In Washington D.C.'s complex regulatory environment, the difference between a smooth permitting process and months of costly delays often comes down to one crucial factor: the quality of your plan set. As construction professionals, architects, and engineers working in the District know all too well, DCRA's review process is thorough, demanding, and unforgiving of incomplete or substandard documentation. This comprehensive examination explores why investing in industry-standard plan sets is not just good practice—it's essential for project success in the nation's capital.