Redline Plan vs Full Permit Drawings: Which Do You Need?

One of the most common questions we get is whether a project needs a full permit drawing set or whether a redline plan is enough. The answer comes down to what's actually changing.

What a Redline Plan Is

A redline plan is a fast, focused as-built or revision drawing, typically used to update an existing plan, mark up a minor change, or document a straightforward alteration like a fence, minor internal change, or small compliance update. It's not a full design package, it's a targeted, accurate record of a specific, limited scope of works. The longer guide to what a redline plan is covers the markup itself: notes on an existing drawing for a renovation, a builder change, or a council response.

If you need an LCV liquor licence red-line plan rather than a council revision, see liquor redline requirements and cost.

What Full Permit Drawings Involve

A full permit drawing set covers everything a council or building surveyor needs to assess a more substantial project: site plans, floor plans, elevations, and often sections, prepared for a planning or building permit application. This is the right path for extensions, new dwellings, granny flats, and anything that changes a building's footprint, height, or structure in a meaningful way.

How to Tell Which One You Need

• Minor, cosmetic, or as-built-only change? A redline plan is usually enough.
• Adding floor area, changing the footprint, or a new structure? You'll need full permit drawings.
• Not sure? Send us a brief description of the works and we'll tell you honestly which one applies, there's no benefit to us over-scoping a simple job.

Why This Distinction Matters for Cost and Timeline

A liquor licence redline is fast and fixed-price ($499 flat when usable existing plans exist; on-site measure quoted separately) because the scope is narrow. Architectural and council revision redlines are quoted, not published as a flat fee. Full permit drawing sets take longer and cost more because they cover significantly more documentation. Knowing which one you actually need before you ask for a quote saves time on both sides.

How Arya Designs Can Help

We offer a $499 liquor licence redline when existing plans are usable, quoted architectural redlines for straightforward revisions and as-built updates, and full permit drawing sets for larger projects. See our Redline Plans service, or browse our full range of services if your project needs more than a redline.

Ready to Get Started?

Tell us what's changing and we'll confirm which type of drawing set your project actually needs.