What Are Agency Comments?
Agency comments are the corrections or changes an agency returns during review of a plan or permit application. They must usually be addressed before approval. The approved plan reflects these comments, which is why the field is expected to follow the corrected version.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Why It Matters
Unaddressed agency comments mean the setup follows an outdated or unapproved approach. Resolving them is what turns a submitted plan into an approved one.
Tracking comments carefully avoids building to a plan that the agency has already asked to change.
Where It Shows Up in the Field
Agency comments appear during the review phase, before work begins, on Caltrans, county, and city submittals.
In the field, the effect of comments shows up as the corrected, approved plan the crew follows.
Common Mistakes
- Proceeding before all comments are resolved.
- Addressing some comments but missing others.
- Building to the submitted plan instead of the corrected one.
- Losing track of which version reflects the comments.
What to Check Before Work Begins
- That all agency comments have been addressed.
- That the approved plan reflects the corrections.
- That the crew is using the corrected version.
- Whether any comments add conditions to follow.
Related Terms
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What are agency comments?
They are the corrections or changes an agency returns during review of a plan or permit application, which usually must be addressed before approval.
Do all agency comments need to be resolved?
Generally yes. Unresolved comments mean the setup follows an outdated or unapproved approach, so they are addressed and reflected in the approved plan.
How do agency comments affect the field?
Their effect shows up as the corrected, approved plan the crew follows. Building to the original submittal instead of the corrected version is a common mistake.
Need Project-Specific Support?
Work Zone Compliance provides general educational information about work zone compliance. For project-specific traffic control plan support, permit coordination, or public right-of-way planning in Southern California, visit Public Ready.
Visit Public Ready