Generic vs. Site-Specific Engineered Metal Building Drawings: What You Need for a Permit
When applying for a metal building permit, the engineering drawings you submit can be just as important as the building itself.
Generic engineered drawings may show a building’s structural design, dimensions, framing, and load ratings. However, they don’t necessarily include everything your local building department requires to approve construction.
Depending on your location, building size, intended use, and local building codes, your permitting authority may require site-specific engineered drawings prepared for your property.
Understanding the difference between generic and site-specific metal building drawings before ordering can help prevent permit delays, unexpected engineering costs, and expensive revisions.
At Metal Carports and Buildings, we specialize in customizable, engineered, professionally installed metal buildings throughout 12 states.
Key Highlights
- Generic engineered drawings document approved building configurations and standard engineering limitations.
- Site-specific engineered drawings are prepared for your project’s location and applicable structural requirements.
- Generic drawings may be included with your building purchase, depending on the manufacturer and configuration.
- Site-specific engineering typically involves an additional fee.
- Local building departments determine which drawings are acceptable for permitting.
- Snow loads, wind loads, building dimensions, and intended use can affect engineering requirements.
- Engineering and permitting timelines should be considered before scheduling installation.
Not sure which drawings your county requires? Call Metal Carports and Buildings at 435-250-4446.
What Are Generic Engineered Metal Building Drawings?
Generic engineered drawings are standardized structural plans developed for specific metal building systems.
These documents typically include building dimensions, framing layouts, structural connections, roof configurations, bracing requirements, and design load limitations.
Generic drawings describe how a building is constructed and the structural conditions under which the design is approved.
However, they are not necessarily prepared for your specific property.
For example, a generic engineering package may cover a particular metal garage configuration designed for specified wind and snow loads.
If your installation location falls within those engineering limitations and your building department accepts the documentation, generic drawings may be sufficient.
When Are Generic Drawings Acceptable?
Generic engineered drawings may be accepted when:
- The building meets the manufacturer’s approved design limitations.
- Local snow and wind requirements fall within the building’s engineering ratings.
- The structure meets applicable size and height restrictions.
- The intended building use is permitted under the engineering package.
- The local permitting authority accepts generic engineering documentation.
Some generic engineering packages include an engineer’s stamp. However, having a stamp does not automatically mean the drawings meet every jurisdiction’s requirements.
Learn more about engineered and certified metal buildings.
What Are Site-Specific Engineered Metal Building Drawings?
Site-specific engineered drawings are prepared or reviewed for an individual building project.
Unlike generic drawings, site-specific engineering evaluates the structure using the applicable requirements associated with its installation location.
An engineer licensed in the appropriate state may evaluate:
- Building dimensions and configuration
- Ground snow load and roof snow load
- Design wind speed
- Wind exposure category
- Seismic requirements
- Building risk category
- Structural connections
- Anchoring requirements
- Foundation design requirements, when included in the engineering scope
The resulting engineering package documents how the proposed structure satisfies the applicable design criteria.
Site-specific drawings are especially important when a building’s location or intended use requires engineering beyond a standard approved configuration.
Which Metal Building Drawings Will Your Permit Office Accept?
Several factors influence whether generic or site-specific engineering is required.
1. Building Occupancy and Intended Use
A building’s intended use can affect its risk category and structural requirements.
Under commonly adopted building codes, structures are classified according to their occupancy and the consequences of structural failure.
Risk Category I may apply to qualifying low-hazard structures, including certain agricultural buildings and minor storage facilities.
Risk Category II generally includes structures that do not fall into another risk category, such as many garages, workshops, commercial buildings, and occupied structures.
Risk Category II does not automatically require site-specific stamped drawings in every jurisdiction. However, the classification can affect engineering requirements and permit documentation.
If you’re planning a metal garage, workshop, agricultural building, or commercial structure, confirm the appropriate classification with your building department.
