The City sent back comments. Now what?
Comments aren't a rejection; they're the plans examiner's to-do list. Answer every item, revise the drawings, write a short response that says what changed and where, and resubmit through the same portal. Most comments are missing information, not a bad design.
What comments usually ask for
- Distances to the property lines on the site plan.
- Guard, stair or footing details that aren't drawn.
- Span tables or member sizes that don't match.
- Designer information, signatures or the owner's declaration.
- Zoning items like lot coverage or setbacks.
How to answer them
- Number each comment and answer it in the same order.
- Change the drawing, not just the letter, and say which sheet changed.
- Keep the revision number and date on every changed sheet.
- If you disagree, ask the examiner what would satisfy the comment before you redraw.
How DivineDesigner handles it
Add the City's comments to the project. Each becomes an item you can resolve against the design; the drawings, the materials and the forms regenerate from the same model, with a new revision, so you resubmit one clean package.
Questions people ask
How long does the City have to review a house permit?
Ontario's Building Code sets a 10-business-day decision period for a complete house application. The clock restarts when you resubmit.
Is a permit comment the same as a refusal?
No. It's a list of things to add or change before the City can issue the permit.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-06. Your City’s plans examiner has the final word. How we verify rules