With legislation like NJ Bill A1145 aimed at helping local governments keep pace with technology, states like New Jersey are leading the charge to digitize permitting and plan review processes. Building departments are under pressure to change delivery methods as expectations grow for faster service and more efficient operations. Electronic plan reviews are becoming an essential part of that change. But what exactly are they—and why should building officials take notice?

What is Electronic Plan Review?

Electronic plan review is the online evolution of the traditional paper-based review process. Rather than accepting printed architectural drawings and carrying stacks of plans from one office to another, departments can manage everything through a secure digital platform.

Imagine a developer submits plans for a multi-unit housing project. Instead of collecting physical documents at the front counter and routing them by hand, those plans are uploaded through an online portal. From there, the software automatically assigns them to the appropriate reviewers—whether that’s zoning, engineering, or the fire marshal. Everyone can review the plans in parallel, add comments directly on the digital documents, and stay in sync without ever leaving their desk.

This setup eliminates bottlenecks, reduces room for error, and creates a more structured workflow. For building officials, it means a smoother, more trackable review process that supports internal efficiency and community satisfaction. That being said, there are many more reasons why building departments should care about moving their workflows online.

Why Should Electronic Plan Reviews Matter to Building Departments?

Consider a situation where a commercial renovation project requires input from electrical, fire, and mechanical trades. With a paper-based system, each reviewer may wait for others to finish before getting their turn, stretching the review timeline by weeks. On the other hand, with an electronic review platform, all stakeholders can access the same documents simultaneously, mark up their sections, and flag any issues early. This shortens the review window and reduces the number of resubmissions.

Paper processes can be time-consuming and unpredictable. When plans are submitted in person, lost in email chains, or delayed by vacation schedules, the review timeline suffers—and so does public perception. Electronic plan reviews arm building departments with the tools to modernize operations without sacrificing control.

Another advantage is accountability. Online systems maintain a complete audit trail of who reviewed what and when. There’s a clear digital record if a plan is approved with conditions or returned with comments. For building officials, this means less second-guessing and more defensible decisions. It also makes responding to public inquiries, council members, or legal reviews easier with documented timelines and activity logs.

Common Misconceptions About Electronic Plan Reviews

While the benefits of electronic plan reviews are clear, hesitation often stems from a few common misconceptions, especially among teams used to paper-based workflows. Understanding and addressing these concerns is key to making an informed decision about going digital.

One of the most frequent misunderstandings is the belief that switching to electronic reviews means losing control over the process. In reality, digital platforms give building departments more control, not less. With customizable workflows, permission-based access, and time-stamped activity logs, building officials can monitor every step of a submission—from intake to approval—with complete visibility.

Another concern is that electronic reviews require a steep learning curve or extensive IT involvement. While it’s true that adopting technologies takes time and planning, most modern systems are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so that you can get to work quicker. For example, plan reviewers can use familiar markup tools to leave comments directly on PDFs, and automated workflows reduce the need for constant manual oversight. Implementation teams often provide hands-on training and support to quickly get departments up and running.

There’s also the perception that electronic plan reviews are only for large cities with big budgets. However, many small to mid-sized municipalities have made the switch and seen significant returns. By cutting down on physical paperwork, mailing costs, and redundant reviews, digital systems often pay for themselves over time.

Modernizing the Department, One Review at a Time

It’s clear that electronic plan reviews aren’t just a tech trend—they’re a practical, proven solution that building officials of all community sizes can benefit from. They help reduce processing time, free up staff for higher-value tasks, and make meeting community expectations for transparency and service easier.

We built SDL’s electronic plan review software with building departments in mind. It integrates seamlessly with the SDL Portal, tracking, and inspection software, creating a full-circle workflow. Departments can automatically assign reviewers based on project type, enforce deadlines, and flag missing components before the review begins.

Want to see how it could work in your department? Schedule a 15-minute demo to explore how electronic plan reviews can help simplify your day-to-day and better serve your community.