But local builders contended the process took too long, and Mecklenburg leaders persuaded state lawmakers to exempt the county. Soon, the legislature left it up to counties to decide whether they would require plan review. Officials with the county's Engineering and Building Standards Department say the need for plan review was highlighted in recent years by serious structural problems on new houses in a Davidson subdivision. This time, county officials say, they've worked to minimize delays. Most reviews will take between one and five days, they say.
Some home builders agree it's time to give plan review another try.