Understanding the Legal Weight of a 'Sign and Seal'

When a licensed architect or engineer affixes their signature and professional seal to a set of plans, they are doing much more than just verifying a drawing. They are making a legal and ethical declaration that has significant weight and consequences.

A Mark of Professional Responsibility

The seal certifies that the professional has either personally prepared the plans or has had them prepared under their direct supervision. More importantly, it signifies that the design complies with all applicable national and local building codes, safety standards, and engineering principles.

Legal Accountability

This certification is not without risk. By sealing a plan, the professional can be held accountable for the design. If a structural failure, safety hazard, or code violation arises from a flaw in the design, the signing professional can be held accountable. This is why 'rubber-stamping'—sealing plans without proper review—is a serious ethical violation.

Why It Matters for Clients

For a project owner, a properly signed and sealed plan provides crucial assurance. It means your project has been designed by a qualified professional who is accountable for its integrity. It is a mandatory requirement for all permit applications precisely because it is a cornerstone of public safety. Never accept or submit plans that have not been properly reviewed and sealed by a licensed professional.