Deferred Submittal Meaning: Building Code Definition
A deferred submittal is a portion of a construction project's design and construction documents that is not included with the original permit application, and is instead submitted to the building official within a specified period after the permit is issued, per the model building code definition (International Building Code family of codes, as summarized by UpCodes).
Deferred submittals exist because some building systems, such as fire sprinklers, elevators, curtain walls, and pre-engineered trusses, are designed by a specialty engineer or supplier whose final design is not ready when the main permit set is filed. Rather than delay the whole permit, the code allows that one system's design documents to be filed later, on their own track.
The registered design professional in responsible charge of the overall project is required to list all deferred submittal items on the permit documents up front, and construction on a deferred item cannot start until the building official has reviewed and approved that item's submittal separately.
A deferred submittal is not the same filing as a permit revision or amendment. A deferred submittal is an expected, planned-for later filing of a piece of the original scope. A permit revision or amendment is an unplanned change to something that was already approved and built into the permit as filed. On a project handled through NYC DOB NOW: Build, both are separate, distinctly tracked filings tied to the same job number.
Frequently asked
Who reviews a deferred submittal?
The building official (the local code enforcement authority, such as NYC DOB for New York City projects), after the item passes through the registered design professional in responsible charge.
Can work start before a deferred submittal is approved?
No. Per the model code definition, construction of that specific system may not proceed until the building official has approved the deferred item.