Plain English:
Project Basis Gate
This article explains the 2024 IMC model-code path. Before project use, confirm the adopted code edition, local amendments, controlling administrative provisions, permit-application date, and current AHJ procedures. The locally adopted requirements control.
What to submit (106.1): Provide the drawings, calculations, diagrams, specifications, and supporting data required by the adopted code and AHJ. Confirm the current digital or hard-copy format and set count. Where law requires, use a registered design professional.
Quality (106.1): Drawings must be to scale and clear enough to show location, nature, and extent of work and how it complies with the IMC.
Penetrations (106.1): For buildings over two stories, indicate all mechanical penetrations and the materials/methods used to maintain structural safety, fire-resistance rating, and fireblocking.
Waiver (106.1 Exception): The code official may waive full submittals for simple work when a review set isn't needed to verify compliance.
RDP seal requirements (106.1): Where state law requires a registered design professional (RDP) to prepare or seal documents, the drawings must bear the engineer's or architect's seal, signature, and license number. This is state law, not solely AHJ policy - confirm requirements for the specific jurisdiction.
Retention and field set (106.2): Confirm the AHJ's record-retention rule and maintain the approved field set in the format and location required for inspection. Do not assume a universal 180-day retention period.
On Plans: Why It Matters in Design & Construction
Concise, scaled, RDP-sealed documents speed permits and reduce RFIs. Calling out penetrations and rated-assembly details up front prevents firestop redlines at inspection. The approved on-site set controls the job - if field conditions change, cloud, revise, and re-approve rather than building from unofficial markups. A field crew building from unmarked substitutions is building without an approved set.
Code Path: What to Show
M-001: State the code edition, applicable standards, deferred items, and all systems covered by the permit.
Show all penetrations through rated assemblies - indicate material, rating, and tested system ID.
For buildings over two stories: include a penetration matrix (assembly ID, rating, system, sealant, installer qualification).
Check: Before You Issue
Confirm drawings are to scale and clearly show the location, nature, and extent of all work.
Verify all rated penetrations are labeled - missing penetration data is a top plan review comment.
Confirm the on-site approved set is posted and accessible during all phases of construction.
Review Risk:
Don't submit drawings without scale - it is the most common construction document plan review comment.
Don't omit penetration details for buildings over two stories - reviewers will flag it.
Don't rely on the AHJ waiver for simple work without first confirming eligibility.
Field Tip:
Include a one-page index that points to: (1) a penetration matrix (assembly ID, rating, tested system ID, sealant/packing, sheet ref) and (2) a calc summary with key assumptions. Ask the AHJ about digital submittals or a waiver for like-for-like swaps. Keep the approved set on site and submit revisions promptly when conditions change.
Masterbuild QA Lens
Construction documents that do not show equipment location, service clearances, utility connections, and code section references will come back with comments on every item. Review M-001 against Ch1 requirements before submittal: code edition, code basis, deferred items with responsibility assigned, and a revision basis for any resubmittal.
Drawing / Submittal Check
M-001 must show: code edition, applicable code reference for each system type, deferred items with party assigned, existing-condition assumptions with note of field-verification responsibility, and a revision basis for any resubmittal. The permit set that answers 'what code, who is responsible, and what was changed' survives plan review faster than one that does not.
Common Review Risk
The most common construction document comments: missing scale on mechanical drawings, penetrations not identified in rated assemblies, no AHJ stamp on the on-site set, deferred submittals listed without the responsible party named. Each of these can be fixed in the next revision cycle, but catching them in QA before submittal avoids the delay.
When To Escalate
Escalate when an AHJ requests changes to construction documents that alter the design basis, require re-calculation of system sizing, or challenge the penetration matrix and rated-assembly details in ways that affect fire and life safety.
Rated Assembly Coordination
Construction documents must show rated assembly types, fire and smoke damper locations, and penetration details with UL designations. If the drawings don't identify these, the reviewer cannot confirm compliance - the permit set is incomplete.