Permit-Only Architectural Sets.

Many developers, owner-builders, experienced property owners, business owners, and contractors prefer permit-focused architectural services because they already have established project teams and do not need every service included in a traditional full-service architectural agreement.

A Permit-Only Architectural Set is focused on obtaining building permit approval. We prepare the architectural documentation required for permit review and permit issuance—nothing more.

New to Permit Drawings?

A Permit-Only Set is designed to obtain building permit approval.

Permit-only drawings include the architectural documentation necessary for plan review and permit issuance. They are intentionally limited to the information required for permit approval.

Full Bid Sets include expanded documentation, detailing, and coordination used for contractor pricing, bidding, and construction risk reduction.

[Read the full breakdown →]

Who This Service Is Designed For

Architectural Permit Packages are designed for clients who need permit approval without purchasing services they do not need.

This approach is often a strong fit for:

Residential

  • Owner-builders

  • Experienced homeowners

  • Residential developers

  • Real estate investors

Commercial

  • Commercial property owners

  • Business owners

  • Tenant improvement contractors

  • Developers

  • Franchise operators

Existing Teams

  • Clients with existing consultants

  • Clients with established project teams

These clients typically understand the project they want to build and need a coordinated architectural package focused on obtaining permit approval.

This Service Is Not Suitable For

Some projects benefit from a broader architectural scope.

This package may not be the best fit for:

  • First-time project owners who want extensive guidance

  • Projects requiring significant design development

  • Projects requiring detailed contractor pricing documentation

  • Owners seeking construction-phase representation

  • Projects requiring extensive custom detailing before bidding

These projects often benefit from expanded documentation, a full bid set, or full architectural services.

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Included Scope

Site Review

Zoning / Planning Review

Building Code Review

Permit Drawings

Architectural Coordination

Agency Submittals Requiring Architect

Plan Check Responses (architectural only)

Permit Revisions

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Not Included

Expanded Construction Detailing

Interior Elevations

Enlarged Plans

Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCPs)

Millwork / Cabinetry Drawings

Finish & FF&E Documentation

Detailed Bid Packages

Contractor Bidding Services

Construction Phase Services

Permit Expediting Services

Additional services may be added when appropriate, including expanded documentation, permit expediting coordination, bidding support, and construction-phase services.

Consultant Services

Consultant services — including structural engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering, energy compliance, civil engineering, and other required disciplines — are not included in this scope.

Consultant requirements are typically not known at the time of initial project inquiry. They are identified during the Project Assessment and initial design development, once the scope, existing conditions, and code requirements of the project are better understood.

Most commercial tenant improvement projects, projects involving structural modifications, and projects requiring change of occupancy require one or more consultants. Ziese Architecture can advise on likely required consultants following a Project Assessment and initial design review.

Project-Type Consultant Guidance

Projects involving structural modifications typically require a licensed structural engineer. The structural engineer's scope is separate from and in addition to the architectural permit set.

Commercial tenant improvement projects typically require MEP engineering and may require energy compliance documentation (Title 24).

Adaptive reuse, change-of-occupancy, and historically designated projects frequently require multiple consultant disciplines. Required disciplines are identified during the Project Assessment process.

The typical engagement path: Project Assessment → Scope Definition → Consultant Requirements → Proposal.

Permit Set or Bid Set?

Not every project requires the same level of documentation.

Many developers, owner-builders, experienced owners, and contractors move successfully from permit approval into construction using a permit-focused architectural scope.

Full Bid Sets include additional detailing, documentation, and coordination that reduce contractor assumptions and improve construction certainty.

Understanding the difference can help you select the right scope for your project.

Schedule a Project Assessment →

Frequently Asked Questions.

  • A permit-only architectural set typically includes the drawings and documentation required for permit review and approval, such as site plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and applicable code compliance information.

  • Permit-only services can be appropriate for projects with a clearly defined scope where the owner or contractor does not require full architectural design development, bidding assistance, or construction administration services.

  • Structural engineering documents are typically prepared under a separate consultant scope when required by the project or permitting authority.

  • Yes. Permit-only services may be available for residential and commercial projects, depending on the project type, scope, permitting requirements, and jurisdiction.

  • Permit drawings are prepared under the supervision of a California licensed architect when architectural services are required by the project scope or permitting authority.

  • Yes. We assist clients with agency comments, permit revisions, and plan check responses throughout the permit review process.