Which step in the permitting process involves the professional designer submitting planning materials?

The step in the permitting process where the professional designer submits planning materials is crucial because it involves formalizing the design and layout of a proposed system. This submission is essential for regulatory compliance and involves the presentation of detailed plans that reflect all technical specifications, site conditions, and relevant codes or standards.

During this stage, factors such as soil analysis, water table depth, and environmental considerations are taken into account, which helps in ensuring that the proposed design is feasible and capable of functioning efficiently within the given site conditions. The planning materials must demonstrate adherence to the established guidelines and standards set forth by local or state authorities.

In contrast, site evaluations pertain mainly to assessing the physical conditions of the site prior to any design being formulated, while the permit application and planning materials preparation entails a broader scope that includes gathering various documentation required for submission, which may not be solely limited to the planning materials. The systems must be planned option implies that planning is a prerequisite, but it does not focus on the actual submission of those plans by the professional designer. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the pivotal role of the designer in submitting the specific set of materials necessary to advance in the permitting process.