In the building permit journey, the application is sent to a technical inspection company that checks the designs' compliance with the Saudi Building Code; if there are comments it returns to the office for amendment, then re-upload and more waiting. Structural drawings are among those most often returned with comments, because they deal with loads, reinforcement and foundations, and any gap in calculations or details is immediately visible to the auditor. This guide explains the common reasons structural drawings are rejected, how the auditor reviews them, and how to avoid comments and shorten the permit timeline.
How Are Structural Drawings Reviewed?
Within the Balady building permit service, the application is assigned via the insurance company to a technical inspection company, whose structural engineer audits the drawings and calculations against the code; after technical approval it is referred to the municipality. Read: What does the municipality review in architectural drawings? and Building permit steps on Balady.
Common Reasons Structural Drawings Are Returned
1. Non-Compliance With the Code
Such as dimensions or reinforcement that do not meet the concrete structures code (SBC 304), or loads inconsistent with the loads code (SBC 301).
2. Not Relying on the Soil Report
Foundations designed with a bearing capacity that does not match the report, or ignoring replacement recommendations. Read: The soil investigation report.
3. Missing Calculations or Details
No calculation report, or no reinforcement details for joints, columns, beams, stairs and tanks.
4. Clashes With the Architecture
Columns that do not match the architectural plan, openings that cut through beams, or levels that differ between the two sets. Read: Clashes between drawings.
5. Special Requirements
Such as seismic requirements depending on the location, protecting foundations from salts, or special loads such as rooftop tanks and equipment.
Table: The Comment and How to Avoid It
| Comment | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Reinforcement below the minimum | Internal review of schedules against the code |
| Foundations not matching the soil report | Attach the report and cite its values in the calculations |
| No calculation report | An organised report covering loads and all elements |
| A column not matching the architecture | Align the grids before upload |
| Missing details | Detail sheets for joints, stairs and tanks |
How to Avoid Comments
- Start with a reliable soil report.
- Coordinate architecture and structure before upload.
- Review the drawings internally or via a third party. Read: Third-party structural review.
- Address all comments in one go. Read: Why are building permits rejected?.
- Respond to each comment in writing, referencing where the change is in the drawings.
The Effect of Comments on Time and Cost
Each round of comments adds days or weeks and can delay the start of construction and disrupt the contractor's schedule. Read: Building permit cost and duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who audits the structural drawings?
The technical inspection company assigned by the insurance company within the Balady permit journey.
Do comments delay the permit?
Yes, every round of comments adds time.
Can I change office after rejection?
It is possible under the procedures available on Balady, but addressing the comments is usually faster.
Do factories get different comments?
Yes, because of equipment and crane loads. Read: MODON factory drawing comments.
Is the office's own review enough?
Usually for small projects; for large ones a third-party review helps.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that prepares structural drawings with complete calculations and details, based on the soil report and coordinated with the architecture, and addresses audit comments through to approval. Learn about our structural design services, or Details of how we can help are on our Structural Drawing Design (Concrete & Steel) service page. contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.