The Plan Review Section is located on the first floor of the Escambia County Building Inspections Division, 3363 W. Park Place. It is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

In the commercial plan review process, Building Services staff work with contractors, architects and engineers to review and permit the construction of commercial buildings, structures, and interior projects. Commercial buildings include all buildings or structures other than one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses. Commercial structures can also include site retaining walls, cell tower installations, racking systems and signage foundations.

In addition to the plans passing through building, electric, plumbing, gas, fire and mechanical processes in Building Services, commercial projects will require working with other county departments like Development Services and Engineering and outside agencies

Not sure how to begin? Use our online building guide.

 Escambia County Building Guide

No permits will be issued until all applicable departments/agencies have approved their portion of the application. The initial plan review takes approximately 10 to 20 working days. Once the reviews are completed, the owner or contractor is notified by phone on the status of the plans.

Commercial Plan Review Submittal Requirements:

• 1) Central permit form
• (1) Set of energy code forms
• (3) Sets of signed and sealed plans
• (3) Product approval lists

• (1) Flood zone application if construction is in an "A" or "V" flood zone

Commercial Plan Tips

• Check with Escambia County’s Planning and Zoning Division to verify jurisdiction and that the zoning designation matches the intended use of the property. A legal description such as the parcel number (16 digits) is needed for this. If the review is for new construction or an addition, have your architect or engineer prepare a site plan to submit.
• Septic tanks must be approved by the Health Department.
• Receipt for sewer and water connections are required if not on septic tank.
• Restaurants, food outlets, food processors and other food services must be reviewed by the Department of Business Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and a specification sheet from them must be submitted with plans.