The Who, What, and Why's of Online Plan Reviews
States like New Jersey and Florida are pioneering legislation to digitize permitting and plan review processes in local government. Lawmakers are striving to keep pace with rapid advancements in government technology, aiming to equip government employees with the latest tools. With numerous new solutions available, staying informed about state mandates and vendor contributions can be challenging. To understand the essentials, let's begin with the basics: What is an online plan review, and why is it important for the future of local government?
What is an Online Plan Review?
An online plan review refers to the process of examining development plans through digital platforms rather than traditional paper-based methods.
Online plan review leverages technology to streamline the entire review process. This typically involves submitting electronic documents via an online portal, allowing for distribution to relevant reviewers or departments. The transition to online plan reviews aims to enhance efficiency, reduce paperwork, and provide a more collaborative experience for applicants and regulatory authorities.
Critical components of an online plan review may include the electronic submission of architectural drawings, engineering plans, permit applications, and any other relevant documentation. Reviewers can access these materials digitally, mark them up, provide comments, and communicate with applicants online. The move to online plan reviews is part of a broader trend in modernizing regulatory processes, contributing to more efficient and transparent interactions in the construction and development sectors.
Why Are Online Plan Reviews Important in Local Government?
Traditional paper-based plan reviews often involve lengthy procedures, manual handling of documents, and frequent back-and-forth between stakeholders. In contrast, online plan reviews leverage digital platforms to simplify and expedite the review process, resulting in numerous benefits for both government entities and the communities they serve.
One of the primary advantages of online plan reviews is the significant reduction in processing time. Digital submissions can be reviewed simultaneously by multiple trades, allowing for quicker feedback and faster approval times. This efficiency accelerates project timelines and reduces costs associated with prolonged reviews and resubmissions. For businesses and developers, this means projects can commence sooner, boosting local economic development.
Moreover, online plan reviews enhance transparency and accountability in the review process. Digital platforms provide a clear audit trail, documenting every step of the review, which helps to prevent errors and mitigate the risk of lost or misplaced documents. Stakeholders can easily track the status of their submissions, ensuring they are informed and engaged throughout the process.
The shift towards online plan reviews marks a significant advancement in the modernization of local government processes. As states like New Jersey and Florida lead the way in adopting these digital solutions, the benefits become increasingly clear: enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, greater transparency, and improved stakeholder collaboration.
How SDL Connect Can Help
SDL Connect’s online plan review software integrates with the SDL Portal, tracking, and inspection software to create an end-to-end solution. Create configurable, AI-enhanced workflows to streamline your plan review process, ensuring the right users are reviewing and approving at the right time. Schedule a 15-minute call to see it in action!
