Buying a metal building usually involves more steps than simply choosing a size and placing an order. Many buyers don’t realize how permitting and engineered plans fit into the building process until they begin planning their project.
This guide breaks the process down into simple terms. You’ll learn when engineered plans are created, how permits fit into the timeline, and what to expect from order placement through installation.
Planning a permitted metal building? Start with the right size, roof style, doors, and certification level using the 3D Estimator, or call 888-277-7950 to talk through your project with Direct Metal Structures.
Key Highlights
- Engineered plans are stamped drawings created by a licensed engineer.
- Most counties require stamped plans before issuing a building permit.
- Engineer-certified buildings include stamped drawings as part of the package.
- Standard uncertified buildings often do not include stamped engineering plans.
- Engineering usually begins after the order is confirmed and deposit requirements are completed.
- Buyers are typically responsible for submitting permits to their county building department.
- Permit approval timelines vary depending on local jurisdiction.
- Starting site preparation early may help reduce overall project delays.
What Are Engineered Plans for a Metal Building and Why Do You Need Them?
Engineered plans, sometimes called stamped drawings or engineer-certified plans, are technical construction documents prepared for a specific metal building project. These drawings show how the structure is designed to perform under local building requirements and are commonly used during the permit approval process.
Stamped or engineered drawings are produced by a licensed engineer. The engineer reviews the building specifications and certifies that the structure meets the required standards for wind, snow loads, and seismic conditions in a particular area.
Most counties require stamped drawings before they will issue a permit for a metal building, and the approval process begins when these documents are submitted.
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Engineer-Certified vs. Standard Builds: Which One Gives You Stamped Plans?
Stamped engineering drawings are only included with engineer-certified metal buildings and include the engineering paperwork needed for most permit applications.
Standard uncertified buildings are different. While they may work well in some situations, they do not include stamped engineering plans or any engineering guarantees.
| Factor | Engineer-Certified Build | Standard (Uncertified) Build |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered/Stamped Plans | Yes - included as part of certification | No stamped plans provided |
| Required for Most Permits | Yes - most counties require stamped drawings | May not satisfy permit requirements in many counties |
| Wind/Snow Load Rating | Meets specified local load ratings, documented | Not certified to specific load values |
| Price Signal | Higher upfront cost | Lower upfront cost |
| Best For | Any build requiring a permit, commercial use, or high-wind or snow-load regions | Rural/agricultural use where permits are not required; low-load regions |
| Documentation for Resale/Insurance | Provides engineering documentation | No engineering documentation |
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The Permit Process Timeline: 8 Stages from Order to Installation
The metal building permit process happens in stages, and each step builds on the one before it. Some stages move quickly, while others depend on engineering lead times or county review schedules. Understanding the timeline ahead of time can help buyers plan their project more confidently.
1. Design and Quote
The process starts with selecting the building size, roof style, framing options, doors, and certification level. Buyers also review local load requirements and determine whether engineered plans will be needed.
- Choose certified or uncertified construction
- Review dimensions and customization options
- Confirm local building requirements
Compare carport-style layouts before ordering: A 30x50 metal carport with enclosed sides can help buyers visualize height, width, enclosure level, and vertical roof design before moving into engineering and permit planning.
2. Order Placed and Deposit Paid
Once the order is confirmed, the project officially moves forward. If the buyer ordered an engineer-certified building, the engineering process can begin after order confirmation and required information is received.
- Order details finalized
- Deposit requirements completed
- Engineering request initiated for certified builds
3. Engineering and Stamped Plan Production
A third-party engineer prepares the stamped drawings according to the county’s wind, snow, and structural requirements. Timing can vary depending on project complexity and state requirements.
- Engineering partner reviews specifications
- Local load requirements are applied
- Drawings are prepared for permit approval use
4. Stamped Plans Delivered to Buyer
After engineering is completed, the stamped plans are sent to the buyer. These documents are then ready for permit submission with the local building department.
- Buyer receives stamped drawings
- Plans are reviewed for accuracy
- Permit application preparation begins
5. Permit Application Submitted
The buyer submits the permit application along with the engineered drawings and any additional county-required documents. Direct Metal Structures does not submit permits on the buyer’s behalf.
- Permit paperwork completed
- Fees submitted to county
- Supporting documentation included
Permit planning tip: Before submitting paperwork, review DMS’s guide on permitting and regulations for metal buildings so you know what your county may ask for.
6. County Permit Review and Approval
The local building department reviews the application package. Some counties approve quickly, while others may request additional information or revisions before approval is issued.