Explore our custom metal garages, workshops, and commercial buildings.
2. Local Snow Load and Wind Load Requirements
Snow and wind loads are among the most important considerations when engineering metal buildings.
A structure installed in northern Utah, Wyoming, Montana, or mountainous Colorado may require substantially greater snow-load capacity than a similar building installed in a warmer region.
Likewise, buildings installed in open terrain may experience different wind exposure conditions than structures surrounded by buildings or trees.
Ground snow load and roof snow load are not interchangeable.
The applicable roof design snow load depends on additional factors, including roof configuration, exposure, thermal conditions, and drifting.
Wind engineering also considers building height, enclosure classification, exposure, and structural connections.
At Metal Carports and Buildings, we help customers evaluate available building configurations and applicable structural requirements.
Learn more about metal buildings engineered for snow and wind loads.
3. Local Building Department Requirements
Building permit requirements are not necessarily uniform throughout an entire state.
Different counties and municipalities may adopt different code editions, amendments, and administrative requirements.
A building located within city limits may be subject to different permitting procedures than a similar structure outside those limits.
Before ordering, contact the building department responsible for your installation address.
4. Building Size and Structural Complexity
Larger buildings often require more extensive engineering.
Examples include:
- 30×40 metal garages
- 40×60 metal workshops
- 50×100 commercial buildings
- Wide-span agricultural structures
- Large equipment storage buildings
- Metal buildings with attached lean-tos
Building width, height, roof pitch, openings, and structural attachments can all affect engineering requirements.
Planning a larger structure? Explore our commercial metal buildings and custom steel structures.
What Is Included in Site-Specific Engineered Drawings?
The contents of a site-specific engineering package depend on the project and the services included.
Typical documentation may include:
Structural framing plans: Identify framing members, spacing, bracing, and structural connections.
Design load information: Documents applicable snow, wind, and seismic design criteria.
Connection details: Specify how structural components connect and transfer loads.
Anchoring requirements: Identify the anchoring system and required structural capacities.
Foundation information: May include footing dimensions, reinforcement requirements, and anchor placement when foundation engineering is part of the package.
Engineering calculations: Demonstrate how the structure satisfies applicable design requirements.
Professional engineer’s seal: Provided when required and within the engineer’s scope of responsibility.
Important: Foundation Engineering May Be Separate
Not every site-specific metal building engineering package includes complete concrete foundation plans.
Foundation design may be provided separately depending on the manufacturer, project, and local requirements.
Before pouring concrete, verify that your contractor has the approved foundation and anchoring specifications.
For more information, visit Metal Carports and Buildings to learn about our installation process.
Generic vs. Site-Specific Engineered Drawings: Comparison
| Feature | Generic Drawings | Site-Specific Drawings |
|---|---|---|
| Building design | Standard configurations | Individual project |
| Property-specific | Generally no | Yes |
| Wind loads | Standard design ratings | Applicable project criteria |
| Snow loads | Standard design ratings | Applicable project criteria |
| Engineer’s stamp | May be included | Typically included when required |
| Foundation details | General or standardized | Project-specific when included |
| Permit acceptance | Depends on jurisdiction | Depends on jurisdiction |
| Cost | Often included or available | Usually additional |
| Processing time | Generally shorter | Varies by project |
| Typical application | Qualifying standard structures | Projects requiring additional engineering |
The most important consideration is whether your engineering documentation meets your local building department’s requirements.
Where Engineering Drawings Fit Into Your Metal Building Timeline
Understanding the engineering process can help you plan your project more effectively.
Step 1: Design Your Metal Building
Choose your building’s dimensions, roof style, height, doors, windows, and other available features.
You can explore configurations using our online metal building designer.
Step 2: Verify Permit Requirements
Contact your local building department to determine which permits and engineering documents are required.
Step 3: Finalize Your Building Configuration
Confirm the structural configuration before engineering begins.
