Written by Rocky Mountain Metal · Reviewed by Micah Hostetler, Owner · Based in Penrose, CO, serving Colorado.
Stamped engineered drawings are building plans sealed by a licensed professional engineer, confirming the building as drawn will carry your site's snow and wind loads. Many Colorado counties require them, and insurers, lenders and buyers ask later.
Key takeaways
- The stamp is a licensed engineer's certification of the structural design for your site's loads.
- The drawings cover the frame, connections, bracing, fasteners and anchoring, not just the shape.
- Counties often require them for the permit; insurers, lenders and buyers ask for them later.
- Generic drawings engineered to a default load often don't match your parcel.
- Keep the set; it's part of the building's value.
What does the stamp mean?
A professional engineer licensed in the state has reviewed the structural design against the building code and the design loads for the location, and takes professional responsibility for it. The seal, signature and date go on the structural sheets. It isn't a formality; the engineer's license is on the line.
What's in the set?
A typical steel building set includes:
- Design criteria: the code edition and the design snow and wind loads and exposure for the site. See what snow and wind load does my building need?
- Anchor and foundation information: where and how the frame attaches to the foundation, and the loads it delivers
- Framing plan and sections: frame sizes and spacing, purlins and girts
- Connection details: how the frame members join and how the frame is anchored
- Bracing: wall and roof bracing, and framing around large doors
- Fastener pattern: screw type and spacing for roof and wall panels
Why does the county want them?
Plan reviewers check that the design loads match the parcel and that the structure is engineered to them. The inspector then checks that the building matches the drawings. Without engineered drawings there's nothing to check against, which is why many departments won't issue a permit for a permanent building without them. Permit requirements vary by county, and we'll walk you through what yours requires. See do I need a permit?
Why do you want them even where they aren't required?
- Insurance. After a storm, a carrier may ask how the building was designed. The drawings answer that.
- Financing. Lenders treat an engineered, permitted building as a permanent improvement. See financing a metal building.
- Resale. Buyers' inspectors ask. Having the set removes doubt.
- Future changes. Adding a lean-to or a door later is much simpler when the original design is documented. See can I add on later?
What's the difference between generic drawings and site-specific engineering?
Some buildings sold online ship with generic drawings engineered to a default load, which may be far lighter than a Colorado high-country site requires. Counties can reject them or require changes, and a heavier load can mean the original framing doesn't work. A building should be engineered for its site from the start. Every steel-framed building Rocky Mountain Metal sells through 1st Choice Metal Buildings and Carports is engineered to your site's snow and wind loads.
What should you check on your set?
- Do the snow and wind loads and exposure match what your county assigned?
- Is the engineer licensed in the state where the building sits?
- Is it drawn for the current code your county uses?
- Does the anchoring detail match the foundation you're planning? See does a steel building need a concrete slab?
How does Rocky Mountain Metal handle it?
We look at your site, confirm its design loads and what your county requires for drawings, and plan the building with you before the order is placed. The manufacturer's crew from Texas installs it, and we oversee the project. Request a free quote anywhere in our service area.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for the engineering?
Engineering for your site's loads is part of ordering the building. Ask us to show you what's included in your quote.
How long does engineering take?
It depends on the manufacturer's schedule and whether your county or site needs anything extra, such as a soils report. We'll give you a realistic timeline when you order.
Can I use drawings from a building I saw somewhere else?
No. Drawings are site-specific, with different loads, soils and codes. Reusing a set from another location is exactly what fails plan review.
Do agricultural-exempt buildings need a stamp?
The county may not require it, but the building is still engineered to your site's loads. Keep the drawings for insurance and resale.
