Do I Need to Order a Metal Building Before I Can Get the Plans for My Permit?

You’ve got the land lined up. Maybe even sketched out the size in your head. Then the county says, “we’ll need plans.” And suddenly it feels like you’re supposed to commit to the whole purchase just to move forward. That’s usually not how it works.

In most cases, you can start the permit process without placing a full order. But what your county actually wants will decide how far you need to go before paperwork shows up.

We run into this all the time. Here’s how it all works.

Need building specs before you talk to the county? Start with the size, roof style, gauge, anchoring, and permit paperwork your local office may ask for.

Review the metal building permit checklist or call (888) 904-9796.

What Counties Usually Mean by “Plans”

“Plans” isn’t one fixed thing. It changes depending on where you are. Some counties barely ask for anything. If your structure falls under certain size limits, they might not require a building permit at all. You confirm a few details and move on.

Others want a bit more. A simple site plan. Basic specs like width, length, roof style, steel gauge, how it’s anchored. Sometimes wind or snow load info.

And then there are counties that want stamped engineering drawings before they’ll approve anything. That’s three very different starting points.

One thing that’s pretty consistent though: they’re not asking if you’ve already bought the building. Permits are about compliance, not proof of purchase.

What You Can Get Before Ordering

If your county just needs general information, you don’t have to commit to a full order yet. Basic specs can be pulled together early, such as dimensions, layout, materials, that sort of thing. Enough to show what you’re planning to build.

A lot of buyers use that to get their permit application started while they’re still figuring out financing or prepping the site. That part is flexible.

Still choosing the building size? You can compare building types and rough dimensions before finalizing the full order.

View metal buildings or Design Your Building.

Where Things Change: Engineer-Stamped Drawings

If your county requires engineer-stamped plans, those aren’t generic documents. They’re built around your exact structure. Every measurement, every material choice, every load requirement is proprietary.

An engineer can’t sign off on something that’s still “kind of” defined. So, if stamped drawings are required, you’ll need to lock in your building details first. Not necessarily installed or delivered, but finalized enough for engineering to review.

That’s usually the point where the order process and permit process start to overlap more tightly.

If your county asks for stamped drawings, finalize the building details first. Engineering depends on the exact size, frame, roof style, loads, and anchoring package.

See certified metal buildings or call (888) 904-9796.

How the Process Usually Plays Out

Most people don’t go step-by-step in a straight line. It’s more of a back-and-forth. You call the county first. Ask what they actually need, and not what someone online said. Then you reach out with a rough idea of your building. Size, use, basic layout.

From there:

• If they only want general specs, you can often submit early

• If they want stamped drawings, you finalize details and allow time for engineering

• Once approval comes through, installation gets scheduled

Permitting and ordering tend to run side-by-side, not one after the other.

If you want to understand how the buying steps fit together, review our guide on how the metal building ordering process works.

Do You Even Need a Permit?

It’s worth checking before you spend time on any of this. Permit rules vary more than people expect. A small structure on rural land might not trigger anything. A larger enclosed building in a suburban area almost always will.

A few things that usually push a project into permit territory:

• Larger square footage

• Permanent foundations like concrete slabs

• Residential zoning instead of agricultural

• Buildings with electrical or plumbing

There’s no universal rule. Your county decides. For general code guidance, FEMA’s building codes toolkit explains why codes and permits exist in the first place.

Side-by-Side: What You Typically Need vs. When You Need to Order

Before You Reach Out

A little prep saves time.

• Know (even roughly) what your county is asking for.

• Have an idea of your site; level ground, slope, slab or not.

• And a ballpark size helps more than you’d think.

You don’t need everything figured out. Just enough to start a real conversation.

Permit questions usually start with the county, then the building specs. Get your document list first, then match the building to those requirements.

Use the permit checklist or call (888) 904-9796.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Can I get plans before ordering?

Usually, yes. At least the basic specs. Full engineering depends on finalized details.

Do I need engineer-stamped drawings?

Only if your county requires them. Some do; some don’t.

How long does permitting take?

Completely depends on your county. Could be days, could be weeks.

What if no permit is required?

Then you skip straight to ordering and site prep.

Does foundation type matter?

Often. Concrete tends to push a structure into “permanent” classification, which can trigger permits.

The Short Version

You don’t need to buy a building just to start the permit process. In many cases, basic specs are enough to get things moving. The only time you really need to lock things in first is when stamped engineering drawings are required.

Start with your county. Get clear on their list. Then move forward from there without guessing.

Design Your Building at getcarports.com or call (888) 904-9796.