Article 13 of the Indiana Administrative Code.
Can You Expedite a Chapter 34 Project?
Yes, but this decision is made on a case-by-case basis.
We are building a pump house within our existing municipal sewage plant facility. Is a design release required?

That depends. If the pump house is owned and used by a utility and will never be occupied or used by the public and will not normally be occupied or used by a person acting as an employee of another, the building is exempt from the design release requirement. Refer to Page 27 of 675 IAC 12-6-4.
Several other Class 1 structures are also exempt from the design release requirement because of their use or their small size.
To determine if your project may be exempt from filing with the state, contact Building Plan Review staff at planreview@dhs.in.gov or 317-232-6422.
We are replacing our 100-ampere breaker panel with a 200-ampere panel. Is a design release required?

Process

I want my project to be released as soon as possible. What deficiencies commonly hold up the review process?
The following are common issues with applications:
- Application is not signed and uploaded with plans.
- ComCheck is missing.
- Truss drawings are missing.
- Dimensions on site plan and/or building plans are missing.
- Owner information missing, such as owner's signature. Signature may be original or a copy.
- For additions or remodels, overall floor plan for entire building is not provided.
- For Chapter 34 filings, plans to substantiate evaluation documents are not provided.
- Incorrect or incomplete design professional certificate for projects which must be certified. The design professional must sign the application for construction design release and identify the inspecting design professional.
- Proper fees are not paid. Review the fee schedule listed in 675 IAC 12 at the Indiana Administrative Code website (Article 12, Rule 3, starting on page 5).
How will I know when my plan review has been completed and released?
How can I find the status of my project?
How long does the Building Plan Review process take?

The submission of an application starts an automatic 10-business-day clock. Within those 10 business days, IDHS will respond to the application with one of: (1) a notice of Construction Design Release, (2) a notice of incomplete filing or (3) a notice that the project has been selected for a detailed review. Before that response, if you choose to upload additional documents, please be aware that will restart the 10-day period. If your project is selected for a detailed review, Indiana law allows IDHS an additional 20 days to complete that process.
Consequently, it is in your interest to provide all your latest, finished materials at the time you file your project initially. Please do not file an incomplete set of documents and use the 10-day period to complete and upload your work. If you do so, each upload will send your project back to the start of the line.
Note: The time frames described above apply only to the Building Plan Review Section's processes and do not include the time spent waiting for the submitter's response(s). The actual length of time between submission of an application and issuance of a design release will depend on the completeness and code-compliance of the project submitted.

Projects

What documents and information are needed to obtain an early foundation release on a construction project when I don't have all the plans completed for submission?

You must submit plans for the foundation using the Construction Design Release application, showing the square footage of the entire structure, and pay all fees in addition to the $80 early foundation fee. Review the fee schedule listed in 675 IAC 12 at the Indiana Administrative Code website (Article 12, Rule 3, starting on page 5).
If my project must be certified by a design professional, must the individual who does the construction inspection be an architect or engineer registered in Indiana?

Yes, the inspecting design professional identified on the Construction Design Release application may do the inspection for the purpose of assuring compliance with specifications, plans and designs. The design professional may, however, employ others to inspect the construction and make reports with which the design professional evaluates the construction.
What if I don't know my project number?

Visit the Project Activity page. When you search, you do not need the project number. You can search by city and county, street address, filing dates or release dates. Your project number will also be on the confirmation email you received when you first filed your plans.
If you still have issues, contact Building Plan Review staff at planreview@dhs.in.gov or 317-232-6422. Staff will need the name and address of the project in order to search for your project number.
What code requirements will apply to my project?

A document called the General Administrative Rules (GAR), which is Article 12 of the Indiana Administrative Code, is the key to determining how the statewide system of codes applies to your project. The GAR contains all of the administrative rules which affect how the codes apply to your construction project and how the codes apply to your existing building. The GAR also contains rules which govern the plan review process, so it is a vital instrument to people who use the plan review process regularly. Visit the Indiana Administrative Code page to look up this document.
Still Have Questions?
If your project has not been submitted, contact Building Plan Review staff at planreview@dhs.in.gov or 317-232-6422.
If your project has been submitted, contact your plan reviewer listed on the Construction Design Release.
Is polystyrene foam insulation permitted to be applied directly to the roof deck without an intervening thermal barrier?

The direct to deck application is considered an alternative method or material and is regulated by 675 IAC 12-6-11. If the application is the sole subject of an evaluation report "published by an independent, nationally recognized testing laboratory" that "contains limitations, conditions, or standards for alternative materials, method of construction, or design procedures," the State Building Commissioner and State Fire Marshal may approve the use of the application. The Construction Design Release application must include the evaluation report for the application being requested.

Contacting IDHS

I am an architect or building owner, and I have general questions about filing plans, fees, pre-screening, etc. Whom do I contact?
I am an architect or building owner, and I have a specific question about my project. Whom do I contact?
I am a contractor or subcontractor. Can I contact IDHS with questions about a project?