Print My Plans
Should I Submit 11×17 or 24×36 Plans for a Permit?
By Eli Gewirtzman, Owner · Last checked Nov 5, 2026
It depends on your building department. Many want full-size sets (often 24×36) for new construction and commercial work, and some accept reduced sets for small residential jobs. Check the department’s submittal checklist before you print. If the department asks for full size, print every sheet at 100% so the scale measures true.
Why departments ask for full size
A scale ruler has to measure true on the printed sheet. Printing the PDF at its drawn sheet size and 100% preserves that scale; reducing the sheet changes it.
When reduced sets are accepted
Some departments accept reduced sets for small residential jobs, resubmittals or field copies. Always confirm with the department before using a reduced set for a permit submission.
How half-size works
Each side is halved, so 22×34 becomes 11×17, 24×36 becomes 12×18, and 36×48 becomes 18×24. The drawing scale halves too: 1/4 inch = 1 foot reads as 1/8 inch = 1 foot. Read more about half-size vs full-size plan sets.
11×17 is not a true half of 24×36
The exact half of a 24×36 (ARCH D) sheet is 12×18. Halving both sides keeps a clean scale (for example, 1/4 inch = 1 foot becomes 1/8 inch = 1 foot). 11×17 is the exact half of 22×34 (ANSI D), not 24×36.
A 24×36 PDF forced onto 11×17 is slightly under half-size and matches no standard scale ruler setting. Treat it as a reduced reference unless your department accepts it for scaling. We don’t print 11×17 or 12×18; for those sizes use a local copy shop. For full-size permit sheets we print 17×22 through 36×48.
Sizes Print My Plans prints
We print 17×22, 18×24, 22×34, 24×36, 30×42 and 36×48. We do not list 11×17 or 12×18 in checkout; use a local printer for those sizes.
Once you confirm the size and copy count, see permit set printing and how many plan copies a permit needs.
FAQ
Can I submit 11×17 plans for a permit?
Some departments accept reduced sets for small residential jobs, resubmittals or field copies, but others require full size. Check the department's submittal checklist before you print.
Is 24×36 the standard permit size?
24×36 is a common full-size sheet for new construction and commercial work, but it is not a universal permit requirement. Use the size your building department specifies.
Is a half-size set still to scale?
Yes, at half the original drawing scale. Each side is halved, so 1/4 inch = 1 foot reads as 1/8 inch = 1 foot. Do not use the original scale ruler setting on the reduced sheet.
How many copies does a permit need?
The department and project type determine the copy count. Check its submittal checklist or ask the permit desk, then see our answer about how many plan copies a permit needs.
Is 11×17 the same as half of 24×36?
No. Half of 24×36 is 12×18. 11×17 is the exact half of 22×34. A 24×36 sheet forced onto 11×17 matches no standard scale.