How to respond to Des Moines plan check corrections

How to resubmit to the City of Des Moines after plan check corrections, in the words of Des Moines’s own page. Each fact links to its source.

From Des Moines’s own page, read October 30, 2026: desmoineswa.gov

How to resubmit

Submit documents in PDF format only.
Submit each document separately.
All revision/correction document file names should begin with REV.
A completed Plan Revision Cover Sheet (PDF) must accompany all revisions.

From Des Moines’s own page, read October 30, 2026: desmoineswa.gov

What to include

A completed Plan Revision Cover Sheet (PDF) must accompany all revisions.
All revision/correction document file names should begin with REV.
Submit documents in PDF format only.
The maximum size of a document is 250MB.

From Des Moines’s own page, read October 30, 2026: desmoineswa.gov

Codes its letters cite

Building code named on the city’s pages: 2021 International Building Code.

Source: sbcc.wa.gov

Local amendments to the building code

Any city or county may amend the state building code; amendments that affect houses and apartments need State Building Code Council approval first.

Source: app.leg.wa.gov

Official links

Resubmittal instructions
Building department page
Building Division: 206-870-7576 (desmoineswa.gov, checked October 31, 2026)

Links and facts checked on October 28, 2026.

Washington rules every plan check here follows

These come from Washington law and state agencies, so they apply in Des Moines as well. Each links to its source.

Building code in force

Washington's current building code is based on the 2021 model codes and took effect on March 15, 2024.

Source: Washington State Building Code Council, checked October 31, 2026

Next edition

The next update, based on the 2024 codes, is scheduled to take effect on May 3, 2027.

Source: Washington State Building Code Council, checked October 31, 2026

Local amendments

A city or county may change the state code for its own area, but its changes cannot weaken the code's minimum standards.

Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.27.040, checked October 31, 2026

Rules are locked in when you apply

A complete building permit application is reviewed under the building and zoning rules that were in effect on the date it was filed.

Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.27.095, checked October 31, 2026

What a good response to plan check corrections has

General guidance, not the City of Des Moines’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.

Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.

Other Washington city guides

How we help

Send us the whole correction letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the City of Des Moines yourself.

Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the City of Des Moines and are not affiliated with it.

Upload your correction letter

Only one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.

Questions

How do I resubmit after the City of Des Moines sends corrections?

Keep the same page count and page order; add any new pages at the end. Name each revised file with REV added to the original file name. Attach a completed Plan Revision Cover Sheet PDF to the submittal.

How long does Des Moines take to review a resubmittal?

Review times change with workload. Ask the building department at 206-870-7576.

Whom do I ask about Des Moines’s plan check corrections?

Call Building Division at 206-870-7576. For a question about one comment, ask for the reviewer named on the letter.

Does Des Moines charge for another plan review?

This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask Building Division at 206-870-7576 before you resubmit.

How many rounds of corrections can Des Moines send?

This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask Building Division at 206-870-7576 if unsure.

Is Cleared to Build part of the City of Des Moines?

No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the City of Des Moines or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.