Glen....... some municipalities require a actual blueprint to be filed before issuing a building permit. Others are not so rigid in the requirement. In our town, at one time, all that was required was the payment for the permit. Then the next building official wanted a full set of plans, even if it was for a dog house. Lucky for the residents, he didn't stick around very long. The present official will accept a hand drawn diagram showing what you intend to build and what materials you intend to use. If he likes what he hears from you, he probably won't even inspect it till it is just about complete. If he feels that you will cut corners and cheat on building standards, he will inspect every step of the project and not hesitate to issue a stop work order if he finds you not following code.