When designing a factory, ensuring that the design documents are fully approved before construction is a key factor determining the effectiveness of the investment and the construction timeline. No matter how optimized a design may be, if it is not approved in accordance with the proper procedures and by the competent authorities, the entire project may be delayed, face legal risks, and incur significant costs during implementation. In reality, many businesses are not fully aware of the factory design drawing approval process, resulting in incomplete documentation, rejections, or prolonged licensing time.
In the following article, BIC will provide a detailed guide to the factory design drawing approval process before construction, helping investors proactively plan for a safe, legal, and cost-effective factory construction from the outset.
Design drawing approval before construction is the process of reviewing, evaluating, and approving the technical design documents of a construction project, including architecture, structural elements, and technical systems such as electrical, water supply and drainage, and fire protection systems, before actual construction is allowed to proceed. In the field of factory design, this is a crucial step to ensure that the building meets technical safety requirements, complies with legal regulations, and aligns with the investor’s production and business objectives.
Design drawing approval functions as a technical and legal filter, eliminating errors in the documentation, ensuring that all design solutions meet technical standards, comply with planning regulations, and qualify for construction permits. It also forms the basis for state agencies to evaluate fire protection, environmental impact, water drainage systems, and the integration of industrial park infrastructure.
Skipping the drawing approval step can lead to several risks, such as:
- Denial of construction permits
- Suspension of construction
- Increased costs for design revisions
- Rejection during final acceptance and handover.
The factory design drawing approval process typically involves multiple parties, including:
- Investor: The party that commissions the design, reviews, gives feedback, and provides the final approval.
- Design consultant: Responsible for preparing the design documents in accordance with current construction regulations.
- Independent verification agency (for large-scale projects): Evaluates structural safety and construction solutions.
- Government authorities:
+ Construction licensing authorities (District/Provincial People’s Committees)
+ Fire Prevention and Fighting Police (for large factories with fire hazards)
+ Department of Natural Resources and Environment (for Environmental Impact Assessments)
+ Industrial park infrastructure management units (electricity, water, telecommunications)
A clear understanding of the process and close coordination among parties is essential for a smooth factory design and construction process, saving time and costs for the business.
At this stage, the factory design consultant is responsible for completing a full and accurate set of technical design documents, which typically includes:
- Architectural drawings: site plan, elevations, sections, and perspective renderings.
- Structural drawings: details of foundations, columns, frames, beams, roofs, and other load-bearing elements.
- Technical system drawings: electrical, water supply and drainage, ventilation, smoke exhaust, and fire protection systems.
- Design explanation and technical calculations to demonstrate safety and feasibility.
- Preliminary construction cost estimate (if required by the investor).
The more detailed and clear the design documents are, the smoother the approval process will be, minimizing revisions or rework, thereby saving time and costs.
Once the investor receives the documents from the design consultant, they must review the entire set to ensure the proposed solutions meet practical needs and business strategies. Key focus areas during this review include:
- Functionality: Does the factory layout align with the production process, machinery layout, and operational needs?
- Space and area: Are functional areas optimally arranged for efficient use of space?
- Materials and structure: Are the construction methods, materials, and structural solutions sustainable and cost-effective?
- Investment budget: Does the cost estimate fit within the financial plan? Are any adjustments needed?
If any issues are identified, the investor can request the design consultant to revise the drawings before submission for verification and approval.
After the investor’s review, the factory design documents are submitted to specialized agencies for verification and approval of each technical component. This step ensures compliance with current construction standards.
For large-scale, heavy-load projects using steel structures or requiring high safety, an independent third-party verification agency must be engaged to:
- Evaluate the structural load-bearing capacity of foundations, columns, beams, and roofs.
- Assess the appropriateness of architectural and technical solutions.
- Ensure compliance with Vietnam’s construction standards and regulations.
Objective third-party verification reduces risks during construction, especially for large manufacturing plants.
If the factory requires fire safety design approval such as warehouses, chemical plants, or facilities with high fire risk the documents must include:
- Fire protection system drawings: fire alarms, fire suppression, escape routes, etc.
