Automated Plan Review: Revolutionizing Construction & Permitting

Published on June 18, 2025

In the world of building design and construction, plan review is often one of the most time-consuming and costly phases—filled with back-and-forth markups, code clarifications, and resubmissions. But today, thanks to digital innovation and artificial intelligence, automated plan review is transforming how plans are checked, approved, and optimized.

This blog explores what automated plan review is, how it works, and why it’s the future of smarter, safer, and faster building projects.

✅ What is Automated Plan Review?

Automated plan review is the use of software tools—often powered by AI, rule engines, or BIM technology—to automatically check building plans for code compliance, design accuracy, and documentation completeness.

Instead of waiting weeks for human inspectors or city reviewers to find issues manually, these tools:

  • Scan digital drawings (PDF, DWG, BIM)

  • Run rule-based checks

  • Flag violations instantly

  • Generate reports or approval recommendations

🧠 How Does It Work?

The process varies depending on the software, but most systems follow these steps:

  1. Upload Your Plan Files Typically in PDF, DWG, or IFC/BIM format.

  2. Select Jurisdictional Codes Choose relevant building codes (e.g., IBC, IRC, ADA, fire code, zoning).

  3. Run the Automated Check The software runs validation rules against your submission.

  4. Get a Compliance Report View flagged issues, passed checks, and suggested corrections.

  5. Make Corrections & Reupload (if needed) Some tools integrate directly with design platforms like Revit for faster revisions.

🛠️ Key Features of Automated Plan Review Systems

Feature

Description

🔍 Code Compliance Checks

IBC, ADA, zoning, fire safety, local code libraries

📐 BIM Compatibility

Reads data-rich models (Revit, ArchiCAD, IFC)

📁 Multi-Format Support

PDF, DWG, DXF, IFC, and sometimes 3D scans

🧠 AI & Rule Engines

Pattern recognition + configurable rule sets

📊 Issue Reports

Auto-generated feedback with location references

🔄 Version Comparison

Track changes across plan iterations

🏢 Department Collaboration

Government tools allow internal team comments & reviews

🏢 Who Uses Automated Plan Review?

  • City Governments: To speed up permitting and enforce consistent reviews

  • Architecture Firms: For pre-checking plans before submission

  • Engineering Consultants: To verify complex code rules

  • Construction Managers: To avoid rework and delays

  • Facility Owners/Developers: To ensure regulatory readiness early

⚡ Benefits of Automated Plan Review

Benefit

Impact

⏱️ Speeds Up Permits

Reduces weeks of waiting to just hours or minutes

📉 Cuts Costs

Minimizes manual rework, RFI cycles, and back-and-forth

✔️ Improves Accuracy

Flags code issues consistently, without fatigue

🔄 Better Collaboration

Everyone works from the same annotated model

🛡️ Reduces Liability

Ensures legal and safety standards are addressed early

🌎 Real-World Tools in Use

Here are some automated plan review platforms making an impact:

✅ UpCodes

  • Cloud-based AI code checker

  • Supports IBC, ADA, NY/CA codes, etc.

  • Used by architects for real-time feedback inside Revit

✅ Solibri Office

  • BIM model checking for IFC files

  • Popular among large architecture and construction firms

✅ e-PlanSoft

  • Government-focused digital review system

  • PDF-based markup and approval routing

✅ AutoReview.AI

  • AI-based tool for municipalities to speed up plan approval

  • Integrates with permitting systems

🔄 Example Use Case

A city building department in California integrated an automated plan review system with its permit portal. As a result:

  • 60% of residential plan submissions were approved without manual revision

  • Average review time dropped from 15 days to under 3

  • Public satisfaction increased due to faster response times

🔮 Future of Automated Plan Review

The future is fully digital—and cities are already testing e-permitting with AI. Here’s what’s coming:

  • Voice-based code query systems for inspectors

  • Blockchain verification of approved plan sets

  • GIS integration to auto-check zoning and environmental data

  • Real-time collaboration between architects and reviewers within BIM models

📝 Final Thoughts

Automated plan review isn’t replacing human oversight—it’s enhancing it. By handling the tedious, rule-heavy work instantly, it frees up experts to focus on complex or creative issues. Whether you're a small firm or a large agency, embracing automated plan review will improve your speed, accuracy, and competitiveness.

Ready to implement automated plan review? Let us help you choose the right tool or build a tailored solution for your firm or local government.

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