- County reviews structural documents
- Additional documentation may be requested
- Approval timing varies by location
7. Permit Issued
Once the county approves the application and schedules any necessary inspections, the permit is officially issued. At this point, delivery and installation can move forward.
- Permit approval finalized
- Buyer notifies DMS if required
- Project scheduling continues
8. Delivery and Installation
After permits are confirmed and the site is ready, the building is delivered and installed by the Direct Metal Structures installation team.
- Building materials delivered
- Installation scheduled
- Final structure assembled on site
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Key Details Buyers Often Miss
Many buyers focus mainly on the building itself and do not realize how much coordination happens before installation day. A better understanding of the process can help prevent delays and make project planning much smoother.
Engineering cannot begin until the order is confirmed and the buyer’s site location and county requirements are established. Local load requirements are tied directly to the installation address.
Stamped plans are not automatically sent to the county building department. In most cases, the buyer will act as the permit applicant and submit the paperwork directly.
Some counties may also request additional supporting documents depending on local requirements. Additional items may include site plans, setback information, soil reports, utility documentation, or HOA approvals.
Review timelines depend on the local county process and workload. Some permits are approved within days, while others may take several weeks, depending on the jurisdiction and review workload.
Buyers can often begin site preparation while waiting for permit approval, provided their county allows it. This may help reduce overall project timelines once approval is issued.
Before installation day: Use the metal building project planning checklist to think through site access, grading, drainage, permits, and installation readiness.
Does Direct Metal Structures Pull the Permit for Me?
No. In most cases, the buyer will be responsible for obtaining the building permit for their metal structure. Direct Metal Structures provides the engineering documentation associated with engineer-certified buildings, including stamped drawings when applicable.
The buyer will typically handle permit applications, county submission requirements, review coordination, and permit fees directly with their local building department. This is common in the metal building industry because local permitting rules vary so much from one county to another.
Direct Metal Structures can still help guide buyers through the process by explaining what engineering documents are typically included and what information counties commonly request during permit review.
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What Do I Submit to My County Building Department?
Most counties require several documents before approving a metal building permit application. The exact checklist depends on local requirements, but buyers should generally expect to prepare the following items before submission:
- Completed permit application
- Stamped/engineered drawings
- Site plan
- Property information
- Permit fees
- In some cases: soil reports, utility locations, HOA approvals, and additional structural documentation
Requirements vary by county and state. Always contact your local building department before submitting to confirm their current checklist. Direct Metal Structures can advise on what engineering documentation to expect. Call 888-277-7950 today for more information.
Need help budgeting the order? Review metal building financing options or learn about Rent-To-Own metal buildings before finalizing your certified structure.
Choose Direct Metal Structures for Your Engineer-Certified Metal Building
Direct Metal Structures is your premier resource for residential, agricultural, and commercial metal building projects of any size. Our engineer-certified buildings are designed to meet local wind and snow load requirements and give you the flexibility to customize a structure around your property and project goals.
Whether you need a garage, workshop, commercial structure, storage building, or agricultural metal building, our team works with buyers to help simplify the process from design through installation.
When you work with Direct Metal Structures, you receive:
- Included delivery and installation
- Engineer stamped drawings for certified structures
- Local permitting knowledge and support
- Warranty provided
- Flexible financing and RTO plans
- Dedicated customer service
Let’s get started today. Call us at 888-277-7950 or design a building online with our Metal Building Color Planner tool.
Ready to compare real building options? Visit Shop All Metal Buildings to browse carports, garages, barns, RV covers, storage buildings, and clear-span structures delivered and installed by Direct Metal Structures.
Your Questions, Answered
1.
When do you get engineered plans for a metal building?
Answer: Engineered plans are typically produced once the project enters the engineering phase for certified buildings. Timing varies depending on project complexity, state requirements, and engineering workload.
2.
Does Direct Metal Structures pull the permit for my metal building?
Answer: No. Buyers are generally responsible for submitting permit applications and working directly with their county building department. DMS provides the engineering documentation required for certified buildings.
3.
Do I need engineered plans to get a permit for a metal building?
Answer: In many counties, yes. Most jurisdictions require stamped engineering drawings before issuing a permit for a metal building installation.
4.
What is the difference between generic and stamped plans for a metal building?
Answer: Stamped plans are reviewed and certified by a licensed engineer for specific structural requirements. Generic plans do not include engineering certification tied to local load requirements.
5.
How long does the metal building permit process take?
Answer: The timeline varies by county and project type. Some permits are approved within a few days, while others may take several weeks, depending on local review procedures.
6.
Can I start site prep before the permit is approved?
Answer: In some areas, yes. Buyers should always confirm with their local county building department before beginning any site preparation work.