- Fire protection technical explanation: describing technical solutions and equipment placement.
- Evacuation and fire spread prevention simulation plans
These documents must be submitted to the local Fire Department for approval.
For factories involved in manufacturing, processing, or discharging waste, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Environmental Protection Plan is legally required.
The documents are submitted to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment or the Industrial Park Management Board, depending on jurisdiction.
Within an industrial park, the factory must obtain approvals to connect with:
- Medium-voltage/three-phase electricity
- Water supply and drainage systems
- Industrial telecommunications and internet services
These systems require approval from the industrial park’s infrastructure management unit or relevant utility providers.
Once all specialized and governmental bodies have verified and approved the documents, the final step is to officially approve and finalize the design set for implementation.
Specifically, the design documents must be:
- Signed and stamped by the design consultant, investor, and all relevant parties
- Clearly marked with the approval date, document code, and official version for legal reference and future use
This finalized and approved document set serves as the primary legal and technical basis for:
- Commencing actual construction on site
- Applying for a construction permit (if not already obtained)
- Final inspection, acceptance, and handover after project completion
Clear, properly approved documents ensure smooth construction and mitigate legal risks.
If the investor has not applied for a construction permit from the outset, this step must be taken after the design documents have been fully approved.
Depending on the project location, the permit application is submitted to:
- The District/County People’s Committee (for projects outside industrial parks)
- The Industrial Park Management Board (for projects within planned industrial zones)
The permit application must include:
- Approved factory design drawings (with signatures and official stamps)
- Land use right certificate (red book)
- Fire safety design approval document (if applicable)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Environmental Protection Plan
- Zoning confirmation letter or 1/500 detailed planning map (if required)
Proper preparation of a complete and accurate legal dossier helps shorten approval time, prevents amendments, and keeps the construction schedule on track.
After receiving design approval and the construction permit, the final step in the pre-construction process is handing over the design documents to the relevant contractors.
Specifically, the documents are delivered to:
- Main contractor: for structural and finishing work
- Structural contractor: for foundation, frame, roof, and floor construction
- MEP contractor: for installation of electrical, plumbing, ventilation, and fire safety systems
- Supervision consultant: to monitor construction progress, quality, and safety per design
The handed-over drawings become the legal and technical foundation for:
- Developing detailed construction methods for each item
- Creating an overall construction schedule
- Conducting inspections, handover, and final acceptance after completion
Using the officially approved version of the design ensures precise, consistent construction that complies with all technical and legal requirements.
The factory design drawing approval process is not just a bureaucratic step, it is a technical verification stage that directly impacts construction and operational effectiveness. To ensure the project proceeds in the right direction, investors and design consultants should pay special attention to the following:
In industrial construction, technical codes are regularly updated to meet safety and real-world demands. Using outdated standards can lead to rejection or multiple revisions, causing delays. Make sure all factory design drawings comply with current QCVN and TCVN standards, especially those related to steel structures, fire safety, and industrial buildings.
Besides architectural and structural drawings, many investors often neglect the technical system drawings, such as:
- Water supply and drainage
- Industrial power and lighting
- Fire protection, ventilation, and smoke exhaust
- Infrastructure connection systems (in industrial parks)
These are mandatory for approval and must be constructed according to design. Overlooking them can hinder the permitting process, fire safety verification, and final acceptance.
During implementation, using the wrong or unapproved version of drawings can cause serious consequences such as:
- Construction that deviates from approved designs
- Failure to pass inspections or acceptance tests
- Costly rework and delays
Investors should clearly identify and store the official approved version and distribute it to all contractors and supervisors to ensure 100% compliance during construction.
Approving design drawings before construction is not merely an administrative step it is the most critical legal and technical control point in the entire factory design construction process. In a context where businesses demand faster timelines, cost efficiency, and long-term safety, following the full design approval procedure is the key to turning blueprints into real, durable buildings.
With hands-on experience from hundreds of factory projects in major industrial parks, BIC is committed to accompanying investors from design, verification, drawing approval to complete construction. Contact us today for a free consultation and to receive a customized quote for your factory design and construction needs!