Changing dimensions, openings, roof pitch, or attachments after drawings are prepared may require revisions.
Step 4: Obtain Required Engineering
The appropriate engineering provider prepares or supplies the required documentation.
Processing times vary depending on project complexity and engineering workload.
Step 5: Submit Your Permit Application
Provide the required drawings and supporting documentation to your local permitting authority.
Permit review timelines vary by jurisdiction.
Step 6: Prepare the Installation Site
Complete the necessary grading, foundation work, and site preparation according to the approved specifications.
Step 7: Schedule Installation
Once required permits are obtained and the installation site is ready, the building installation can be coordinated.
At Metal Carports and Buildings, we help customers understand the building ordering and installation process.
How Much Do Site-Specific Engineered Drawings Cost?
Site-specific engineering costs vary depending on the project.
Several factors can influence pricing:
- Building width and length
- Leg height
- Roof style and pitch
- Structural complexity
- Local snow-load requirements
- Wind exposure and design wind speed
- Building risk category
- State engineering requirements
- Foundation engineering needs
- Attached lean-tos and other structural additions
A relatively simple metal garage may require less engineering work than a large commercial structure with multiple openings and attached roof systems.
Because requirements vary, site-specific engineering should be evaluated and quoted for the individual project.
Call 435-250-4446 to discuss engineering considerations for your metal building.
Four Common Metal Building Permitting Mistakes
1. Assuming Your Neighbor’s Permit Requirements Apply to You
Requirements can change between jurisdictions and even between properties with different site conditions.
Always verify the requirements for your own installation address.
2. Waiting Until After Ordering to Check Permit Requirements
Determining engineering requirements early can prevent unexpected expenses and delays.
Contact your local building department before finalizing your purchase.
3. Changing Your Building After Engineering Begins
Adding doors, changing dimensions, or attaching lean-tos can affect structural calculations.
Finalize your building configuration before engineering begins whenever possible.
Explore our custom metal building options before placing your order.
4. Pouring Concrete Before Confirming Foundation Requirements
Concrete foundation dimensions, reinforcement, and anchoring must be compatible with the building’s approved engineering.
Pouring a slab before obtaining the required specifications can create expensive problems.
Always confirm the applicable foundation requirements before construction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Building Engineering
Do All Metal Buildings Require Engineered Drawings?
No. Requirements depend on the building’s size, use, location, and applicable codes.
Some structures may qualify for permit exemptions, while others require engineered documentation.
Are Generic Engineered Drawings Accepted for Building Permits?
Sometimes. Some jurisdictions accept generic drawings when the building falls within approved engineering limitations.
Other jurisdictions require site-specific documentation.
Do Site-Specific Engineered Drawings Include Foundation Plans?
Not always.
Foundation engineering may be included or provided separately depending on the project and engineering scope.
Are Site-Specific Drawings Required for Risk Category II Buildings?
Not universally.
Risk Category II affects structural design requirements, but whether site-specific stamped drawings are required depends on the jurisdiction and project.
Can I Use Generic Drawings for a Metal Garage?
Possibly.
The building must satisfy the applicable engineering limitations and local permitting requirements.
Can Metal Carports and Buildings Help Me Understand Engineering Requirements?
Yes.
We help customers explore available building configurations, engineering options, and structural requirements associated with their projects.
Final permitting decisions are made by the local authority having jurisdiction.
Get the Right Engineering for Your Metal Building
Whether you’re purchasing a metal carport, garage, RV cover, barn, workshop, or commercial building, understanding engineering requirements before ordering is essential.
Generic engineered drawings may be sufficient for certain projects, while others require site-specific engineering.
The right documentation depends on your building’s design, intended use, installation location, and local building codes.
Metal Carports and Buildings specializes in customizable, engineered, professionally installed metal structures.
We serve customers throughout 12 states:
Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas.
Our team can help you explore available building options and understand the engineering considerations associated with your project.
Ready to Get Started?
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