We draft with computers, then submit "hard copies" of drawings to the Building Department for Plan Check and Permitting. Why not go all digital and eliminate paper?
Building Departments need the prints, or hard copies of drawings because they can't read the whole plan on a 19" monitor. Also, it is easier for them to turn the pages of drawings.
What is needed is a new language for submitting plans electronically.
Colors, 3D Views, Zooming In, ...all are tools we could use to simplify certain elements of plan checking such as Zoning Review, Parking, Electrical Circuitry, Structural, Dimensioning, Path of Egress, ...etc.
Our chapter of the AIA in San Diego is working on making plan review faster and better, and digital. One big issue is the reluctance of the Building Department to use electronic submittals because:
a. The Plan Checkers can't read the "whole" picture easily;
b. Checkers can't make notes on the plans;
c. Checkers can't communicate among themselves between different departments such as Zoning, Planning, Structural/Mechanical;
d. Feedback to the Architect could be "immediate" through email, but only if certain segments of the drawings could be sent along with comments and clarifications.
We need a Plan Submittal "Add On" for ArchiCAD. First we are discussing the needs of Plan Checkers themselves. Then we will begin to form a "language" or a matrix of code compliance issues to be met by our plans.
Obviously, if we could go paperless in plan permitting we could save time and money.
Ideas anyone?
